ARIOSTO
Protected Area
Recife do Algarve - Pedra do Valado
Why dive here
With 116+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ARIOSTO offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-19°C, warmest June, October, November.
The Ariosto isn’t your typical Algarve wreck dive, and that’s why we love it. This isn't a deep, dramatic plunge, rather it’s a yacht, grounded near Albufeira. Maximum depth is a consistent five metres. You’re essentially snorkelling a wreck, or doing a very shallow dive, which means incredible light penetration. We’ve found the hull, described as rotting years ago, now provides fantastic nooks and crannies for juvenile fish and shrimp. It’s an easy-going site, perfect for photographers wanting to play with ambient light or new divers getting comfortable with a wreck without the pressure of depth. The fact it's so shallow means long bottom times are a given. When the sun hits it right, the light dances off the sand and penetrates the small cabins. You'll see schools of sea bream ghosting past, and we’ve spotted moray eels tucked deep within the structure. It’s accessible, different, and always delivers a relaxed dive.
Typical ARIOSTO Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ARIOSTO Wreck History
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
storm
The story of the Ariosto is a common one along exposed coastlines: a battle between a small vessel and a powerful storm, which the sea ultimately won. This private yacht was caught in heavy weather off Albufeira in Portugal's beautiful Algarve region. Unable to fight the conditions, the vessel was driven ashore and grounded, thankfully without loss of life for the two people on board. Left to the elements, the wreck has been slowly disintegrating ever since. Lying in just 5 meters of water, its hull is now rotting and has been officially classified as a dangerous wreck due to its instability and potential for sharp, submerged hazards. While not a recreational dive site, its skeletal remains serve as a stark and poignant reminder of the ocean's unforgiving power.
Nearest Dive Centres to ARIOSTO
Dive shops near ARIOSTO
EasyDivers Unipessoal Lda
DiveSpot
Open Waters
Diver´s Cove Portugal
Surf
Buddy Dive and Friends
Reviews for ARIOSTO
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARIOSTO
ARIOSTO Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ARIOSTO, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.92, -8.81) (40km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
19°C
65°F · Range: 16.7–20.2°C
Air Temperature
18°C
65°F
Wind Speed
8.24 m/s
16.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1017.4 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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