Beta 23 - Algarve & Berlengas

The Beta 23, sitting upright at 21 metres, feels like a time capsule. She’s a trawler, about 20 metres long, and the fact that she’s so intact makes her incredibly engaging, even for newer divers. We love poking around the wheelhouse, which is still largely there. You can peer inside, imagine the skipper at the helm. What really sells Beta 23 for us, though, is the marine life that's made her home. There are always clouds of damselfish flitting about the superstructure, and if you look closely into the shadowed nooks, you’ll usually spot conger eels – some surprisingly large ones – coiled up, eyes watching you pass. Octopus often camouflage themselves on the hull, their skin rippling to match the rust. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone keen to really absorb a wreck without fighting current. Our advice? Go slow, let your eyes adjust to the details. The real treasures here are in the small discoveries.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.083800, -8.360000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Beta 23

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The origin of the wreck known as "Beta 23" is something of a mystery, making it an intriguing dive off Portugal's Algarve coast. Lying at a comfortable depth of 21 meters, this site is accessible to a wide range of divers. There is no recorded history of a vessel with this name sinking here, leading to speculation about its past. It may have been a modern vessel or piece of equipment intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef.

Whatever its story, Beta 23 now serves as a fantastic habitat for the region's marine life. Divers can explore its structure, which has become encrusted with life over the years. Its moderate depth allows for ample bottom time to search for conger eels, octopus, and schools of bream that have made the wreck their home. It's a perfect dive for those who enjoy the simple pleasure of exploring an underwater structure and observing the nature that has claimed it.

Marine Protected Area: Recife do Algarve - Pedra do Valado

Best Time to Dive in Algarve & Berlengas

The warmest water temperatures in Algarve & Berlengas occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 13.9°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 15.5°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 16.9°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 18.0°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 19.0°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 18.4°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 16.7°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 15.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Algarve & Berlengas

Nearest Dive Centres to Beta 23

Marine Life in Algarve & Berlengas

Home to 121 recorded species including 61 reef fish, 20 whales & dolphins, 14 sharks & rays, 7 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 3 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Beta 23

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories