BORUSSIA
Protected Area
Estuário do Tejo
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) - BORUSSIA offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-19°C, warmest June, October, November.
The *Borussia* holds a special place in our hearts when diving the Algarve. It's not the deepest wreck, topping out around 30 metres, but it offers a real sense of history. We love the way the light filters through the remaining deck plating, creating these eerie shafts you can almost swim through. This German steamship went down in 1917, torpedoed by a British submarine, and you feel that story as you glide over its broken sections. The bow is particularly striking, still upright and proud, covered in a thick carpet of anemones and sponges. Look for resident conger eels peeking from every dark crevice – they’re surprisingly curious here. We always suggest taking your time exploring the scattered debris field; it's a treasure hunt for old portholes and engine parts. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs munching on the growth. The *Borussia* is ideal for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a narrative as much as the fish life. It's a proper piece of submerged history, not just a pile of metal.
Typical BORUSSIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 30m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BORUSSIA Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
Shrouded in mystery, the wreck known as the Borussia rests at 30 meters off the coast of Portugal. Its true identity and the story of its sinking have been lost to time, leaving divers to piece together the puzzle. The name suggests a German origin, possibly a merchant vessel from the early 20th century that fell victim to the perils of the Atlantic, be it a storm or wartime conflict. Its classification as a "dangerous wreck" hints that the structure is significantly broken up, offering a complex and challenging environment for exploration.
For the experienced diver, the Borussia presents a fascinating dive into the unknown. The scattered remains create an artificial reef teeming with the marine life of the Algarve and Berlengas region. Exploring the wreckage requires careful buoyancy and awareness, as sharp metal and potential entanglement points are common. It is a dive that rewards the curious, offering a glimpse into a forgotten piece of maritime history and a thriving underwater ecosystem built upon its remains.
Nearest Dive Centres to BORUSSIA
Dive shops near BORUSSIA
Dive Club Cipreia - Outprostore LISBOA/ALFRAGIDE
Nautilus-Sub
CNOCA
Escola de Mergulho de Lisboa
SPOT Freedive
Camara Lisboa Clube
Reviews for BORUSSIA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BORUSSIA
BORUSSIA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BORUSSIA, 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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