BORUSSIA - Algarve & Berlengas

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.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.690834, -9.189816
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Wreck History - BORUSSIA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Estuário do Tejo

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 BORUSSIA

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 BORUSSIA

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