Canhoneira Faro - Algarve & Berlengas

The Canhoneira Faro, resting at a gentle 13 metres, is one of our go-to easy wreck dives in the Algarve. We love it for its approachability, perfect for getting comfortable with wreck penetration without venturing too deep or dark. You can easily spend an hour finning around the scattered sections, peering into the open compartments where crabs scuttle. This little gunboat, sunk deliberately in 1933, is now home to an impressive collection of marine life. Look for the glint of silversides schooling over the bow, their scales catching the sunbeams that pierce the surface. Moray eels often peek from crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large octopus tucked away in the more sheltered corners. It’s a site that really shows how quickly artificial reefs can transform. Our tip: go on a calm day for the best visibility, allowing you to appreciate the full outline of the wreck and its resident critters. It's a genuinely charming dive.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.115400, -8.598500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Canhoneira Faro

Vessel Type
warship
Cause
unknown

Lying in the clear, shallow waters of the Algarve, the Canhoneira Faro offers an accessible and intriguing dive for all skill levels. The name translates from Portuguese to "Gunboat Faro," indicating this was once a naval vessel, likely belonging to the Portuguese Navy and based out of the nearby city of Faro. The specific details of her service and the circumstances of her sinking have been lost to time, adding a layer of mystery to the dive.

At just 13 meters deep, the wreck has transformed into a vibrant and bustling artificial reef. Bathed in sunlight, the structure provides a home for a wide variety of Mediterranean marine life, including octopus, moray eels, and schools of bream. Its easy accessibility and calm conditions make it a perfect site for newly certified divers, underwater photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxed exploration of Portugal's submerged history.

Marine Protected Area: Ria de Alvor

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 Canhoneira Faro

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 Canhoneira Faro

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