Cratera
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) - Cratera offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest reef diving. Water ranges 15-19°C, warmest June, October, November.
Cratera is a shallow site in the Algarve, dropping to 16m. It’s a good spot for newer divers, offering a relaxed introduction to the area’s underwater environment. Expect to see some small shoals of fish and the usual Mediterranean suspects like octopus tucked into crevices. The conditions here are generally calm, making it a comfortable dive.
Typical Cratera Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to Cratera
Dive shops near Cratera
EasyDivers Unipessoal Lda
DiveSpot
Diver´s Cove Portugal
Open Waters
Surf
Buddy Dive and Friends
Reviews for Cratera
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cratera
Cratera Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Cratera, 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
Plan & book
Ways to dive Algarve & Berlengas, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Algarve & BerlengasPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Algarve & Berlengas.
Search stays in Algarve & BerlengasDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Cratera
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.