HILDEBRAND - Algarve & Berlengas

The Hildebrand is, for us, one of those wrecks that just hits different. It’s a steamship, gone down in '57, and what you get now is this wonderfully accessible, shallow dive that feels like proper history. You’re only ever five metres deep, so it’s perfect for just poking around, no pressure. We love the way the light catches the twisted metal, filtering down through the surface, making the whole thing feel alive. You’ll find schools of juvenile sea bream darting through gaps in the plating, and often we’ve seen octopus tucked away in shadowy corners. Look closely for nudibranchs, too. They’re everywhere if you take your time. Because it's so shallow, you can really extend your bottom time here, just soaking it all in. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best visibility before any boat traffic picks up. It’s a great site for photographers, especially macro fans.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.698334, -9.468667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Cabo Raso

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 HILDEBRAND

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 HILDEBRAND

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