18m
    Beginner
    Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal
    Recife do Algarve - Pedra do Valado

    João Pedro

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    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) - João Pedro offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-19°C, warmest June, October, November.

    Best timeJun–Oct
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 116+ species recorded
    Water15-19°C · warmest June, October, November
    CharacterWreck dive · max 18m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The João Pedro is a fantastic introduction to wreck diving, one we often recommend for newer divers looking for something beyond a reef. Sitting upright at 18 metres, this old fishing trawler is remarkably intact, which isn't always the case for wrecks in these waters. We particularly love how much you can still make out: the wheelhouse is a highlight, and the stern still has a lot of its original structure. Inside, the light filters through gaps, creating an almost cathedral-like feel, especially on a sunny day. Look for schools of juvenile sea bream darting through the doorways and along the deck. The hull is covered in jewel anemones, creating these incredible bursts of colour against the rusted metal. Around the bow, you'll often spot conger eels peeking out from behind plates of metal, and the occasional octopus tucked away. It's a gentle dive, usually with minimal current, making it easy to spend a good chunk of bottom time exploring every nook and cranny. For photographers, the ambient light and the way the wreck has become an artificial reef make for some really interesting shots.

    Typical João Pedro Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m18m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    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.

    Today05:3817:0411h 26m daylightGolden hour 16:29

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for João Pedro

    João Pedro Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for João Pedro, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.92, -8.81) (40km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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