JUANITA DE CHACARTEGUI - Algarve & Berlengas

The Juanita. If you’re diving the Algarve, this wreck is a solid pick, especially for those newer to wreck diving. She sits upright, pretty intact, at 20 metres, which means decent bottom time and good light penetration on a sunny day. We love how accessible it is; the bow and stern sections are particularly interesting, with plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into without feeling claustrophobic. You’ll spot conger eels tucked into shadowy corners and schools of glinting sea bream swirling through the cargo holds. What makes the Juanita special is the way the light filters through the superstructure, creating these shafts of light and shadow, especially around midday. It’s got a real melancholic beauty to it. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the rudder and propeller are still visible, now encrusted with colourful anemones. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we’d suggest aiming for calmer days, usually in late spring or early autumn, to really appreciate the structure and the life that’s made it home. This isn’t a deep, challenging wreck, but it’s a genuinely satisfying dive for its character and ease of exploration.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.700000, -9.483334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

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 JUANITA DE CHACARTEGUI

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 JUANITA DE CHACARTEGUI

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