KAOLACK
Protected Area
Ria de Alvor
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) - KAOLACK offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-19°C, warmest June, October, November.
The Kaolack, a merchant ship, was scuttled intentionally in 2013 and has quickly become our favourite wreck in the Algarve. Resting upright at 26m, she’s still very much a ship, not just a pile of rubble. We love the way her structure remains so intact, offering plenty of swim-throughs and penetration opportunities if you’re properly trained and equipped. You can explore the cargo holds, the bridge, and even the engine room – just be mindful of silting. The wreck acts like an artificial reef, a magnet for local fish. Schools of sea bream shimmer around the superstructure, and we’ve often spotted conger eels peeking out from darker corners. Look closely at the deck plating, and you’ll see anemones and nudibranchs colonising the metal. The Kaolack is perfect for advanced divers looking for a proper wreck dive with good visibility and minimal current on most days. We suggest going early in the morning to beat any potential boat traffic and to enjoy the best light filtering through the water column.
Typical KAOLACK Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 26m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to KAOLACK
Dive shops near KAOLACK
PuraVida Divehouse
Blue Ocean Divers
Lagos Divers
WeDive Lagos
WeDive
Buddy Dive and Friends
Reviews for KAOLACK
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for KAOLACK
KAOLACK Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for KAOLACK, 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
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