26m
    Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal
    Ria de Alvor

    KAOLACK

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    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.

    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 26m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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

    10m20m30mSafety Stop0m26m max~30 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

    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.

    Today05:4017:0611h 26m daylightGolden hour 16:32

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    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)

    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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