KYRLEWE - Algarve & Berlengas

The Kyrlewe wreck, off Pontal Point, is a real favourite of ours in the Algarve, particularly when the conditions are playing nice. It’s a relatively shallow dive, holding at around 15 metres, so you get some decent bottom time. The yacht broke up during a storm back in '78, and what’s left of it is now scattered across the seabed, creating this fantastic artificial reef. You’re not going to find a perfectly intact vessel here; it’s more of a debris field. But that’s precisely what makes it interesting. The metal ribs and hull plates are draped in colourful jewel anemones and sponges, a stark contrast to the sandy bottom. We often spot schools of sea bream darting through the wreckage, and sometimes a chunky conger eel peeking out from under a larger section. It’s a calm, reflective dive, great for photographers who want to focus on macro life and the textures of a slowly reclaiming wreck. We’d suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up, aiming for slack tide for the best visibility. It’s not a challenging dive, but respecting the scattered nature of the wreck and the occasional surge is always a good idea.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.200000, -8.916667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina

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 KYRLEWE

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 KYRLEWE

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