Maria Eduarda - Algarve & Berlengas

The Maria Eduarda is a proper wreck dive, a fishing trawler that went down in the 1980s, sitting upright at 22 metres. We love how accessible it is; it’s not too deep, so you get decent bottom time to really snoop around. What you’ll notice first is the sheer amount of fish. Schools of sea bream and barracuda often hang around the superstructure, making for a busy scene. Penetration is possible into the wheelhouse and engine room, but it’s tight in places and definitely not for everyone. If you’re comfortable with overhead environments, the light filtering through the windows creates an eerie, beautiful glow. We’d suggest heading down early or late in the day to avoid any crowds from the dive boats, as it’s a popular spot. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling across the decks and moray eels peeking from crevices. It’s a fantastic site for photographers, especially macro fans who can get right in amongst the anemones and small crustaceans that have colonised every surface.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.605835, -9.361350
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Marine Protected Area: Lagosteiros

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 Maria Eduarda

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 Maria Eduarda

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