OURANOS - Algarve & Berlengas

The Ouranos, a tanker that ran aground in 1974, is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Algarve. We love how accessible it is, sitting fairly shallow, making it a good option for divers still getting comfortable with penetration or those just wanting a longer bottom time. You can still make out the distinct shape of the vessel, with the bow and stern sections relatively intact, though the middle has collapsed a fair bit. What really makes the Ouranos special is the way the marine life has completely taken over. We’ve seen schools of sea bream so thick you almost have to push through them, and the resident conger eels are truly enormous, often peeking out from every dark corner. Our favourite part is exploring the engine room, where light filters in through various openings, illuminating clouds of glassfish. We’d suggest going on a day with minimal surge, as the shallower parts can get a bit churned up, but even then, the wreck offers plenty of sheltered nooks. It's a proper wreck diver's playground, full of atmosphere and life.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.018500, -9.001500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 OURANOS

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 OURANOS

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