PALENCA - Algarve & Berlengas

Palenca isn't some pristine, intact vessel, and that's precisely why we love it. This is a properly broken wreck, a collection of twisted metal and collapsed sections that feels more like an artificial reef than a ship. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer volume of fish – schools of sea bream and barracuda often hang around the bigger pieces of wreckage. Our favourite part is navigating the gaps and swim-throughs formed by the collapsed structure; it’s like an underwater maze where every turn reveals a new corner for moray eels or octopus to hide. The maximum depth here is 20m, making it accessible for most certified divers, but the real beauty is in the exploration. Visibility can be a bit variable, so we'd suggest picking a calm day after a few days without strong wind for the best experience. It's a site that rewards slow, deliberate diving, peering into every nook and cranny. You won't find perfect porcelain corals, but the life here is hardy and abundant, a testament to nature reclaiming its own. Palenca is for those who appreciate the character of a working wreck, not a museum piece.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.679417, -9.186367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Arrábida / Espichel

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 PALENCA

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 PALENCA

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