20m
    Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal
    Arrábida / Espichel

    PALENCA

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    Protected Area

    Arrábida / Espichel

    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) - PALENCA 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 20m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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.

    Typical PALENCA Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m 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 20m - 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.

    Today05:4217:0611h 24m daylightGolden hour 16:30

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for PALENCA

    PALENCA Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for PALENCA, 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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