PLEASANCE
Protected Area
Ria Formosa / Castro Marim
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) - PLEASANCE offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-19°C, warmest June, October, November.
The *Pleasance* isn't about depth or big pelagics. It’s about history, plain and simple, and getting right up close to it. This 19th-century steamship, a British cargo vessel, sits at a mere 5 meters. Honestly, sometimes we wonder if you even need scuba gear here; snorkelling is often just as rewarding for parts of it. What we love about the *Pleasance* is how accessible it makes wreck diving, especially if you’re newer to the game or just fancy a relaxed dive without the nitrogen narcosis. The ship's bow and stern are still distinct, though time, and some salvage efforts, have taken their toll on the mid-section. You can swim through parts of the cargo hold, now home to clouds of juvenile damselfish and the occasional curious octopus peeking from a dark corner. Look for the prop shaft, it’s usually encrusted with anemones. Our top tip? Go on a calm day; even slight swell can kick up the sand, making that 5-meter visibility a bit murky. It's a proper time capsule, a slice of maritime heritage, and a gentle reminder of the power of the sea.
Typical PLEASANCE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to PLEASANCE
Dive shops near PLEASANCE
Clube de Mergulho Vila Real Santo António
Rey Gerion
Centro de Ciencias do Mar
Reviews for PLEASANCE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for PLEASANCE
PLEASANCE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for PLEASANCE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.92, -8.81) (40km away)
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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