5m
    Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal
    Ria Formosa / Castro Marim

    PLEASANCE

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    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.

    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 5m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 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

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today06:3418:0011h 26m daylightGolden hour 17:25

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    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)

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    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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