PLEASANCE - Algarve & Berlengas

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.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.184723, -7.405556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Ria Formosa / Castro Marim

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 PLEASANCE

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 PLEASANCE

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