USOKA (POSSIBLY) - Algarve & Berlengas

The Usoka, off Cape St. Vincent, is less of a deep dive and more of an archaeological snorkel, perfect for those days when the deeper sites are a bit too lumpy. This motor vessel grounded in 1971, so it’s had plenty of time for the ocean to reclaim it. We love bobbing around the visible sections, which are often just breaking the surface. What you'll find here is a jumble of twisted metal, a shallow graveyard of a ship. It's a fantastic spot for photographers playing with natural light and wide-angle lenses; the way the sunlight filters through the surface chop onto the wreck is mesmerising. Look closely, and you’ll spot blennies, anemones, and crabs tucked into every crevice, making their home in what’s left of the Usoka. We’d suggest going at high tide on a calm day for the best visibility, letting you really appreciate the scale of the remaining structure without fighting too much surface chop. It’s a great option for newer divers, or anyone who enjoys history and doesn't mind a very shallow exploration.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.034780, -8.990222
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina

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 USOKA (POSSIBLY)

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 USOKA (POSSIBLY)

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