Vapor do Trigo - Algarve & Berlengas

Dropping onto the Vapor do Trigo, you immediately feel that familiar chill of Atlantic water, even in summer. This isn't one of those warm, lazy drifts. It's a proper wreck dive, sitting upright and surprisingly intact for a vessel scuttled back in 1942. We love that it’s still so recognisable, not just a pile of twisted metal. You can swim through the holds, which are now home to thick shoals of European pilchards and often a few inquisitive conger eels peering out from the shadows. The bow section is our favourite, still proud and pointing seaward, with a decent chance of spotting a large octopus tucked into a crevice. Visibility here can be a bit moody, sometimes 15 metres, other days closer to five, so bring a good torch and be prepared to get up close and personal with the structure. It’s a site for those who enjoy a bit of history with their dive, and aren’t afraid of a bit of current on occasion.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.411213, -9.504955
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Berlengas

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 Vapor do Trigo

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 Vapor do Trigo

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