Wilhelm Kraag Wreck - Algarve & Berlengas

Okay, the Wilhelm Kraag. We love a wreck with a story, and this German cargo ship, sunk during WWII, definitely delivers. Dropping down onto her, you immediately feel that sense of history. She’s broken into a few large sections, which makes for some great swim-throughs – nothing too tight, just enough to get that proper wreck-diving thrill. Visibility can swing a bit here, but on a good day, you’ll see the light filtering into the holds, illuminating the schools of glinting sardine and the occasional amberjack patrolling the superstructure. We always keep an eye out for the resident conger eels, huge heads poking from gaps in the metalwork, and the nudibranchs that cling to the rusting hull. Our favourite spot is usually the stern, where the prop shaft is still visible, drawing the eye down into the murk. It’s a solid dive for anyone comfortable with wrecks, offering plenty of nooks to explore without being overly challenging. Aim for a slack tide to make the most of it.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.051342, -8.728294
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18-35m

Marine Protected Area: Ria de Alvor

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 Wilhelm Kraag Wreck

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 Wilhelm Kraag Wreck

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