XIMENES CALVINHO - Algarve & Berlengas

The Ximenes Calvinho, down at just ten metres, isn’t about dramatic depths or massive pelagics. It’s a delightful little fishing vessel, sunk in 1989 after an unfortunate run-in with a Spanish chemical tanker. We love it for its accessibility and the way it’s become an artificial reef in such a relatively short time. The wreck itself is quite broken up, but you can still make out the bow and stern sections, especially the propeller. It’s a super relaxed dive, perfect for extended bottom times where you can really slow down and appreciate the details. Look closely, and you’ll find nudibranchs, often some vibrant colourful ones, and we’ve seen plenty of octopus tucked into crevices. Shoals of juvenile seabream dart in and out of the metalwork, and often a grumpy-looking conger eel eyes you from a pipe. It’s a photographer’s dream for macro, especially when the light filters down through the gin-clear water on a sunny day. We’d suggest going early to avoid any boat traffic, especially in summer. This site is brilliant for newer divers wanting to experience a wreck without the pressure of depth, or for experienced divers just looking for a chilled out dive with plenty of small stuff to discover.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.109833, -8.645900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 XIMENES CALVINHO

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 XIMENES CALVINHO

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