Dori Wreck - Azores

The Dori Wreck is a proper time capsule, a casualty of WWII that’s sat upright on the seafloor since 1944. It’s an easy dive, just 19 metres, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s simple. We love that the Dori is so remarkably intact; you can still make out the superstructure, the deck guns, and even the anchor chains. Swimming through the hold, you get a real sense of its history, the light shafts from above creating an almost theatrical effect as you glide past the rusted bulkheads. For us, the draw isn’t just the wreck itself, though it’s undeniably cool. It's how nature has claimed it. Barracuda school above the deck, their silver scales flashing in the sun. Octopus hide in crevices, sometimes peeking out with an inquisitive eye, and moray eels poke their heads from every nook. The Dori suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, and those who get a kick out of seeing how marine life repurposes man-made structures. Our favourite part is lingering on the bow, watching the fish dart amongst the coral growth, imagining the ship's final moments. It’s a dive that gives you something new each time, depending on the light and what’s swimming by.

Location
Azores, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.744500, -25.628800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Porto das Capelas-Ponta das Calhetas

Best Time to Dive in Azores

The warmest water temperatures in Azores occur in January, averaging 16.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.8°C (air: 16.4°C)
  • February: 16.8°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • March: 16.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • April: 16.8°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • May: 16.8°C (air: 17.5°C)
  • June: 16.8°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • July: 16.8°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • August: 16.8°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • September: 16.8°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • October: 16.8°C (air: 20.9°C)
  • November: 16.8°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • December: 16.8°C (air: 17.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Azores

Nearest Dive Centres to Dori Wreck

Marine Life in Azores

Home to 229 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 23 whales & dolphins, 18 sharks & rays, 11 other, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Dori Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 16.8°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