Lidador - Archaeological UW Park - Azores

Diving the Lidador is a step back in time, and we love it for that reason alone. At a paltry 9 metres, this is less a deep dive and more a swim through history. You’re exploring the remains of a steamship, sunk in 1873, and the structure is remarkably intact considering its age. The bow, in particular, still has a strong presence, and it's here we find the most interesting details: rivets, plates, and even some of the wooden decking. We’d suggest going slow, really taking your time to absorb the atmosphere. The Lidador is an easy dive, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed exploration. The real charm here isn’t big pelagics, but the smaller creatures that have made a home in the wreck’s nooks and crannies. Look for blennies peeking out of holes, small shoals of ornate wrasse flitting between the metal plates, and the occasional octopus tucked away. Our favourite detail? The way the sunlight filters through the shallow water, illuminating patches of the wreck and highlighting its age-old story. It’s a gentle, fascinating dive, offering a tangible connection to the Azores' maritime past.

Location
Azores, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.650100, -27.221100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Monte Brasil

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 Lidador - Archaeological UW Park

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 Lidador - Archaeological UW Park

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