Portugal
TOP DIVE SITES – SOUTHERN PORTUGAL
Barrocas de Fora – this colourful dive site is full of marine life such as sargus, large hogfish, moray eels, octopi, groupers, cuttlefish and many other species. The maximum depth is 15 m.Location: FaroType of dive: shore diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water
B-24 Liberator – the wreck of an American bombardier lies at a depth of 20 m. The bomber fell and sank in 1943. Divers can see almost complete structure, wings and engines. This artificial reef gives shelter to many marine species such as groupers, octopi, eels, crabs and lobsters.Location: FaroType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterBurgau – the small (30 m long) wreck lies at a depth of 10 m. This artificial reef serves as a home to many marine species such as octopi and cuttlefish. The wreck can be penetrated.Location: LagosType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterCaldeirinha e Molhe do Farol – the wreck o an old Spanish steamship lies at a depth of 10 m. It is full of marine life (sargos, nudibranch, octopi, cuttlefish, congers, crabs, etc.). The location of the wreck, at a relatively shallow depth, allows even not advanced divers to explore this site.Location: FaroType of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterCarrapateira – this is a dive site with plenty of attractions. Divers will be delighted as they can see amazing underwater rock formations (including caves, walls, canyons and overhangs). Residents of this underwater paradise include conger eels, rays and many other species. However, this is a weather-dependent dive. The maximum depth is 15 m.Location: west coast of AlgarveType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterIlhas do Martinhal – the waters around these tiny islands offer plenty of attractions for divers. The main include abundant marine life (damsel fish, starfish, sea breams and many other species) and rock formations such as caves, walls and caverns. The maximum depth is 20 m.Location: SagresType of dive: shore/boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterPedra da Torre – a great spot for divers who enjoy observing marine fauna and flora – colourful gorgonians, nudibranch, eels, cuttlefish, crabs and many other species. The depth ranges from 10 to 15 m and thus even not experienced divers can enjoy it.Location: LagoaType of dive: shore diveRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterPedra de Alfanzina – a spot where divers can meet octopi and many other marine species. Lucky divers may even see some dolphins. The maximum depth is 16 m.Location: LagoaType of dive: shore diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterPonta dos Caminhos – a perfect dive site with underwater walls, canyons and caves. It is common to see conger eels, lobsters and sargus. There are also some remains of a shipwreck in this area. The maximum depth is 20 m.Location: SagresType of dive: shore diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterTorvore (Vapor das 19) – the wreck of a Norwegian steamship lies at a depth of 30 m. The ship was attacked by a German U-boat and sank in 1917. The wreck is vibrant with marine life. It is common to see congers in this spot.Location: SagresType of dive: boat diveRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterTwo anchors – as the name of this dive site suggests, two large ancient anchors are the main attraction. But there are also beautiful underwater rock formations including a wall. Divers may also see octopi, eels and crabs in this area. The maximum depth is 24 m.Location: AlbufeiraType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterValados – a spot with amazing rock formations (large overhangs, walls and caves) and a reef. Divers may also admire abundant marine life. The maximum depth is 24 m.Location: LouleType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water