Portugal




TOP DIVE SITES – SOUTHERN PORTUGAL



Barrocas de Fora
B-24 Liberator
Burgau
Caldeirinha e Molhe do Farol
Carrapateira
Ilhas do Martinhal
Pedra da Torre
Pedra de Alfanzina
Ponta dos Caminhos
Torvore
Two anchors
Valados


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: Faro
Type of dive: shore dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: 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: Faro
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water


Burgau – 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: Lagos
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Caldeirinha 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: Faro
Type of dive: shore dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Carrapateira – 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 Algarve
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Ilhas 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: Sagres
Type of dive: shore/boat dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Pedra 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: Lagoa
Type of dive: shore dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Pedra 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: Lagoa
Type of dive: shore dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Ponta 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: Sagres
Type of dive: shore dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Torvore (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: Sagres
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water


Two 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: Albufeira
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Valados – 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: Loule
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water