A Guide To Scuba Diving In Portugal This Summer
July 16, 2024
Portugal, with its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, offers some of the best diving in Europe. From clear waters rich with marine life to fascinating shipwrecks and underwater caves, there is something for every diver to enjoy in Portugal. We are going to help you to discover the best scuba diving in Portugal this summer; covering the best dive sites, water conditions, marine life, how to get there, and other activities you can enjoy in this beautiful country.
Scuba diving in Portugal: The 5 Best Dive Sites
1. Berlengas Archipelago
Located off the coast of Peniche, the Berlengas Archipelago is a marine reserve known for its rich biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it a favorite spot for scuba diving in Portugal.
You will find coral reefs, schools of fish, and several shipwrecks to explore. The recommended certification level for diving in Berlengas is Open Water Diver, but some sites may require Advanced certification due to deeper depths and stronger currents.
2. Madeira
If you want to combine scuba diving in Portugal with world-class hiking and beautiful scenery, Madeira could be the destination for you. This island in the Atlantic offers warm waters and diverse dive sites, including the Garajau Marine Reserve.
The reserve is famous for its large groupers, barracudas, and moray eels. Divers can also explore volcanic rock formations, caves, and wrecks. The waters around Madeira are calm, making diving in Madeira suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
3. The Azores
The Azores is a diver’s paradise and the most famous place to go scuba diving in Portugal. It boasts underwater volcanic landscapes, dramatic drop-offs, and an abundance of large marine life. Sites like Princess Alice Bank are world-renowned for encounters with pelagic species like manta rays, schooling devil rays, and numerous blue sharks.
The Azores also offer wreck dives and underwater caves. Due to the depth and occasional strong currents, it is recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification and experience in deep diving.
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4. Sesimbra
Located near Lisbon, Sesimbra is a great spot for both novice and experienced divers to go scuba diving in Portugal. The area offers a variety of dive sites, including the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, which features reefs, underwater cliffs, and a rich array of marine life. Sesimbra is also home to several wrecks, including the River Gurara. The calm waters and good visibility make diving in Sesimbra ideal for Open Water Divers.
5. Portimão
In the Algarve region, Portimão is famous for the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, an artificial reef created from four decommissioned navy ships. This site attracts a variety of marine life and provides an exciting wreck diving experience. The park is best suited to divers with an Advanced Open Water certification due to the depth of the wrecks.
Water Conditions in Summer
From June to September, the water temperatures in Portugal range from 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F), making it comfortable for diving with a 5mm wetsuit. The visibility can range from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), depending on the location and weather conditions. Currents are generally mild, but some sites, especially in the Azores, can have stronger currents, so it is essential to check local conditions before scuba diving in Portugal. Summer is also the calmest season in terms of storms, but it is always wise to stay updated on weather forecasts.
Marine Life to See Around Portugal
Portugal’s diverse marine ecosystems offer a plethora of marine life. In the Berlengas and Sesimbra, you can see octopuses, cuttlefish, and various species of nudibranchs. The waters around Madeira and the Azores are known for larger species like groupers, barracudas, and even manta rays and whale sharks.
During summer in the Azores, you might also encounter pods of dolphins, and occasionally, humpback or sperm whales. The wrecks of Portimão attract many fish species, including breams, sea bass, and moray eels.
Portugal features on our list of 5 Unique Swimming Spots. Click to find out some other great places to swim!
How to Get to Portugal
Portugal is well-connected by air, with major international airports in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal (Madeira). Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the largest and most well-connected airport, making it a convenient entry point for divers heading to Sesimbra, Berlengas, and other mainland sites.
For diving in the Algarve, Faro Airport (FAO) is the best option. If you are planning to dive in Madeira, fly into Madeira Airport (FNC), and for the Azores, Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) on São Miguel Island is the main gateway.
Things to Do in Portugal Besides Diving
Portugal is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, offering plenty of activities to complement your diving adventure.
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is a vibrant mix of historic neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. Visit Belém Tower, explore the Jerónimos Monastery, and wander through the narrow streets of Alfama. Lisbon’s nightlife and culinary scene are also worth experiencing.
Famous for its port wine, Porto is a charming city with picturesque riverside views, old buildings, and lively markets. Tour the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, stroll through the Ribeira district, and visit the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore.
The Algarve region is renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and sunny weather. Enjoy the golden sands of Praia da Marinha, explore the caves of Benagil, or take a boat trip to the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
A short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairy-tale town with palaces, castles, and lush gardens. The Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, ideal for hiking and nature walks.
Portugal’s culinary scene is a delight for food lovers. Try traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), pastel de nata (custard tart), and a variety of fresh seafood. Visit local markets to sample cheeses, cured meats, and wines from the Douro Valley and Alentejo regions.
- Explore the Azores and Madeira
Beyond diving, the Azores and Madeira offer incredible landscapes for hiking, canyoning, and whale watching. In the Azores, visit the volcanic craters and lakes of São Miguel Island, while in Madeira, take a hike along the famous levadas (irrigation channels) or explore the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Experience Portuguese Festivals
Summer in Portugal is a time of vibrant festivals. In Lisbon, do not miss the Festas de Lisboa in June, celebrating the city’s patron saint with parades, music, and street parties. The Festa de São João in Porto is another lively event, featuring fireworks, traditional music, and street food.
Portugal is a top destination for surfing, with world-class waves along its coastline. Popular spots include Nazaré, known for its massive waves, and Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve. Besides surfing, you can also enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Portugal is rich in history, with many sites to explore. Visit the medieval town of Óbidos, the ancient university town of Coimbra, and the Roman ruins of Conímbriga. Each location offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s past and architectural heritage.
Scuba diving in Portugal this summer promises an unforgettable experience with diverse dive sites, rich marine life, and favorable water conditions. From the underwater wonders of the Berlengas Archipelago and the Azores to the wrecks of Portimão and the volcanic landscapes of Madeira, there is something for every diver. Added to that, there is plenty to enjoy on your non-diving days at this sought-after destination.
Are you ready to explore all that Portugal has to offer?
Check out more featured places to go scuba diving in Portugal here: