Portugal
With its stunning Atlantic coastline and rich maritime history, Portugal offers a unique and often underrated scuba diving experience.
Known for its rugged underwater landscapes, diverse marine life, and historic shipwrecks, not to mention also above the water, the food, wine, views, and culture, all paired with some of the best beaches in the world, make Portugal a hidden gem for divers seeking adventure and variety.
Portugal’s diverse dive sites cater to all skill levels, from beginners exploring calm bays to advanced divers looking to navigate dramatic underwater caves and deep wrecks.
While the water can be cooler than tropical destinations, the clarity and richness of the marine life make it a rewarding destination year-round. The waters here are teeming with life, 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. In the Berlengas and Sesimbra, you can see octopuses, cuttlefish, and various species of nudibranchs.
The Azores Archipelago :
It's an archipelago of nine volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a diver’s paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic underwater landscapes, and an abundance of marine life. From encounters with large pelagic species to exploring underwater caves and shipwrecks, the Azores are a must-visit destination for adventurous divers. Here, you can see pelagic species like manta rays, schooling devil rays, numerous blue sharks, dolphins, and whales.
The islands are divided into three groups—Oriental, Central, and Occidental, each offering unique diving experiences :
Oriental Group: São Miguel and Santa Maria
São Miguel : the largest island in the Azores, is often referred to as the “Green Island” due to its lush landscapes. Beneath the waves, divers can explore a variety of underwater topographies, including volcanic reefs, caves, and wrecks. You can expect to see octopuses, moray eels, barracudas, amberjacks, and parrotfish. The highlight of São Miguel diving is the dive site "Dori wreck", a WWII Liberty ship that sank in 1964, home to a variety of fish species, including schools of barracuda and amberjacks.
Santa Maria : the southernmost island of the Azores, boasts some of the warmest waters in the archipelago, making it a favorite spot for summer diving. The island is known for its underwater caves and walls, as well as the chance to encounter large pelagic species such as mobula rays, groupers, jacks, and triggerfish. Dive site "Ambrosio" is maybe the best spots in the Azores for encountering large pelagics, famous for its regular sightings of mobula rays (devil rays). The dive site is a deep seamount that attracts schools of fish and occasional visits from sharks.
Central Group: Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa
Terceira : known for its rich history and underwater archaeology. The island’s waters are home to several shipwrecks such as the "Lidador Wreck", a 19th-century steamship, as well as volcanic caves and reefs.
Faial : often called the “Blue Island” due to its abundance of hydrangeas, is a gateway to some of the best diving in the Azores, including the famous dive sites around the island and nearby Pico. Hugh schools of barracuda and the occasional sighting of manta rays are often seen here.
Pico : home to Portugal’s highest mountain, is renowned for its whale watching, and beneath the waves, it offers exceptional diving experiences. Dive site "Princess Alice Bank" is a legendary offshore dive site where you can encounter with large schools of mobula rays, as well as sightings of tuna, sharks, and even the occasional whale shark.
São Jorge : known for its dramatic underwater topography, including steep walls and deep drop-offs that are home to a diverse array of marine life.
Graciosa : the smallest island in the Central Group, offers quiet and uncrowded dive sites, making it a great spot for divers looking for tranquility and untouched underwater landscapes. There is a cave system offering a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers to explore.
Occidental Group: Flores and Corvo
Flores : one of the most remote islands in the Azores, is known for its stunning natural beauty both above and below the water. The island offers some of the most pristine and untouched dive sites in the Azores. Dive site "Baixa do Amigo" is a hotspot for pelagic species, including barracudas, jacks, and the occasional shark. The strong currents and deep waters make it a dive for experienced divers.
Corvo : the smallest island in the Azores, offers a handful of dive sites that are rarely visited, making them perfect for divers seeking solitude and untouched underwater environments. It is home to a variety of fish species, including groupers and parrotfish and occasional shark.
The Azores Archipelago Dive Season:
The Azores Archipelago is diveable year-round, but the best conditions are typically found between late spring and early autumn. Here's a breakdown of the dive seasons:
Peak Season (June to October) :
Water Temperature: Ranges from 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F).
Visibility: Generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet).
Sea Condition: Calm seas and stable weather conditions make for easier boat access to offshore dive sites like Princess Alice Bank.
Marine Life: This is the prime time for encountering large pelagic species like blue sharks, mobula rays, and even whale sharks. The warmer waters attract a rich variety of marine life, making it the ideal season for diving.
Shoulder Season (April to May, and November) :
Water Temperature: Ranges from 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F).
Visibility: Generally good, although it can vary depending on weather conditions.
Sea Condition: Spring and late autumn can be more unpredictable with occasional rough seas, but on good days, the diving can be spectacular.
Marine Life: Early spring might still see some pelagic species, but they become less frequent. However, it’s a great time for exploring reefs, caves, and wrecks with fewer divers around.
Off-Season (December to March) :
Water Temperature: Drops to around 16°C to 17°C (61°F to 63°F).
Visibility: Can be lower due to winter storms, ranging from 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet).
Sea Condition: This season is characterized by rough seas and stronger winds, limiting access to many dive sites, especially offshore.
Marine Life: The cooler months are less ideal for pelagic species, but it’s still possible to enjoy the underwater landscapes and resident species like octopuses and moray eels.