Sesimbra
Excellent diving is found here at Arrábida Marine Park, where you can dive nearly year-roundand will discover wrecks and beautiful Atlantic reefs diving.
Explore Lisbon Area
Diving in the Lisbon area offers an extraordinary underwater experience, blending diverse marine ecosystems with rich historical sites. The region is blessed with a variety of dive environments such as deep rocky reefs, walls, and intriguing underwater caves. One cannot overlook the impressive shipwrecks that tell tales of the past, with the River Gurara wreck being a must-see for history enthusiasts. Situated in Sesimbra, the diving mecca of Portugal, these sites cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned divers, ensuring a thrilling adventure for everyone.
Lisbon’s underwater world is alive with fascinating marine life. Divers can encounter vibrant fish schools, curious octopuses, and the occasional sight of dolphins or the peculiar ocean sunfish, also known as mola mola. Spring to autumn is the best time to dive when water temperatures range from 16°C–22°C/60°F–71°F, providing comfortable conditions for exploration. While visibility typically ranges from 3–8 meters/10–26 feet, on good days, it can extend up to 15 meters/49 feet, unveiling the stunning underwater vistas in greater clarity. Lisbon’s diving scene is not just an activity but a gateway to the wonders of the Atlantic, making it a standout destination for diving enthusiasts.
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Dive Activity
Diving in Lisbon Area
In the Lisbon area, divers can explore a variety of fascinating sites that offer a blend of history, marine life, and underwater adventure. Notably, the "River Gurara" wreck is a must-see, lying off the coast of Sesimbra. This cargo ship sank in 1989 and now serves as an artificial reef, attracting a rich diversity of marine creatures. It's a popular choice for those interested in wreck diving, offering a thrilling underwater experience.
For those who prefer shore dives, Praia da Baleeira provides easy access and calm waters, perfect for spotting octopuses and seahorses. The Lisbon area also offers unique night diving experiences, where divers can witness the nocturnal habits of marine life. While shore diving is prevalent, liveaboard options are available, offering divers the chance to explore more secluded dive sites around the Lisbon coast in comfort and style.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Lisbon Area
The Lisbon area, with its rich marine ecosystem, offers divers a glimpse into a diverse underwater world. Common reef fish include species like the colorful corkwing wrasse and the curious seabream, frequently spotted around the rocky substrates and artificial reefs. These vibrant residents are present year-round, providing a consistent attraction for underwater explorers.
Seasonal highlights feature sightings of larger marine life such as hammerhead sharks and rays, typically during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn. Although less frequent, loggerhead turtles occasionally grace the waters, especially near coastal areas with abundant sea vegetation. These encounters are rare but cherished, often occurring during peak summer when water temperatures are favorable for these migratory visitors.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
3.1k Sightings
J
127
F
124
M
118
A
168
M
198
J
325
J
475
A
578
S
375
O
211
N
189
D
249
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
731 Sightings
J
0
F
40
M
25
A
66
M
59
J
44
J
138
A
157
S
92
O
47
N
21
D
42
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
614 Sightings
J
31
F
19
M
19
A
42
M
49
J
51
J
83
A
112
S
65
O
45
N
47
D
51
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 190
Alamy-Water Frame
Conger Eel
1.3k Sightings
J
67
F
51
M
51
A
78
M
110
J
112
J
210
A
208
S
157
O
102
N
88
D
101
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
723 Sightings
J
54
F
49
M
44
A
70
M
42
J
24
J
58
A
97
S
68
O
10
N
82
D
125
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
722 Sightings
J
0
F
17
M
2
A
22
M
57
J
105
J
182
A
217
S
54
O
18
N
21
D
27
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
613 Sightings
J
25
F
24
M
2
A
25
M
30
J
16
J
98
A
164
S
67
O
36
N
47
D
79
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
565 Sightings
J
11
F
27
M
20
A
25
M
49
J
55
J
99
A
116
S
65
O
49
N
32
D
17
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 40
iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish
392 Sightings
J
0
F
7
M
4
A
1
M
24
J
27
J
95
A
95
S
62
O
35
N
21
D
21
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
311 Sightings
J
20
F
4
M
1
A
1
M
8
J
33
J
44
A
87
S
18
O
14
N
35
D
46
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 110
iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper
233 Sightings
J
0
F
5
M
2
A
11
M
15
J
5
J
44
A
60
S
37
O
31
N
22
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 55
k
Lobster
179 Sightings
J
4
F
3
M
4
A
5
M
13
J
22
J
30
A
54
S
3
O
21
N
9
D
11
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
172 Sightings
J
0
F
5
M
2
A
3
M
20
J
6
J
31
A
18
S
18
O
15
N
32
D
22
The best Months to dive in Lisbon Area
The Lisbon area offers year-round diving opportunities, though conditions vary with the seasons. During summer, water temperatures range from 17°C–21°C/63°F–70°F, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Winter temperatures drop to 14°C/57°F, requiring thicker wetsuits. Visibility is generally moderate, averaging 10–15 meters/33–49 feet, but can decrease with strong winds or stormy weather.
Seasonal winds, notably the northerly "Nortada," can affect surface conditions, particularly in spring and summer, making some days less ideal for diving. Currents are typically mild, but divers should always check forecasts. While diving is possible year-round, autumn offers the calmest weather and best visibility, making it the most favorable period for underwater exploration.
