Explore Northern Portugal

Diving in Northern Portugal offers a unique and thrilling experience for underwater enthusiasts. This region, known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural history, also boasts a fascinating underwater world. Divers can explore an array of shipwrecks, including the renowned German U-boat, U1277, and marvel at the complex underwater rock formations and canyons that provide exciting swim-throughs and passages. The best time to dive here is during the summer months when the ocean is calm, and the water warms up to between 13°C–16°C/55°F–61°F. This is when visibility is at its peak, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life, including diverse fish species, crustaceans, and colorful gorgonians. Shore and boat dives are common, and diving with local guides is recommended due to the challenging conditions in some areas, such as strong currents and boat traffic. Northern Portugal's diving scene stands out for its blend of historical intrigue with the underwater remnants of past eras and the natural beauty of its marine ecosystems. With its unique dive environments and the added charm of nearby cultural highlights, it promises an enriching and adventurous dive experience.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ U-1277, wreck

The U-1277 is a German submarine from World War II located in a North-West direction from Oporto, off Cabo do Mundo, 10 minutes away from Leixões marina. Laying on a sandy bottom 31 meters deep, it lays to the port side about 45º, with the bow pointing southeast. The wreck is accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Vilarinho das Furnas

Submerged mountain village located in the reservoir of the Vilarinho das Furnas dam in the middle of the Peneda Gerês National Park. Accessible by the margin.

★★★★☆ Navio do Norte (Wreck)

Old shipwreck located off S Paio, Vila Chã. Perched on a sandy bottom 33 meters deep, it provides the opportunity to observe different types of cannons and mortars from the 19th century. Accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Barcaça (Wreck)

This is the wreck of a barge located off the Cabedelo sandbank, on the mouth of the Douro River. It is perched on a sandy bottom 10 meters deep with northeast-southeast orientation. This site is accessible by the beach or by boat.

★★★★☆ Brenha (Wreck)

This is the wreck of a trawling vessel located northwest of the Guilhada rock, Mindelo. She is on a sandy bottom, leaning against a stone, tumbled to starboard 27 meters deep. This site is accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Silver Valley (Wreck)

This is the shipwreck of a freighter near the mouth of the Douro River, on a sandy bottom 14 meters deep with a West-East orientation. Accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Draga da Madalena (Wreck)

Shipwreck located south of the mouth of the Douro River, off the beach of Madalena. Sand bottom with a maximum depth of 21 meters. Accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Batelao (Wreck)

The wreck of this barge rests at 27 meters deep on a sandy bottom. Located off the mouth of the Douro River, approximately 3 nautical miles from land, and is accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Parcel

Bank located 4 nautical miles from the Viana do Castelo bar, with a rock bottom in the form of lush rocks forming slabs and blocks with passages between them. Dive performed at a minimum depth of 18 meters, it’s possible to perform several routes and profiles. Most of the time, it’s a spot with good visibility!

★★★☆☆ Reijin

The MV Reijin with a crew of 22 men, sailed under the Panamanian flag and made its first big trip. The ship had left Japan and had already unloaded 250 cars in Leixões. It ran aground in the early morning of April 16, 1988, due to an unbalanced cargo.

★★★☆☆ Pêlo Negro

Pêlo Negro is a high rock located off the beach of Leça da Palmeira, 5 minutes from the marina of Leixões. The base of the rock is close to 20 meters and the peak is around 8 meters. Accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Prego

Prego is a high rock located off Angeiras, with the sand bottom at about 20 meters and the peak around 9 meters deep. In the rock, there is a crack that resembles a nail and gives name to this submerged rock. Accessible only by boat.

★★★★☆ Marialva

Wreckage of the tugboat “Marialva”. Located off the mouth of the Douro River, on a sandy bottom, 25 meters deep. Very damaged and silted. Accessible only by boat.

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Longas

Located in front of the Carreiros jetty, accessible by the beach or by boat. The bottom morphology varies between rocks and sand passages. The depths can vary between 3 and 20 meters depending on the distance to the coast.

★★★★☆ 115 Porto des Leixoes

Located next to Matosinhos Beach, this place is sheltered by the south pier of the port of Leixões. The site consists of rocks next to the pier, predominant sand bottom, and depths that can vary between 2 and 7 meters. Accessible by beach or boat.

Diving in Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal offers a captivating array of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. Among the highlights is the wreck of the SS Lusitania, a famed dive site teeming with marine life and history. This site offers an unforgettable experience for wreck enthusiasts, with its well-preserved structure attracting diverse fish species and providing intriguing exploration opportunities. For those interested in shore diving, the Berlengas Archipelago is a must-visit destination. Known for its picturesque underwater landscapes, this area is perfect for witnessing unique marine behaviors, such as octopus nesting. Night diving here unveils a different world altogether, where bioluminescent creatures light up the dark waters. Whether choosing a liveaboard adventure or convenient shore dives, Northern Portugal promises an exciting and varied underwater journey.

The best Months to dive in Northern Portugal

In Northern Portugal, diving is possible year-round, with each season offering unique conditions. Water temperatures range from 13°C–18°C/55°F–64°F. During summer, temperatures peak, making it the most comfortable time for divers. Winter months are cooler with temperatures at the lower end, but still diveable for those with adequate exposure protection.

Visibility varies, typically ranging from 5 to 15 meters, influenced by seasonal plankton blooms and weather conditions. Wind and currents can be significant, particularly in winter and spring, potentially reducing visibility and increasing surface chop. Late autumn and winter might pose challenges due to rougher seas, so divers may prefer the calmer conditions of late spring through early autumn for optimal experiences. Planning is crucial to align with favorable weather conditions.