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.

Courses and Events

Open Water Diver - Beginner Diving Course

This internationally recognized training program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventure as a certified diver. Personalized training is combined with hands-on water sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to be truly comfortable underwater. You will receive your SSI Open Water Diver certification. The course starts on this date and lasts approximately 3 weeks (confirm dates at the time of registration). The course consists of a workshop, 5 confined water (pool) modules, and 4 open water dives. Knowledge acquisition can be done online using the SSI e-learning platform. The exam is taken in person or online, according to your preference. The course includes the use of all necessary equipment and decompression sickness insurance. Swimming skills are mandatory.

11 April +6 More
€475.00

Try Freediving

With no heavy equipment, freediving lets you move underwater with ease. It is the purest form of diving and gives you an incomparable feeling of oneness with the water. The SSI Try Freediving program allows you to go freediving in confined water and discover why freedivers genuinely love their sport. Join us today and discover your inner freediver!

03 April
€35.00

Advanced Freediver

Many freedivers share a passion for diving deeper. The SSI Advanced Freediver program will teach you everything you need to know to increase your average dive time by advancing your freediving breath holding training. SSI Advanced Freediver teaches you the concept of efficiency when freediving, making your body stronger and more effective in the water. Discover the exciting freefall and Frenzel techniques, refined buddy system skills, and more. Sign up in your MySSI account and get started online today!

03 April +3 More
€450.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

The Advanced OWD course is supplementary training to the initial diving course. Advanced OWD is a highly practical course, consisting of five dives, which can be taken immediately after the initial course, taking only two or three days. This course is part of the path all divers should follow before considering diving independently, without supervision or guides. The course will allow the newly certified diver to improve their basic diving skills, buoyancy, and experience diving in more demanding environments, such as reduced visibility or deeper dives up to 30 meters. The Advanced Open Water Diver course is essential training for all beginners who want to feel more comfortable and confident diving. Upon completion of the course, you will be an Advanced Diver and certified to dive to 30 meters.

11 April +3 More
€330.00

Dry Suit Diving

Drysuit diving opens up a world of opportunities, including diving in remote Arctic destinations and teeming, life-filled cold-water dive sites that would otherwise be inaccessible. Drysuit diving is also a great way to stay warm on multi-dive days when you don't want to waste time putting on and taking off cold wetsuits. The SSI Drysuit Specialty program is the best way to become a drysuit diver and teaches you all the knowledge and techniques needed to dive safely and comfortably in a drysuit. You will learn how to use specialized equipment such as drysuits and buoyancy compensators, the benefits of drysuits, and how to handle drysuit emergencies – which are unique to this type of diving. Upon completion, you will receive the SSI Drysuit Specialty certification.

11 April
€235.00

Batismo de Mergulho

The Try Scuba SSI program is the best way to experience scuba diving for the first time. You'll be in confined waters and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those unforgettable first breaths underwater and experience the magic of diving. At the end of this short course, you will have received your Try Scuba SSI recognition card and will undoubtedly want to dive again. Endless diving adventures await you, and this course is where it all begins. Let's get started today!

12 April +6 More
€40.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

13 April +11 More
€260.00

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 1 e 2 (40%)

Enquanto mergulhador nitrox, pode aumentar os seus tempos de fundo e as margens de segurança, além de diminuir os intervalos de superfície - e por isso pode gastar mais tempo a explorar os locais de mergulho que gosta e menos tempo a esperar para mergulhar! Neste programa irá aprender novas habilidades e aumentar o seu conhecimento sobre mergulho enquanto aprende como planear e mergulhar em segurança com misturas de ar enriquecido até 40% de oxigénio. Após a conclusão do programa irá receber uma certificação de Ar Enriquecido Nitrox 32% a 40% da SSI.

16 April +3 More
€180.00

Extended Range Foundations

O programa de Extended Range Foundations da SSI oferece a todos os mergulhadores uma oportunidade de expandir as suas habilidades avançadas de mergulho num ambiente de workshop. Aprenda mais sobre o equipamento de mergulho técnico com qualquer sistema total de mergulho que esteja certificado a utilizar, e desenvolva o seu conjunto de habilidades básicas para dominar a flutuabilidade, equilibrio, técnicas de estabilização, posicionamento e comunicação. O programa Extended Range Foundations oferece formação complementar às certificações existentes para aumentar a confiança do mergulhador e o controlo na água. Todos os mergulhos de formação são concluídos num ambiente de piscina / águas confinadas a profundidades inferiores a 12 metros / 40 pés. Irá receber a certificação SSI Extended Range Foundations após concluir este programa.

09 May +3 More
€605.00

Dive Activity

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.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Northern Portugal

The coastal waters of Northern Portugal are teeming with a variety of marine life, offering divers an enriching underwater experience. Common reef fish such as the ornate wrasse and the colorful parrotfish can be spotted throughout the year. These vibrant species inhabit the rocky reefs and kelp forests, providing a picturesque backdrop for underwater exploration. Seasonal highlights include the occasional sightings of sharks and rays, typically more common during the warmer months when the water temperatures rise. Loggerhead turtles are also spotted in these waters, although they are less frequent visitors. The likelihood of encountering these species increases in areas with abundant marine biodiversity, such as the vibrant protected marine reserves along the coast. Divers can expect a captivating encounter with the diverse marine ecosystem that defines Northern Portugal's underwater realm.

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
1.1k Sightings
J
8
F
5
M
9
A
41
M
53
J
199
J
326
A
305
S
108
O
22
N
4
D
5

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
140 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
16
J
30
J
46
A
30
S
12
O
2
N
0
D
0

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
967 Sightings
J
7
F
3
M
0
A
41
M
59
J
181
J
268
A
288
S
101
O
15
N
3
D
1

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
849 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
0
A
30
M
47
J
161
J
250
A
262
S
76
O
14
N
3
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
672 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
0
A
27
M
38
J
143
J
192
A
210
S
49
O
7
N
0
D
1

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
86 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
5
J
8
J
39
A
23
S
5
O
0
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.

Flounder
86 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
0
J
18
J
35
A
22
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
0

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.

Dive Centers

Submersus - Clube de Mergulho, Submersus

Zona Portuária - Porto de Pesca, 4490-163 Póvoa de Varzim, PO17 - Portugal

Hidrospot - Escola de Mergulho, Hidrospot

Travessa do Choupelo, 31, 4405-759 Vila Nova de Gaia, PO17 - Portugal

H2On

Avenida das Congostas 326, 4250-159 Porto, PO17 - Portugal

SUBMANIA - Escola de Mergulho

Rua do Carriçal, 143 r/c, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora, PO17 - Portugal

EMB-Escola de Mergulho de Barcelos Lda

Rua das Amoras, Edificio Quinta Nova, Apart 49, 4750-342 Barcelos, PO04 - Portugal

Blue Angels - Dive & Travel Club

Rua Joaquim Alves da Hora 180, 4450-706 Leça da Palmeira, PO17 - Portugal

AMAS Vizela

Alameda Ribeirinha 5 de agosto de 1982, 4815-762 Vizela, PO04 - Portugal

REAL- SUB

Av. Dr. Renato Araujo - Casa das Associações, 3700-240 São João da Madeira, PO02 - Portugal

CS Diving Center, Casimiro Sampaio

Sport Clube do Porto - Marina de Leixões, 4450-718 Leça da Palmeira, PO17 - Portugal

diveOdyssey - Barometrodisseia,Lda, diveOdysey

Rua do Tronco, 375, 4465-275 São Mamede Infesta, PO17 - Portugal

Dive Sites

Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

U-1277, wreck (★4.1)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Vilarinho das Furnas (★3.9)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Navio do Norte (Wreck) (★4.1)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Barcaça (Wreck) (★3.5)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Brenha (Wreck) (★4.1)

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.
SUBMANIA - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Silver Valley (Wreck) (★3.7)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Draga da Madalena (Wreck) (★3.6)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Batelao (Wreck) (★4.2)

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.
Cavaleiros do Mar, 4900-476 Viana do Castelo

Parcel (★3.8)

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!
Hidrospot - Escola de Mergulho, Unipessoal, Lda, 4405-759 Vila Nova de Gaia

Reijin (★2.7)

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.
Submania - Escola de Mergulho, 4460-273 Senhora da Hora

Pêlo Negro (★3.5)

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.
Hugo M. (#2037309)

Prego (★3.7)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Marialva (★4.0)

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 (★3.9)

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.
Aqualung

115 Porto des Leixoes (★3.8)

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.