Knowledge Sharing: Diving in the Algarve, Portugal

Diving in the Algarve, Portugal

Situated in the sun drenched southern region of Portugal, the Algarve is a great place for diving, whether you`re keen to explore the beauty of the reef, the marine life that inhabits it or the wrecks or caves that are hidden beneath the surface.

With a mild climate and sea temperatures that can be surprisingly warm even in some of the winter months the Algarve offers all year round scuba diving. However April to October is considered the main diving season with water temperatures at around 21ºC (70F).

Diving takes place at a variety of different resorts along the Algarve coastline, including Aveiro, Faro. Lagos, Lisbon Porto, Peniche, Sines and Sagres. However, each location boasts clear blue seas, hours of sunshine and diving centres that provide a range of diving activities for a range of abilities.

Pedra da Gaivota in Lagos has a unique rock formation and a variety of fishes to spot near its colourful coral reef. With a natural slope to let you in and out of the water easily and a diving range of 5-12 meters this is an easy dive well worth making.

For the experienced diver, deep dives (to a maximum of 30 meters) can be made from an artificial reef in Alvor, or if a more adventurous dive is required a wreck dive can be made. In Praia da Luz the Vapor das 19, an English steamship bombed by a German plane in WWII is a major draw for divers. At a diving range of about 37m deep this ship although broken in half, still holds its cargo of manmade coal bricks and is now home to a family of 3 to 4 meters long conger eels.

From boats to planes; take a dive In Faro to view an American B-24 bomber that once crashed into the sea during World War II. Here you not only experience the unique world of the sea but you get to experience part of history too.

However if you`re looking for something different than caves, reefs and wrecks a night time dive could be just the thing. During this night time adventure the reef is brought to life under the glow of dive lights and with expert tuition you`ll see a completely new side of the marine world. On a Night Diver Speciality course you`ll learn to plan a night dive, understand the relevant equipment and navigate the waters at night.

Understanding will be reinforced through the night dives themselves where you`ll build your experience and confidence whilst taking in the varied nocturnal aquatic life normally hidden to daytime divers. Sagres, with its exciting underwater caves and grottos is a key location for such dives. Or you may prefer Carvoeiro where certified divers can choose between boat, shore, cave, or night time dives.

With the wide range of diving resorts to choose from Mirachoro Sol Portimao makes diving in Algarve both easy and enjoyable, so if you`re looking for something different and want to explore the deep sea further, the Algarve is a great place to start. As a region clearly designed with the diver in mind you`ll be spoilt for choice and with so many underwater artefacts to view a diver need never get bored.

www.ilovealgarve.net
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