Porto Diving
Although famous for its port wine production, Porto is also home to some of the best dive sites in Northern Portugal. As one of the oldest European regions, Porto has a rich history evident from sites seen on land and the many shipwrecks found along the coastline.
Diving in Porto
The rich history of this Portugal region has placed it on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Northern Portugal's extensive maritime past has made scuba diving in Porto a wreck diver's dream.
Some of the best dive sites in Portugal's Northern Region are just off Porto's coast. While a few dive sites are accessible from shore, most diving in Porto is done by boat. Besides the many shipwrecks, divers can explore underwater canyons and thriving reefs covered in colorful anemones and gorgonians.
Best time to dive
The best time to go scuba diving in Porto is during the summer when the weather is warm and dry. However, even though the air temperature is a pleasant 28C/82F, water temperatures still do not exceed 18C/64F, so you will want to bring a wetsuit.
Porto dive centers do offer diving year-round and cater to divers of all ability levels.
Types of diving
Porto is all about wreck diving. Portugal is home to one of the richest maritime histories in the world, and the shipwrecks littering the coastline are evidence of that.
Besides fantastic wrecks, Porto diving offers beautiful reefs with breathtaking underwater topography. You can explore deep underwater canyons, wall drop-offs, caverns, and fun swim-throughs. Porto dive centers offer various Porto dive courses for all diver levels thanks to its many deep and shallow dive sites.
What to see
You will see a wide variety of Atlantic fish species while scuba diving in Porto. The rocky reefs and shipwrecks offer fantastic habitats to many different species like eels, grouper, octopuses, sea bream, spider crabs, lobsters, and much more! Rare but exciting marine life encounters include rays, dolphins, and whales at certain times of the year.
Best places to dive
U-1277 Wreck - The WWII German submarine U-1277 is probably the most famous dive in Northern Portugal. The 67-meter long submarine sits on a sandy bottom at 31 meters deep and is home to a host of marine life.
Batelao Wreck - The Batelao is one of the more popular wreck dives in Northern Portugal. Sitting in the sand at 27 meters deep, you can explore this huge barge thriving with life.
Bezerros - This dive site is excellent for beginners, with a max depth of only 15 meters. This group of underwater rocks forms an incredible sandbank full of marine life.
Draga da Madalena - Another great Porto wreck dive. This shipwreck sits at the mouth of the Douro River off of Madalena Beach, and is great for viewing macro life.
Pelo Negro - This is one of the most popular rocky reef dives in Porto, with many fun swim-throughs and amazing marine life growing everywhere.
