Azores vs Algarve Coast — Dive Destination Comparison
Azores (Portugal) scores 69.2/100 vs Algarve Coast's 65.8/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Azores for blue water diving with 12–37m visibility. Choose Algarve Coast for reef diving at ~$80/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Azores | Algarve Coast |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 69.2/100 | 65.8/100 |
| Country | Portugal | Portugal |
| Visibility | 12--37m | 8--20m |
| Water temp | 17--24 C | 15--23 C |
| Max depth | 40m | 30m |
| Current | moderate | mild |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $100 | $80 |
| Budget tier | mid range | budget |
| Best months | June, July, August | May, June, July |
| Dive types | blue water, reef, volcanic, pelagic, cave | reef, wreck, cave, shore |
| Min certification | Open Water | Open Water |
| Key species | blue shark, mako shark, manta ray | seahorse, octopus, moray eel |
| Google rating | 4.5 (2800 reviews) | 4.5 (320 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose Azores when...
- + Couples where one partner doesn't dive
- + Anyone visiting Europe for the first time
- + Groups seeking 30+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You hate cold water — temps drop to 17°C
Choose Algarve Coast when...
- + Budget-conscious divers — avg $80/dive
- + Newly certified divers building confidence
- + Wreck diving enthusiasts
- + Couples where one partner doesn't dive
Skip if
- - You hate cold water — temps drop to 15°C
- - You need shore access — this is mixed-only
Bottom line
Azores wins on overall score (69.2 vs 65.8), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Algarve Coast is more affordable ($80 vs $100/dive). Azores has better peak visibility (37m vs 20m).