Plongée à Algarve Coast — Portugal

The Algarve's dramatic sandstone cliffs continue underwater into caves, arches, and reef-covered rocky outcrops. Europe's best-known seahorse population thrives in the Ria Formosa lagoon, and summer brings sunfish to the deeper offshore sites. Affordable, sunny, and accessible from Faro airport.

Score
65.8
Visibilité
8–20m
Température
15–23°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Algarve Coast
PortugalEurope
65.8

SCORE

37.0194°N

-7.9304°E

The Algarve's dramatic sandstone cliffs continue underwater into caves, arches, and reef-covered rocky outcrops. Europe's best-known seahorse population thrives in the Ria Formosa lagoon, and summer brings sunfish to the deeper offshore sites. Affordable, sunny, and accessible from Faro airport.

Southern Portugal's Warm Water Playground

Visibility8–20 m
Temperature15–23°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$80
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML60.0CH35.0VIS58.0SV72.0TMP60.0DA62.0OP75.0TS82.0GT78.0VAL80.0CRD65.0SP62.0

Marine Life

60.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
58
Megafauna Encounters
45
Reef Fish Abundance
62
Macro Life
70
Endemic Species
55
Marine Life Diversity
60.0
Coral & Reef Health
35.0
Visibility & Conditions
58.0
Dive Site Variety
72.0
Water Temperature
60.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
75.0
Topside Experience
82.0
Getting There
78.0
Value & Cost
80.0
Crowding
65.0
Social Proof
62.0

Dive Types

reefwreckcaveshore

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

Benagil cave boat tourRia Formosa nature reserveLagos old townAlgarve golf courses

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Benagil Sea Cave
  • Silves Castle
  • Lagos Slave Market Museum

Non-Diver Score

9/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifevibrant

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber10 km — Faro Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
Nearest Hospital8 km

Chamber at Faro Hospital; well-serviced tourist area with fast emergency response

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Subnauta Algarve

PADI

4.7
210 reviewsNITROX

Algarve Dive Experience

SSI

4.6
155 reviewsNITROX
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