Mainland – Algarve (South Coast)

About Mainland – Algarve (South Coast)

The Algarve is Portugal’s southern diving hub, from the world-class Ocean Revival artificial reef at Portimão to the WWII B-24 Liberator off Faro and the limestone arches of Ponta da Piedade. Caves such as Gruta do Paraíso and Pedra da Greta add drama, while Sagres faces the open Atlantic with the North Britain steamer wreck. Warmer, clearer summer water makes the Algarve the most accessible mainland region. This region rewards careful planning and respects marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Atlantic experience levels. This region rewards careful planning and respects Portuguese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Atlantic experience levels.

Highlights

• ✓Ocean Revival Park: four navy wrecks plus a Boeing 737 fuselage off Portimão.
• ✓B-24 Liberator: an intact WWII bomber at 15-22 m near Faro.
• ✓Ponta da Piedade: stunning limestone arches and caves at Lagos.
• ✓Gruta do Paraíso: a golden-light sea cave at Carvoeiro.
• ✓Sagres: Atlantic walls with the North Britain wreck and manta chances.

Getting There

Fly into Faro Airport (FAO) and base along the coast; dive centres operate from Portimão, Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Sagres, mostly by boat.