Mainland – Inland Freshwater Sites

About Mainland – Inland Freshwater Sites

Portugal’s inland dive spots are flooded quarries and reservoirs used mainly for training and exploration. Pedra do Sal near Sines and Lagoa Azul in Sintra are classic learner lakes, while the Alqueva and Cabril reservoirs hide submerged villages and forests. Poço Azul in Gerês is a crystal-clear mountain pool. These sites extend the season for cold, clear freshwater diving. 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. This region rewards careful planning and respects Portuguese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Atlantic experience levels.

Highlights

• ✓Pedra do Sal: a flooded quarry with submerged platforms, cars and a bus.
• ✓Alqueva Reservoir: a submerged village visible at low water.
• ✓Albufeira do Cabril: a deep reservoir with a submerged forest.
• ✓Lagoa Azul: a small Sintra lake for basic training.
• ✓Poço Azul: a clear mountain pool in Gerês for snorkel and training.

Getting There

Most sites are within a 1-2 hour drive of Lisbon or Évora; Pedra do Sal is near Sines, Lagoa Azul near Sintra, Alqueva in Alentejo and Cabril/Poço Azul inland central Portugal.