open-water
    (50)

    Lagoa Azul (Sintra) – Mainland – Inland Freshwater Sites

    10m Max
    15-30m Vis
    shore

    Site Overview

    Lagoa Azul is a small lake in Sintra used for basic training and confined-water practice, with limited fish life. A convenient inland spot near Lisbon. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life.

    Dive Briefing

    "Enter from the shore and descend for basic skills practice, then ascend with a safety stop. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."

    Signature Marine Life

    Carp

    high

    Cyprinus carpio

    Best: Year-round

    Roach

    medium

    Rutilus rutilus

    Best: Year-round

    Freshwater Shrimp

    medium

    Atyaephyra spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Newt

    low

    Lissotriton spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Perch

    low

    Perca fluviatilis

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Cold water
    • Limited visibility
    • Slippery banks
    • Sun exposure
    • No current
    Nearest Chamber
    Hospital de Cascais Hyperbaric Unit
    15km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Good for open-water training and confined-water practice near Lisbon. It suits students and beginners. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows.

    lake
    training
    inland
    beginner

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks and local cuisine while divers explore the site.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyopen-water
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentnone
    Water Temp12-20°C
    Best TimeApril - September

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Sintra Dive School
    Pricing Guide
    $35 - $70
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay