advanced
    (75)

    Sagres / Cape St. Vincent – Mainland – Algarve (South Coast)

    30m Max
    15-30m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Sagres and Cape St. Vincent face the open Atlantic with exposed walls of gorgonians and sea fans, large groupers, barracuda and the occasional manta and dolphin. Advanced diving due to swell. 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

    "Boat out and descend on the exposed wall in a current-friendly entry, watching the gorgonians and pelagics, 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

    Gorgonian Coral

    high

    Paramuricea clavata

    Best: Year-round

    Sea Fan

    high

    Swiftia spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Dusky Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Atlantic Barracuda

    high

    Sphyraena viridensis

    Best: Year-round

    Manta Ray

    low

    Mobula birostris

    Best: July, August, September

    Safety & Hazards

    • Strong currents
    • Heavy swell
    • Depth management
    • Cold water
    • Boat traffic
    Nearest Chamber
    Hospital de Portimão Hyperbaric Unit
    40km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    For advanced divers wanting wild Atlantic walls and big fish. It suits experienced explorers and photographers. 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.

    wall
    reef
    gorgonian
    algarve
    advanced

    For Non-Divers

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

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyadvanced
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentstrong
    Water Temp16-22°C
    Best TimeMay - September

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Sagres Divers
    Pricing Guide
    $90 - $150
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay