The Algarvian continental platform extends for more than 40 kilometres before reaching its maximum depth. The Portimão Canyon is a submarine rift, where underwater currents transport nutrients essential to the marine wildlife, transforming the coastline into the home of some the richest flora and fauna in the country.
The region’s long history is recorded by the archaeological artefacts found on the ocean bed. In 1992, close to Ponta do Altar, in Ferragudo, local divers found Spanish cannons dated from the 17th century. Furthermore, along the coastline, there is a long list of shipwrecks dating from the 18th century to the Second World War. The most recent project is the Ocean Revival Park, Europe’s largest artificial reef.
Your vacation in Ferragudo is about to become a bucket-list experience, where endless adventures await you under the sea!
With the proper equipment, whether you are a beginner or an advanced snorkeller, you will be able to see shoals of fish, crabs and other species living in shallow waters.
Within a short distance from your Ferragudo rental, the companies Wild Watch and Zip & Trip offer you the opportunity to join a snorkelling tour. A local guide and a skipper will take you on a boat trip to the drop-off location and provide you with the necessary equipment. The only requests are for you to wear a bathing suit and bring your own towel. You will swim in crystal clear waters and experience the local biodiversity.
Places like Praia da Marinha, in Carvoeiro, and Praia do Camilo, in Lagos, are some of the most popular snorkelling sites for beginners. These beaches offer perfect conditions, since they are easily accessible, either swimming or by boat and the shallow waters cover a rocky ocean bed where you can observe shoal-feeding.
There is also the option of selecting boat tour companies, such as Seasiren or Algarve Cave Captain, which offer you the opportunity to combine the tour with snorkelling, as they make a short stop along the journey for the visitors to relax, swim and observe the ocean bed.
Regardless of your diving experience, along the Algarvian coast, there are plenty of diving sites where beginners and advanced divers alike can enjoy all the sea has to offer.
Considering that most of the diving sites in the Algarve reach a depth of 50 metres, a recreational diving certificate should suffice. However, be aware that the different certification levels will limit the maximum depth you can dive. If you have a level 5 certificate for technical diving you can reach 100 metres deep.
International associations, such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International), help people understand the different certification levels and their restrictions, as well as find accredited scuba diving schools all around the world.
Near your holiday apartment in Ferragudo, you can find companies like Diver’s Cove, in Carvoeiro, and Blue Ocean Divers, in Lagos, which will assist you in getting the certification you need.
The certification for divers with mobility issues is provided according to the person’s performance underwater and their autonomy level. In the Algarve, the HSA (Handicapped Scuba Association) is represented by Subnauta, a scuba diving school located in Portimão.
For beginners and level 1 divers, the natural reef at Burgau, reaching six meters below sea level, is probably one of the most secure locations. This reef provides shelter to scorpionfish, cuttlefish, and octopuses, which you will be able to see and, perhaps, photograph.
The underwater caves of Our Lady are some of the main attractions for level 2 divers. These caves, located between 10 and 16 metres deep, are still being explored, and to reach their inside, you will need specific training and certification. If you still lack such training and ceritifcation, it is recommended you always follow the guide’s instructions and carry a lantern.
The artificial reefs of Gémeos Grandes are part of forty man-made reefs located between 18 and 36 metres deep. The three twin blocks are separated by 30 metres distance and are joined by a cable. Divers can observe how nature has claimed these structures over twenty years, providing shelter to conger eels, moray eels, and zebra seabream.
Between Farol de Alfanzina, in Carvoeiro, and Albufeira’s marina, the ocean hides the largest natural reef in the country. The Pedra do Valado reef is home to more than 1,200 species, some of which were discovered here. Extending for more than 150 km2, shoals of sardines, sea bass, sea bream and snapper gather here to feed on the nutrient-cocktail nature provides.
More than 70 local authorities partnered with Algarve University in a plea for the Portuguese government to establish the Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef.
With a depth reaching 50 metres below sea level, this area can only be visited by divers with a level 3 recreational, or level 5 technical diving, certification. Due to the difficult access, nowadays most of the divers are scientists looking to collect new data on the reef’s evolution.
This unique project in the Algarve was created, in 2013, when four outdated ships from the Portuguese Navy were stripped of their insides and sunk, two nautical miles away from Alvor. Together, these ships created Europe’s largest artificial reef and were transformed into a wildlife sanctuary.
The location was chosen due to the Algarve’s calm weather and ocean conditions, proximity to a hyperbaric chamber installed in a private hospital in Alvor, available to treat diving disorders, and due to its proximity to other shipwrecks.
Since the four sunken ships of Ocean Revival Park rest 15 metres below sea level, all divers must have, at least, a level 2 certification for open water diving. There is also, a specialization diving course required to visit the Park, in which you will learn about the ships, routes, entrance and exit points, safety instructions and what to do in case of emergency.
The companies Subnauta and Blue Ocean Divers organize diving trips to Ocean Revival Park. Even if you are a certified diver, the park promoters recommend you visit the artificial reef with a certified diving company or association.
Nowadays, the Algarve is known for its sunny weather. However, the sea conditions during winter can be rough.
Along the coast, divers can visit the Portuguese gunboat, Faro, sunk in 1912, which was discovered a hundred years later by two local divers; the Norwegian Wilhem Krag, sunk in 1917, during the First World War; and the Greek cargo ship Spyros, sunk in 1937 due to a storm, in Praia do Vau.
Although Portugal didn’t take part in the Second World War, the country was a crossing point. An example of this is the American B-24 bomber that crashed into the ocean near Faro after it got lost during nighttime.
The most common fish you can find are chub mackerel, sea bass, grouper and sand soles, among many other species. Around the cliffs, molluscs such as octopuses, squid and cuttlefish camouflage themselves and catch their prey.
When diving, beware of conger eels and moray eels, as their bites might be painful. Although they shy away, hiding inside holes when you pass by, they might attack you if they confuse your fingers with octopus tentacles.
Locals can purchase one with a Portuguese debit or credit card at a Multibanco (ATM). Since the ATM option is not available for foreigners, you can purchase your licence online through the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety, and Maritime Services’ website.
After your registration on this governmental website is completed, the instructions provided will require you to pay the licence by bank transfer and send an email with your personal information, bank details and the proof of payment attached.
A few days later, you will receive the licence directly via email, in a PDF file. To avoid any issues with the local authorities, remember to carry the licence in a waterproof bag while you are at sea.
In Portugal, it is not allowed to spearfish in harbour entrances or on fish farms and there is a 200-metre mandatory distance from bathing beaches. Also, at nighttime, from sunset to sunrise, spearfishing is off-limits.
Natural parks are protected areas where spearfishing is forbidden. In the Algarve, Costa Vicentina and Ria Formosa are the only natural parks and you are still welcome to enjoy the underwater views, but without a speargun.
To preserve the marine resources, Portuguese authorities have identified minimum sizes for each species. While planning your spearfishing outing, contact the local authorities to confirm which species and what sizes you can catch.
To enjoy the full experience, it is best if you go spearfishing with a local. The diver’s association Portisub organizes spearfishing outings. Even if you are not a member, you can register, rent the necessary equipment, and join a spearfishing group for a few hours.
However, when you return to shore, you must hydrate your body by drinking enough water and having juicy fruits. Dried fruits, such as almonds or nuts, will help you replenish your energy levels.
Still feeling hungry and looking for something more? Depending on your diving location, there are plenty of places along the coast that will provide you with a full meal or simply a light snack, such as “Clube Naval de Portimão”, “O Molhe” (Ferragudo), “O Stop” (Carvoeiro), “Cinco Quinas” (Alvor), “Camilo” (Lagos) or “A Sereia” (Sagres).