The Algarve region has a wide coast of almost 124 miles (200 km), surrounded by the impressive Atlantic Ocean consolidates as the perfect showcase for different water sports, but if it offers an unparalleled beauty, full of vegetation and fluvial and maritime fauna for its beaches as the beach of the Marinha in Carvoerio or Ria Formosa, imagine the quantity of species that can be found in the seabed.

Diving is a more complex practice that requires knowledge, but that, undoubtedly, diving on the coast of the Algarve, will allow you to know the true beauty of the sea. A beauty that houses different corals, Sunken ships and species from the most common to the wildest that will leave you surprised.

Where are the best diving sites in the Algarve?

• Albufeira. Albufeira is one of the most beautiful areas to immerse yourself in its crystal-clear waters and enjoy endless reefs where fauna and flora will leave you more than impressed. It is the perfect place to make more relaxed dives and a few meters as in Pedra da Oura or longer routes and at great depth, as it would be in the case of the Artificial Reef that is more than 25 meters deep.

• Carvoeiro. This coastal freguesia of Lagoa is a marine paradise that houses a variety of marine species. Its beach, Praia da Marinha, presents a great attraction due to its clayely color in its rock formations. In addition, its proximity to the cave of Benagil, forms the perfect route to discover the beauty of the Portuguese seabead.

• Faro Islands. Faro has multiple islands, from the ones that make up the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, to the ones located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, thus creating a great scenario for diving to be as rich as possible, discovering reefs and rock formations.

• Lakes. If Cape Ponta da Piedade is pure beauty because of its golden cliffs, imagine how surprising its seabed must be. Discover the sea caves where the peculiar anemones and gorgonians live.

• Olhão. Do you want to swim around millions of fish and get stunned by its appeal? This fishing town in the Algarve is the option you should choose if you want to discover impressive fish stocks that are in their own natural habitat.

• Portimão - Ocean Revival Park. This park is one of the best-known diving areas in Europe. An exciting showcase in which diving you can discover up to 4 sunken navy ships. The marine life that houses on this artificial reef will surprise you, we are more than sure!

• Sagres. If you are looking for a quiet space with crystal clear waters due to the lack of waves and wind, the best starting point for diving is Praia da Mareta. Exploring the depths of the sea you will discover incredible sea caves, without doubt, one of the best plans with which to dare in the dive. Transparent waters with a great marine diversity through the caves of La Catedral.

• Tavira. Definitely a complete natural area. If you prefer fresh water, diving down the Gilão River is the perfect option you should choose. But if your love for the sea surpasses everything, discover the diving spots of Playa do Barril as the Pedra do Barril is the perfect plan, in which you will discover the beautiful corals that lie on the seabed.

When is the best time to go diving in the Algarve?

The Algarve, in the Faro District, is located in the most southern part of Portugal. Its climate with mild temperatures and the number of hours of sun per year make it possible to enjoy diving in any month of the year.

Although, if you really want to make the most of your experience by putting on your neoprene and diving in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, we recommend the autumn and spring months, because the sea and the temperature will be ideal to make your dive as pure and enriching as possible.

How long do the dives in the Algarve seas last?

The estimated time for the dives in the Algarve seas will depend on the level of experience of the person that is going diving and the depth to which they will dive. The deeper, the higher the oxygen consumption.

Usually, the immersion on the Portuguese south coast will last an estimated 45 to 50 minutes. However, it all depends on the degree of experience you have in the diving world. If it is a first contact, this is, a diving baptism, your dive will last less than 30 minutes.

Who can go diving in the Algarve?

Diving in the Portuguese region of the Algarve is not something simple, it is a sport with a certain level of difficulty, as it requires prior knowledge if you want to do a submersion with meters of depth.

Normally, the minimum age for diving in the deep Atlantic Ocean is 18 years old, but it is enough to be older than 8 years old so that the little ones can start in the world of sea dives thanks to the diving baptisms offered by the Algarve coast. If the age is lower, they can opt for a snorkeling session, thus starting in the world, always accompanied by a professional diver.

In addition to having the necessary certification and meeting the minimum age, to be able to enjoy diving through the maritime cavities of the Portuguese Atlantic, you also need a medical certificate or responsible statement that establishes your good condition for good practice.

How can I get started in the diving world in the Algarve?

As we have already told you, there are diving baptism experiences to have your first contact on the seabed of the Algarve region, discovering reefs. After your baptism, you will have learned the basics, although you will not have a certificate that consolidates you as a diver.

- If you need a diving certificate, that does not take you long, with the PADI Scuba Diver course, you will get the certification and the necessary knowledge that will allow you to descend up to 12 meters, accompanied by a diver. On the contrary, if you are looking for a higher level of autonomy, the option you should choose is the Open Water Diver, this course will give you the necessary certification to discover the treasures that are hidden in the Algarve Coast, up to 18 meters for adults and up to 12 meters for children. But if you really love the sea, the secrets that await and you already have the previous title, you only have to become an advanced diver with the Advanced Open Water Diver course, with which you can descend up to 30 meters.

If the Algarve region is an impressive destination to visit, due to its architecture, sea caves, beaches and coves, imagine how fascinating its seabed will be... Do you really want someone to tell you about all of this when you can discover the most beautiful reefs, fauna and marine flora in the entire Faro District yourself?