Liveaboard Diving in Portugal
Portugal provides much more than a beach holiday destination. With its prime location bordering the Atlantic, the Azores Archipelago offers great liveaboard diving options.
Whilst not home to the most diving liveaboard vessels, Portugal does still have a few special locations that will appeal to divers wishing to explore this country on a liveaboard cruise.
Mainland Portugal has a Mediterranean climate whilst the islands of the Azores is more sub-tropical, but in general, diving is possible throughout most of the year.
Dive Sites and Areas of Portugal
Whilst not home to the most diving liveaboard vessels, Portugal still has a few special locations that will appeal to divers wishing to explore this country on a liveaboard cruise. The main focus for divers looking for a liveaboard is around the Azores Archipelago out in the Atlantic, where marine life encounters can be very special. It’s possible to see and dive with Mobula Rays, Whale sharks, Blue sharks, and if you’re lucky, even Blue Marlin have been spotted on dives.
The Azores
The Azores is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean consisting of nine islands and is well known for its amazing marine diversity and underwater landscapes. São Miguel Island is the main island of this area and hosts the main city Ponta Delgada.
Santa Maria Island is the southernmost island of the Azores and has become known as a good place in summer to see Whale sharks at Baixa do Ambrósio (Ambrosio Reef).
Princess Alice Bank is located southwest of Pico Island. It is a seamount, approximately 32 meters from the surface, which is well known for its sightings of schooling Mobula rays and larger pelagics. Due to its remote location, strong currents can be found here, which also draws in marine life such as Tuna, Wahoo & even Blue Marlin.
Formigas Islets is a group of uninhabited rocky islands to the southeast of São Miguel Island, also a marine reserve. Apart from having great visibility, it’s a great place to spot Mobula rays, Galapagos sharks, Oceanic manta rays & possibly even Hammerhead sharks. It also allows divers to access the popular seamount Dollabarat Bank which hosts numerous plateaus between 5-40 meters, recommended only for experienced divers. Wreck diving is also possible on the nearby Olympia Wreck.
How to Get There and Port of Departure
Flights to Portugal are available from most international destinations and will usually arrive in Lisbon or Faro. European airlines such as Lufthansa, Ryanair & Swissair offer flights directly to the Azores, but domestic flights from mainland Portugal are also available to the different islands. Liveaboards usually depart from either Santa Maria Island or São Miguel Island. Please check your chosen itinerary for full details.
Portugal Diving Reviews
- 9.3 Superb
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Jonathan S
United States
Good! Cold, but the underwater topography and the critters we saw were tons of fun.
Diving Portugal in July on the Water And Wind
- 9.2 Superb
- Vincent C
Netherlands
Not comparable to warmer waters. You obviously dont have coral.
Diving Portugal in July on the Water And Wind
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Nicolai H
Austria
Very friendly people, and beautiful nature also on shore i.e. for hiking and lazy beach afternoons
Diving Portugal in July on the Water And Wind
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Magali V
France
Cold and windy !
Diving Portugal in July on the Water And Wind
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