Best dive sites in Portugal
Europe · Atlantic / Azores · 2 dive sites reviewed · best Jun–Oct
Portugal's most exciting diving is in the mid-Atlantic Azores, where offshore seamounts and volcanic islands attract mantas, devil rays, and sharks. Princess Alice Bank is a famous offshore seamount for manta ray aggregations. The mainland and island coasts also offer cold-water reef and kelp diving in the north and relaxed warm-water sites in the south.
Diving in Portugal: the essentials
We've ranked 2 dive sites in Portugal, averaging 3.8/5 across the set. Our top pick, Princess Alice Bank, scores 4.0/5 — Diving with visibility up to 30 m, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers..
Conditions are strongest in Jun–Oct.
A realistic travel budget in Portugal works out to about $191/day per person — see the cost breakdown below for the full picture.
Local food
Grilled fresh fish, bacalhau (the national cod) and pastel de nata.
Local culture
Portugal is Atlantic and maritime, with a deep seafood tradition. The Azores and Madeira are slow, outdoorsy islands where evening food runs late.
Typical travel cost
Average daily cost per person
A one-week trip costs about $1338 per person, based on real traveler spending.
Source: BudgetYourTrip — real traveler expenses, not a fixed rate.
Princess Alice Bank
Diving with visibility up to 30 m, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.
