Algarve · Portugal · Reef
Martelo
Sheltered rock in 5 to 12 m, ten minutes out
A rock formation ten minutes from the harbour, in 5 to 12 m of water and sheltered from the western swell and wind. That combination — short run, shallow depth, protected water — makes it the local training site and a first open-water dive for beginners, and the depth range keeps photographers occupied in good light.
Also known as Table Rock.
Where it is and how deep
37.0831° N, 8.6654° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The run out takes ten minutes, which is part of why the site gets used as much as it does. Depth varies between 5 and 12 m over the formation, so the dive is worked as a slow circuit of the rock at whatever level suits the group, with the shallow top available as somewhere to finish and off-gas rather than a place you have to hurry away from.
The position is sheltered from the western swell and the wind, and that is the site's function on this coast: the operators describe it as a location for relaxed training and an enjoyable dive for beginners, so first dives happen here in calm water. It is also a favourite of local photographers, who have the light of a shallow dive and a formation to work close to.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-season | Off-season | Fair | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Off-season |
Season follows Algarve: May–Oct is the settled season with the clearest water; Atlantic swell and cold water shut most operations over winter.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Martelo?+
The site runs between 5 and 12 m over the rock formation, so it stays well inside beginner limits and leaves plenty of bottom time.
Is Martelo suitable for a first dive?+
Yes. It is ten minutes from the harbour, sheltered from the western swell and wind, and the operators use it for relaxed training and beginner dives.
Sources
- Martelo — Scubago
- WeDive Lagos — dive sites — WeDive Lagos
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