Algarve · Portugal · Wall · Reef
Paredes do Porto de Mós
Porous rock wall packed with conger and moray holes
A large rocky wall off Porto de Mós beach with a maximum depth of 18 m. The rock is porous and full of holes, which is what the site is known for: conger eels, morays and crustaceans live in the openings, and finding them is the dive. A torch is part of the kit rather than an optional extra.
Also known as Porto de Mós Wall.
Where it is and how deep
37.0747° N, 8.6863° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The site is a single large rocky elevation off Porto de Mós beach dropping to a maximum of 18 m, and it is dived as a wall: pick a depth, run along the face, and turn back at a shallower level on the way to the ascent. The rock itself is the feature, porous and pitted, which is what makes it hold as much life as it does.
That porosity is the reason for the dive. Conger eels and morays take up residence in the openings, and crustaceans wedge into the smaller holes in the same wall, so the dive is a slow inspection of the rock face with a light rather than a swim past it. Operators recommend a flashlight, and without one most of what lives here stays out of sight.
Marine life and season
- Macro critters
| 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.
Know before you go
- Conger eels and morays live in the holes in this wall — keep fingers and hands out of the openings you are lighting up.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Paredes do Porto de Mós?+
The wall has a maximum depth of 18 m, which keeps it inside recreational range and leaves plenty of bottom time to work the rock face slowly.
Sources
- Paredes do Porto de Mós — Scubago
- WeDive Lagos — dive sites — WeDive Lagos
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