Algarve · Portugal · Wall · Reef
Pedras Altas
Canyons between big stones off Porto de Mós
Rock formations in front of Porto de Mós beach, arranged around a reef wall and cut into canyons between large stones. Maximum depth is 18 to 19 m and there are usually no significant currents, so navigation is easy and the site works for beginners and experienced divers alike.
0Where it is and how deep
37.0726° N, 8.6891° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The formation sits directly in front of Porto de Mós beach: a set of rock structures gathered around a reef wall, dropping to a maximum close to 19 m, with WeDive quoting 18 m for the same site. Navigation is straightforward — the rock gives you a continuous line to follow out and back — and there are usually no significant currents to plan around.
The rock is arranged in canyon style, with narrow ground between large stones, and the way to dive it is to drop into those gaps and let the walls run past on either side. It reads as free flight between the boulders. Depth and simplicity make the site suit both ends of the experience range, from newly certified divers to people who just want an easy dive on interesting terrain.
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
Is there current at Pedras Altas?+
Usually not. Operators describe the site as easy to navigate and normally free of significant currents, which is part of why it suits beginners as well as experienced divers.
Sources
- Pedras Altas — Scubago
- WeDive Lagos — dive sites — WeDive Lagos
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