Operator page with the wreck's 18-21 m profile, boat-only access, and split-section structure.
Boat-only wreck off Madalena beach in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Boat-only wreck off Madalena beach in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Draga da Madalena is a boat-only wreck off Madalena beach in Vila Nova de Gaia, south of the Douro mouth. The wreck sits on sand and breaks into two sections, which makes it straightforward to follow once you are down. It is a good fit for beginner-level wreck divers who are comfortable with boat entries and variable surface conditions. Expect a practical local dive rather than a dramatic deep profile.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
18m - 21m
Depth Note
The wreck lies on a sandy bottom at 18 to 21 m.
Best Season
Winter
Typical Conditions
Sandy-bottom wreck with two sections, beginner-friendly navigation, and visibility that can vary with wind and tide.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Boat-only access; surface current can sometimes be strong, so plan with a team that can adjust for conditions.
Access Restrictions
No shore entry; plan a boat dive and be ready for tide and wind to affect conditions.
Legal Notes
Confirm the plan with your operator before departure and follow local maritime rules.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Split into two sections on sand, easy to navigate and swim through, with a beginner-friendly wreck profile.
Freediving
Not a freedive target; boat access and wreck depth make it a scuba site.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkeling target; it is a boat-only wreck best explored by scuba.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Operator page with the wreck's 18-21 m profile, boat-only access, and split-section structure.
Government report describing Draga da Madalena as one of the important recreational dive sites in the north.
Directory page describing the wreck as split into two large sections and easy to navigate.
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