ccmar.ualg.pt · Official Scientific
CCMAR marine protected area overview for the Algarve reef.
Dive Spot Guide•
Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Sheltered offshore reef in Armacao de Pera Bay with rich marine life.
Make this a real next stop
Save it, log a dive, or explore nearby on the map.
Save it to come back later
Local operator required
Boat access and protected-area planning make a local operator the practical choice.
A sheltered Algarve reef off Armacao de Pera with broad habitat diversity and a deep bench of species. It suits divers who want an offshore reef rather than a wreck or cavern.
About Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Maior Recife Natural de Portugal is a boat-accessed offshore reef in Armacao de Pera Bay. Sheltered by the bay and known as Portugal's largest natural reef, it offers a broad, habitat-rich dive with fish, invertebrates, algae, and a strong natural reef feel. It is the kind of site that rewards steady looking and good conditions more than raw depth.
•
Research Estimate At Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessSimple entry
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentLight current
SurgeLight surge
Where Is Maior Recife Natural de Portugal?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Maior Recife Natural de Portugal Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
15m - 22m
Depth Note
Reported depths run from 15 to 22 m across the reef.
Best Season
All year round, with sheltered bay conditions making most months workable.
Typical Conditions
Protected by the bay, with good diving conditions throughout the year and broad reef habitat.
Safety & Access At Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficRestricted access
Safety Notes
Boat access and offshore distance mean planning matters, and the reef should be approached with conservation rules in mind.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; local protected-area rules may apply.
Legal Notes
The reef lies within the Recife do Algarve / Pedra do Valado marine protected area, so local conservation rules apply.
Local Intel For Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A reef dive with changing rock structure, sand patches, and a wide mix of habitats.
Recent Logged Visits At Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Maior Recife Natural de Portugal
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
