River Gurara Popa

Spot Verified

Local operator required

Conditions or access may require a local guide. Dive with a local operator.

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

RiverWreck

About This Dive Spot

River Gurara MV was a Nigerian cargo vessel that sank off Cape Espichel on 26 February 1989 during a strong storm. The wreck broke in the middle, with the stern remaining close to the coast at an average depth of about 23 m. The wreck provides shelter for a variety of marine life, with numerous fish and cephalopods commonly found around the structure.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

21m - 25m

Depth note

Average depth reported as 23 m near the stern section close to the coast.

Best season

All year round

Typical conditions

Good visiblity, usually no current, sometimes a little bit of surge

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Waves

Safety notes

Moroon line to descent and ascent

Access restrictions

Marine park, no fishing

Legal notes

Protected area

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Wreck dive with the stern section near the coast at an average depth around 23 m.

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Spots Near River Gurara Popa

📍 0.1 km

Paredes Do Cabo

Not Set

Paredes Do Cabo is a dive site near the Cabo Espichel cliff, with depths reaching about 15 m. It includes the remains of the River Gurara wreck, offering structure to explore. Divers may encounter marine life such as mullets, seabream, and cuttlefish.

📍 0.1 km

River Gurara Proa (Wreck)

Not Set

This site explores the bow section of the River Gurara, a Nigerian cargo motor vessel that sank during a strong storm on 26 February 1989 near Cape Espichel. The ship broke in the middle, leaving the bow closer to the coast. The wreck sits at an average depth of about 28 m and provides shelter for a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for wreck-focused dives.

📍 0.4 km

Gruta dos Pampos

Not Set

Gruta dos Pampos is an underwater cave located near a well-known wreck dive area. The cave has a wide entrance and splits into two passages as you swim further inside. Divers can explore cracks and small walls around the cave, where encounters with conger eels and small crustaceans are possible.

📍 0.7 km

Bifa

Not Set

The site is recognizable on the surface by a distinctive geological formation at the base of a cape, where waves and swell can produce strong water spurts in rough conditions. In calm seas, divers can explore a cavern-like area and scenic walls. Marine life along the walls includes moray and conger eels, octopus, colorful sponges, and lobsters. Calm weather is required to dive here.

📍 1.0 km

River Gurara

⚓

The River Gurara is a 175 m cargo motor vessel wreck that sank in 1989 and now rests around 28 m deep. The wreck is broken midships with scattered sections, creating multiple areas to explore. It is known for resident marine life including conger eels, moray eels, octopus, squid, and assorted fish, and is reached by boat.

📍 1.2 km

Lagosteiros

Not Set

A rocky site made up of several shelf-like rock formations that provide hiding places for lobsters. Divers can often spot lobster antennae protruding from the rock shelves. The area hosts varied marine life, with soft corals and common sightings such as seabream, octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, and spider crabs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at River Gurara Popa?

Entry at River Gurara Popa is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving River Gurara Popa?

Optimal conditions at River Gurara Popa depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at River Gurara Popa?

Depth and visibility information for River Gurara Popa can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at River Gurara Popa?

When diving River Gurara Popa, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.