Archaeological Diving in the Berlengas: Shipwrecks and Historic Seabeds

The waters of Berlenga Island hide a unique underwater museum. Centuries of navigation between Portugal and the Atlantic left a trail of shipwrecks and archaeological remains among the granite rocks of the archipelago — making this one of the most fascinating archaeological diving destinations in the country.

Why is Berlenga an archaeological diving destination?

Berlenga’s geographical position, 12 km off the coast of Peniche, placed it on the path of medieval and modern shipping routes. The island served as a reference point and shelter for centuries — and as a graveyard for vessels that did not survive the storms of the North Atlantic. The result is a seabed with archaeological layers spanning the 16th to the 20th century.

Berlenga’s classification as a Nature Reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve means these remains are protected by law — nothing may be removed or disturbed. This has preserved the archaeological integrity of the sites and keeps marine life dense around the wrecks, turning every dive into a double experience: history and biodiversity.

The main underwater archaeological sites

Corvette General Reinach — the most famous wreck

The French corvette General Reinach sank near the Berlengas in 1918, during the First World War. The wreckage lies at depths between 20 and 35 metres, making it accessible to divers with Open Water certification. The metal structure of the hull is covered in anemones, starfish and colourful sponges, with schools of red mullet and moray eels inhabiting its inner recesses. It is considered one of the best wreck dives in Portugal.

North Wall — geology and history in layers

The rocky wall of Berlenga’s north coast drops to 25-30 metres with caves and crevices sheltering pottery fragments, anchors and cargo elements from the 17th and 18th centuries. Although these are not intact wreck structures, these scattered remains tell the story of vessels that struck the rocks in adverse conditions. The wall itself is spectacular: covered in deep-water coral, nudibranchs and pelagic life.

Fort area — protected historic seabeds

Around the Fort of São João Baptista, built in 1509, the seabed between 5 and 15 metres holds remains from the fort’s active period — including projectiles, ironwork and vessel fragments from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a shallower diving zone, ideal for surface snorkeling with views of the rocky bottom through an aquatic camera.

What to see beyond the wrecks

Archaeological diving at Berlenga is rarely just about history. The density of marine life around the archaeological sites is exceptional — a direct result of the reserve’s protection:

• Giant octopuses — frequently spotted in the General Reinach wreckage
• Mediterranean moray eels — inhabiting the historic rock crevices
• Schools of white seabream and sea bass — around all underwater structures
• Lobsters and spider crabs — under historic stones and anchors
• Colourful nudibranchs — on walls covered in calcareous algae

How to access archaeological diving at the Berlengas

Access to Berlenga’s archaeological diving zones is exclusively by sea, from Peniche. BerlengaTur offers Pack 4 with snorkeling, which includes a stop in the island’s protected coves — ideal for beginners and surface snorkeling. For scuba diving in the deeper zones (including the General Reinach), a certified dive operator based in Peniche is required.

Requirements for wreck diving

• Minimum PADI Open Water certification (Advanced recommended for the General Reinach)
• Operator licensed for underwater activity in the nature reserve
• BerlengaPass for staying on the island
• Absolute respect for the reserve’s code of conduct: zero contact with structures or artefacts

Best time for archaeological diving at Berlenga

The best time to visit the Berlengas for diving is between May and September, with maximum visibility in June and September. In July and August the north wind (nortada) can reduce visibility and stir the surface in exposed areas. May offers exceptional visibility (up to 20 metres on calm days) and fewer crowds — ideal conditions for underwater photography.

Underwater photography at the archaeological sites

Berlenga’s wrecks and archaeological seabeds are extraordinary for underwater photography. The combination of filtered Atlantic light, dense marine life and structures covered in colourful organisms produces unique images. To explore photography at the Berlengas underwater, a camera with waterproof housing or a dedicated aquatic camera is recommended, with a wide-angle lens to capture the wrecks in context.

Book your Berlengas experience

To start with snorkeling in the island’s coves and discover the historic seabeds in the shallow zones:

• 🤿 Pack 4 — Round Trip + Caves + Snorkeling — Includes a snorkeling stop in the protected coves
• 🚤 Private Tour — For groups wanting to explore specific zones at their own pace

Plan your visit: see the complete Berlenga Island guide, meet the catamaran that makes the crossing, and check prices and tickets.