With crystal-clear waters and a marine reserve teeming with life, the Berlenga Island is one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in Portugal. Dipping your head into the water here means discovering a colourful world just a few metres below the surface.
Why the Berlenga is a snorkelling paradise
The marine area around the Berlenga is a protected zone, which has allowed marine life to flourish. The combination of clean waters, good visibility and rocky seabeds full of nooks makes this one of the richest water experiences in the country.
What you’ll see underwater
Among the rocks and seaweed gardens you’ll find shoals of fish, sea breams, sea bass, octopuses, moray eels and colourful nudibranchs. The exceptional visibility often lets you observe all of this clearly without needing to dive deep.
Where to snorkel on the Berlenga
The small sheltered coves, such as the anchorage area and the wind-protected bays, are ideal for snorkelling — even for beginners. From the boat, it’s easy to reach the best spots.
Snorkelling or diving?
Snorkelling is accessible to everyone and requires no experience: just a mask, snorkel and fins to explore the surface. Scuba diving takes you deeper and reveals walls and seabeds impossible to see from the surface — an option for those seeking more adventure.
Tips and safety
Beyond snorkelling, there’s much more to do. Check our guide on what to do on the Berlenga Island.
- Atlantic waters are cool — a wetsuit increases comfort.
- Go accompanied and respect the instructions of the crew and the Nature Reserve.
- Don’t touch or remove anything from the seabed — it’s a protected area.
- Choose a pack that includes snorkelling, with a dedicated stop to enter the water.
Best time for snorkelling on the Berlenga
The best time for snorkelling on the Berlenga is from April to October, with peak visibility in June and September (fewer bathers, cleaner water). The water temperature ranges between 17°C in May and 21°C in August. In July and August the sea is busier, but visibility remains excellent in the island’s most sheltered coves, where marine life is richest. See more about the best time to visit.
Equipment included — what to bring
BerlengaTur’s Pack 4 includes a mask, snorkel and fins — you don’t need to bring equipment. Bring swimwear, water-resistant sunscreen (preferably a “reef-safe” one to protect the Nature Reserve ecosystem) and a towel. A long-sleeved swimsuit is recommended at the start and end of the season, when the water is colder.
Snorkelling vs. discover scuba diving — which is right for you?
Snorkelling is ideal for those who want to explore without prior training — you stay at the surface and observe marine life a few metres deep. The discover scuba diving on the Berlenga lets you go deeper with a certified instructor. If you already snorkel and want to descend further and explore the rocky walls, the discover dive is the natural next step.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to snorkel on the Berlenga? No. Snorkelling is simple and suitable for beginners; you just need to be comfortable in the water.
Is the water cold? Being the Atlantic, the water is cool. A wetsuit makes the experience more comfortable.
Are we accompanied during snorkelling? No. The snorkelling activity is unguided. Only in the Discover Scuba Diving activity are you accompanied by certified guides.
Does the snorkelling equipment include a wetsuit? No. The equipment includes only the mask and fins.
Experience the Berlenga sea
Want to combine snorkelling with discovering the Berlenga caves? BerlengaTur has packs that bring the two experiences together. See the prices, find out how to get there and book your BerlengaPass.
Book your trip to the Berlenga Islands
Choose the pack that best suits your visit:
- Pack 1 – Round Trip: complete freedom on the island
- Pack 2 – Caves + Ferry: glass-bottom boat through the caves
- Pack 3 – Guided Tour: with a specialist guide
- Pack 4 – Snorkelling + Caves: the most complete experience
Ready to discover Berlenga?
Book your spot on one of our travel packages to Berlenga Island.
See Travel Packages →