Praia do Quião in Póvoa de Varzim offers a shallow coastal environment featuring a mix of rock, sand, and kelp forest. With an average depth of 2 metres, this site is accessible from the shore and is well-suited for beginners. The Atlantic waters are cool, ranging from 14C to 17C throughout the year, making a wetsuit necessary for comfort. Snorkellers should be aware of local hazards including surf, strong currents, and sea urchins. Facilities at the site include parking, a cafe, and showers, providing convenient access for those exploring the shallow reef and kelp habitats of the Costa Verde.

Santo André Cove in Póvoa de Varzim is a sheltered rocky site that functions as a natural aquarium during low tide. The topography consists of shallow channels and dense kelp forests protected from the main Atlantic swell. This site is suitable for beginners, offering an average depth of 3 metres with a range of 1 to 4 metres. Access is via the shore, and the site features parking, toilets, and showers. Water temperatures range from 14C to 17C throughout the year, making a wetsuit recommended even during summer months. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of cold water and surf conditions.

Praia do Quião in Póvoa de Varzim is a shallow cove defined by two rocky points that shelter a dense kelp forest. This site is suitable for intermediate snorkellers, with depths ranging from 1 to 3 metres and an average of 2 metres. Access is via the shore, though conditions can be challenging due to moderate currents and surf. Water temperatures remain consistently cold, between 14C and 17C throughout the year, making a wetsuit necessary. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and a cafe. Hazards include cold water, strong currents, surf, and sea urchins.

The Unidentified Steam Shipwreck is a technical dive site located 3219 metres off the coast of Póvoa de Varzim. Resting at depths between 55 and 58 metres, the wreck presents a complex overhead environment with significant entanglement risks. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres. Due to the depth and the nature of the structure, this site is strictly for advanced divers with appropriate wreck certifications. Water temperatures remain between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius, making a drysuit essential. Access is exclusively by boat, and divers should expect mild currents. The site supports a variety of temperate marine life and invertebrates typical of the Costa Verde region.

Praia de Apúlia in Póvoa de Varzim features a series of rocky outcrops situated directly in front of the historic windmills. These formations create sheltered tidal pools and crevices suitable for observing invertebrates during high tide. This shore-entry site is designed for beginners, with depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres and an average of 3 metres. Conditions are variable, with visibility between 3 and 10 metres and moderate currents. Water temperatures remain cool, typically between 14C and 17C, presenting a risk of hypothermia. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of hazards including surf, rip currents, and sharp rock formations. Facilities at the site include parking, showers, toilets, and changing rooms.

Baixo da Pena is a shallow reef located off the coast of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. The site features a depth range from the surface down to 8 metres, providing a suitable environment for beginner divers. Access to the reef is by boat. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres, though conditions can vary. Water temperatures remain between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating the use of a wetsuit. While currents are generally mild, stronger flows can occur, and divers should remain alert for boat traffic when surfacing. Equipment rental and guided tours are available to assist with navigation and safety.

Brenha is an artificial reef and wreck site located 800 metres off the coast of Póvoa de Varzim. Resting at a consistent depth of 27 metres, this site is reserved for advanced divers due to the depth and moderate currents. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres, with water temperatures fluctuating between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius. Divers must navigate potential entanglement hazards from loose lines or netting and sharp edges on the structure. Species recorded around this area include sea stars, crabs, sea hares, snails, and shanny. Boat access is required to reach this site, and divers should monitor Atlantic swells which can impact conditions.

Moinhos is a rocky reef and kelp forest located off the Costa Verde coast near Esposende. Divers can explore this site at depths between 18 and 20 metres. The kelp provides structural shelter, creating distinct areas to navigate. Conditions include mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. Access is strictly by boat, and divers should remain alert for boat traffic in the area. Water temperatures fluctuate between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius, making a 5mm wetsuit with hood and gloves recommended. Due to the presence of sea urchins and sharp reef structures, maintain precise buoyancy control throughout the dive.