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.

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 in Póvoa de Varzim features a small rocky cove suitable for snorkelling. The site consists of a reef and kelp forest environment with an average depth of 3 metres, ranging between 1 and 5 metres. Access is via the shore, and the site is appropriate for beginners. Conditions include mild currents and visibility ranging from 3 to 10 metres. Water temperatures are cool, typically between 14C and 17C, necessitating the use of a wetsuit. Be aware of potential hazards including surf and rip currents when planning your visit. Parking is available at the site.

Batelao in Póvoa de Varzim offers a combination of wreck and reef environments for intermediate divers. The site ranges from 5 to 27 metres in depth, though the seabed drops to 68 metres, requiring careful monitoring of depth and bottom time. Divers experience moderate currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. Given the water temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius, a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended. The site is accessible by boat and supports night diving. Divers should carry a torch to explore the dark recesses of the wreck structure. The habitat supports a variety of temperate marine life, including reef fish and invertebrates.

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.

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.

Bezerros is a reef site located off the coast of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. Suitable for beginners, the site features depths ranging from 10 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 16 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. Access to the site is by boat only. Water temperatures remain between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Species recorded around this area include common octopus, various crab species, sea stars, bream, sea hares, snails, and shanny. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic while surfacing and use surface markers to increase visibility.