

Best for beginner divers, 8-13m, boat entry, moderate current.
Maria Alice is a reef site located off the coast of Cascais, Portugal, offering a practical environment for beginner divers. The site features a reef structure at depths ranging from 8 to 13 metres. Divers can encounter common species such as the Tompot Blenny and Tricolor Doris, alongside less frequent sightings of Common Octopus, Scorpionfish, Catshark, Wrasses, Slipper Lobster, Felimare villafranca, Squat Lobster, Sea Star, Crab, Sea Hare, Spirograph, and Cod. Access is by boat, with visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures range from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, requiring adequate thermal protection. Be mindful of moderate currents, potential entanglement risks, and sea urchins on the reef.
38.68850, -9.42980
Watch out for sea urchins when kneeling or steadying yourself on the reef, particularly in shallower sections. Check current conditions with your boat operator before descending, as stronger flows can make this site more demanding than the depth suggests for new divers.
Access info coming soon
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-13m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
15-18°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Divers regularly encounter Tompot Blenny and Tricolor Doris. Other species recorded include Common Octopus, Scorpionfish, Catshark, Wrasses, Slipper Lobster, Felimare villafranca, Squat Lobster, Sea Star, Crab, Sea Hare, Spirograph, and Cod.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its moderate depth range of 8 to 13 metres, though divers should be prepared for moderate currents.
The reef sits at depths between 8 and 13 metres, with an average depth of 13 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site. Boat operators should be consulted regarding current conditions before descending.
While the site is primarily a dive location, the shallow sections of the reef are accessible, though boat access is required.
Diving at Maria Alice in Cascais requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Maria Alice in Cascais. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 18°C.
Expect moderate currents at Maria Alice in Cascais. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Maria Alice in Cascais typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.