Expeditions
Did you ever dream of an exclusive Diving expedition?
Nuno'Scuba offers diving tours in Portugal and abroad.
See below some of the expeditions you can dive in. From single-day fun dives
to travel to your favorite diving destinations or to have the experience of a Liveaboard.
" THE LIMITE IS YOUR IMAGINATION "
If you don't find your dream diving Expedition, don't be shy to ask us.
We can make it possible.
To book your expedition contact us:
Portugal
Wrecks
Ocean Revival #1 Portimão, Algarve
"Oliveira e Carmo"; this ship was equipped for anti-submarine combat and had radars and torpedoes. It is more than simple corvettes, and its light frigates. Designed for its presence in the Portuguese Colonial War, the resolution of those conflicts left this ship without a purpose and then put it to use as an oceanic escort ship under the scope of NATO. Later on, they disarmed it with a reduced level of weaponry as patrol ships in the exclusive Portuguese economic zone. This type of ship was also sold to Spain, Morocco and Egypt.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26m - 32m
Ocean Revival #2 Portimão, Algarve
In October 31st 1971, the Navy Minister, the Chief of the EMA and Superintendents from the Personnel and Materials Services, attended the ceremony, among other general and superior officials, local civil and military authorities.
"Zambeze", Built for coastal and river patrol operations in Africa; The name of the ship belongs to a River in Mozambique from former Portuguese colonies; The ships are the next technological step up from LFGs - Large Inspection Ships of the "Argos" class, built between 1964 and 1965.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26m - 32m
Ocean Revival #3 Portimão, Algarve
Hermenegildo Capelo, when it was brought into effective service for the Portuguese Navy on April 26th 1968, it took part in several missions in Africa, in various national and international exercises, search and rescue missions and inspection of the exclusive economic zone. It also undertook voyages for the instruction of naval college trainees.
Subsequently, at the end of the 1980s (between 1987 and 1989), the frigates were modernised in various ways, particularly the installation of ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) equipment and infrastructure that would allow for female sailors on board.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26m - 32m
Ocean Revival #4 Portimão, Algarve
Almeida Carvalho was acquired by Portugal and incorporated into the Armed Forces fleet on January 21st 1972, it entered Lisbon for the first time on March 12th 1972. It undertook the activities of the Hydrographical Institute.
In 1981 it undertook a cruise of almost two months in the Republic of Cape Verde, and in 1984 it docked in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to carry out several studies, specifically on the Cacheu river.
On December 4th 2002, it was disarmed to its retirement from the Armed Forces fleet.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26m - 32m
USAF Bomber Faro, Algarve
World War II, North American Bomber aircraft wreckage (1943) in Faro. With 34m complete structure, upside-down inverted full of marine life, toadfish, groupers, gobies, crabs, octopus, shrimp, morays and congers.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 20m - 22m
In an open sand area USAF Aircraft B-26, from the II World war.
The place is being used as a nursery for many types of small fish.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 16m - 20m
USAF Aircraft B-26 Vilamoura, Algarve
L'Ocean Sagres, Algarve
Admiralship of the French fleet with about 60mts length, sunk in 1759 during the battle of Lagos. Only a few vestiges of this ship still remain here.
Among the remains of the ship is the imposing "anchor of mercy", about five and a half meters long and weighing about three tons. Also a few iron cannons.
But the fascinating thing is to be able to find, partially hidden by the structures of sand and concrete, the remains of the wooden skeleton of the old ship, where they have been for more than 250 years.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 6m - 9m
Vapor do Trigo Berlengas, Peniche
Located in a sheltered spot near the UNESCO Nature Reserve of the Berlengas Islands, the Vapor Do Trigo wreck (also known as the Andreos wreck) is a dive site that can be accessed even when the conditions are rough. The area surrounding the boiler room is inhabited by large lobsters and Conger eels. There are lots of interesting holes and cracks to explore along the hull, which is still very much intact.
You’ll spot solo Snappers hovering around as well as schools of them close by, and let's not forget to mention a truly impressive spectacle, thanks to the merging of several different currents, of the one and only Moonfish! Often you can see up to 10 of them!
Duration: 1 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 28 - 30m
Rebocador do Farol Faro, Algarve
Tugboat sunk about 50 years ago, with 20mts of length, on a sandy bottom. It is a very interesting and easy dive for beginners.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26m - 30m
Faro A Faro, Algarve
Presumed seventeenth-century ship, which identity is still unknown. Discovered by José Augusto and Miguel Galvão in 1996.
This archaeological site is in the form of a nucleus with traces of the cargo and several iron cannons, scattered over a fenced area of one hundred meters.
The place itself constitutes an artificial reef on which there is always a great school of Pout.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 15 - 20m
Torvore Sagres, Algarve
Norwegian steam shipwrecked in 1917 during World War I by the German submarine U35. This shipwreck is still in good condition. We can see part of the cargo, charcoal blocks. The boilers are still in a good state of conservation and full of life: nudibranchs and corals can be found here. Around the wreck, we can find Sunfish, schools of White Seabreams, Damselfish and sea swallow Pouts.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 28m - 32m
River Proa Sesimbra, Lisbon
River split wreck is now one of the most popular dive sites in Portugal for the observation of marine life, which adopted their debris to protect themselves, as well as for technical diving training.
You can dive and will dive, on the stern and the bow of the freighter.
You’ll find that many species shelter in the wreck. Expect to see large Congers, Pouts, Seabreams, Wrasses, Morays, Squids, and Octopuses.
Duration: 1 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26m - 30m
Trawler Vilamoura, Algarve
Located in an area of sand you will find the remains of a boiler and the wreckage of a small fishing boat.
A haven to many species large and small predators.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 24m - 26m
Natural Reefs
Aquarium Vilamoura, Portugal
Do you like to take photos underwater? Come to our shallow Aquarium, full of local flora and fauna and large groups of sea breams; loose rocks with small pinnacles of 1 meter which end in the sand.
Don’t forget your camera.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 10m
Pay the ocean forward by helping clean it up on your next dive. Learn about marine debris problems, conducting Dive Against Debris surveys, and how divers are a part of the solution to keeping our oceans clean.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 4 to 12m
Dive Against Debris Vilamoura, Portugal
Pedra Nova Vilamoura, Portugal
This dive site is located at a shallow depth in a rock formation in form of a slab with multiple cracks and based on a sandy bottom. Place rich in marine life, congers, moray eels, octopus and shoals of fish.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 12m - 16m
Balancial de Fora Vilamoura, Portugal
Dive spot with rich flora and fauna, here you can find Congros, Coral e Crabs; rock with west side 3m high going from south to north.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 18m - 22m
Barrocas de Fora Vilamoura, Portugal
The formation of this dive site is very curious, similar to a hand, it measures 200m x 100m.
Its fauna is very variable with, sea breams, toadfishes, blennies, cuttlefishes, octopus, shrimp, conger eels, moray eels, nudibranchs and rays.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 12m - 16m
Parede Porto de Mós Lagos, Algarve
Former submerged coast, it has the form of "terraces" caused by the erosion of the sea. From the Southeast, you can see cavities where there are small hidden species.
Towards the Northeast of the rock, the wall has a height that varies between 5 and 7mts. Easy navigation, sometimes there are small currents. We advise the use of flashlights.
We often see dolphins that come to this area to feed or simply to play!
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 10 - 16m
Donkeys Tail Wall Berlendas, Peniche
The rock is famous for its wall covered with red Gorgonians and for its cave with the same name; Its clear blue waters make the wall similar to a coral wall as we usually find in the tropical seas. In certain parts, the density of the Gorgonias covers the rock completely. It is a dive with usual currents which brings pelagics to feed along the wall. In the extremities of the rock, there are usually Seabreams. It is also possible to see Mola Mola.
The cave is an impressive part of the dive if you have the necessary certification, although it doesn't require a cave-specific certification - the entrance is pretty deep (~30 meters). Inside the cave, you can see light on the opposite sides of the small island, the entrance and exit of the cave; it is an underwater path that allows you to dive from one side to the other.
Duration: 1 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 8 - 14m
Portinho Beach Arrabida, Portugal
Located within the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, Portinho Beach is one of the prettiest in all of Portugal. A very good choice for shore and night diving. The bottom is mainly sand with some mooring lines bases for boats. Ritch in sea bream, mullet, sea bass.
Duration: 1 Day
Certification: OWD
Depth: 3 - 8m
Lakes & Caves
Bleu Lake
Ferreira do Zêzere
As soon as you descend you will start seeing the old remains of the submerged village when the dam was built back in the 50s. You can dive through the underwater streets of this typical small village.
The images you are going to see, we promise, are something you will never forget.
In another sector of the dam at a 30mts deep, if you are lucky or if you are diving with us, you will find an old Roman bridge that in distant times was linked to the two margins of the river.
You can expect a quick thermocline when descending from 20º to 14º degrees at around 10mts.
Duration: 1 to 2 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 20 - 30m
Gruta da Pena Mira de Aire
Located in the heart of Portugal, near the city of Torres Novas, Gruta da Pena is just one of a hand full of springs and caves that can be visited by certified divers in the country. The entrance is closed and one needs a special permit from the local authorities to be able to dive there. Only during rainy winters, it is possible to jump in the artificial well that gives access to the cave.
The well goes down to a depth of around 16mts where it meets the natural rock. Descending a couple more meters on a rocky slope, one enters a big room with a muddy floor. Here one has to be careful because, if disturbed, the sediment can limit the visibility to a few centimeters.
The room is quite beautiful with sparkling walls and some stalactites hidden in a chimney-like cavity. A few meters ahead there is a majestic column that is a perfect place to tie the line.
The cave then progresses in a single tunnel morphology, approximately 3mts wide with no major restrictions.
The water can be crystal clear for most of the winter and the temperature is around 15º degrees Celsius.
The depth of the first 100mts varies between 18mts and 6mts, and in some places, the height of the cave can reach 10mts.
At the end of this section, there is a pressurized air chamber where one can take the head out of the water. The cave is still being explored and goes beyond 800mts of penetration.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: Cave Diver
Depth: 22 - 45m
Segredos
Sagres
Consists of an opening on cliff rock that allows the passage from one side to the other through a natural tunnel with large slab blocks on a sandy bottom.
Caution is advised in adverse sea conditions due to the bite, which can sometimes be of great intensity.
We can observe nudibranchs, gorgonians, soft corals, Seabreams, Wrasses, and rock crabs.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 10 - 14m
Catedral Sagres Sagres
Cave with a wide entrance formed by stone blocks in a sandy bottom. The various tones of lights allow you to obtain very interesting ambient photographs.
The "Cathedral", (translated from Portuguese), is a typical dive on cave diving, intro to the cave, and courses. It is a beautiful cave in the south of Portugal, and being an Ocean cave, it's full of life.
It's possible to go further inside, but for that, you need to be cave certified.
We can observe corals, some species of fish, nudibranchs, and amazing rock formations.
Duration: 1/2 Day
Certification: Cave Diver
Depth: 14 - 24m
Cabeça Gorda
Ferreira do Zêzere
Located on the South Margin of the river, this spot is normally searched by technical divers for equipment checks and winter dives. It descends rapidly to 100mts. Also, it has a nice parking spot right next to the water. This beautiful spot is normally very quiet, even in the summer.
You can expect a huge thermocline from the water, quickly descending from 14º to 20º degrees until the 10mts, then quickly decreasing to around 3º to 4º degrees on the bottom.
Duration: 1 Day
Certification: AOW
Depth: 35 - 100m
Azores Islands
The Condor Bank Azores
The Condor reef is the most popular place to dive with sharks, especially the blue shark. Here we feel the adrenaline running through our bodies, an intense experience!
While we hike in the "blue" we are aware of shadows that move cautiously beneath us and that are approaching very slowly and with great caution. The blue shark is curious by nature and is approaching and inspecting both the divers and the boat, swimming slowly between them.
An unforgettable dive without a doubt!
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 0 to 200m
Banco Dom João de Castro Terceira
This spot is actually a submerged volcano, having had its last eruption in 1720. Its top is about 13mts deep,
Its present dimensions are about 250mts in height and 1,5km in diameter. Its name is due to the name of the ship that was found after it submerged in 1941.
The dive is made around the "boiler" of the volcano (there is still seismic and volcanic activity).
This place, far from any of the islands, is fantastic to observe big pelagic fish like Bicuda, Indian mackerel, Atlantic Cutlassfish, Salemas as well as turtles and Manta rays, and several species of cetaceans.
Recommended for experienced divers.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 18 to 60m
Baixa das Eagle Rays Graciosa
A platform that starts at 26 meters in-depth, with some rock formations.
Here we can observe eagle rays, as we say, they are residents so for sure we will meet them.
it is not an easy dive, some current is expected because it is located 1,5 miles from the coast in the open sea.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 26 to 45m
Baixa do Ambrósio Santa Maria
This reef is one of the most sought-after spots, even though it is considered a deep dive. The reason for that is that the bottom is found at 50mts. Many opt to stay on the rope between 2 and 15mts, to observe the huge shoals of fish, devil rays, etc. For the more experienced divers, the bottom also offers life in abundance. We can see great Stingrays, Red scorpionfish, shoals of Amberjacks, and Bluefish. This place is also fantastic for snorkeling, although there may be moderate current.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 10 to 50m
Banco Princesa Alices Azores
This place has an extensive area with depths around 30 to 40mts, falling abruptly to greater depths.
We descend and climb up the cape of the anchor, observing the magnificent species that inhabit this location. You go into the water and it's already an unforgettable experience!
The Banco Princesa Alice (Princess Alice Bank) is considered one of the best and most well-known dive sites in the Azores. Only recommended for experienced divers, it is far from a harbour and prone to strong currents. It also requires diving to considerable depths.
Departing from the Horta Harbour or from Madalena, the long trip (about 3 hours) to cover the 45-50 miles that separate this bank from Faial and Pico, gives ample opportunity to spot whales, turtles and seabirds, in addition to friendly dolphins that escort the bow of the boat.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Difficulty: Advanced
Depth: 35 to 60m
Madeira Islands
Corveta Afonso Cerqueira Madeira
Cargo ship "Madeirense" lays about a mile away from the coast and about 34mts below the surface. Here we can find marine spiders, anemones, and all kinds of marine life. There are also reefs off the coast nearby and even an archaeological dive site to see ancient cannons.
A ship that has been part of the history of Madeira's maritime transport awaits you a few meters deep, becoming real artificial reefs where you can get in and out of its cabins, surrounded by thousands of fish. It is said that it’s a unique spot to dive. That fills our soul with the sound of silence that accompanies us during the dive and that lets the sunshine in through the transparent and turquoise waters that only this island can offer.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 15 - 30m
Ancoras Porto Santo
This spot is called "Anchors" due to abandoned local fisher boat anchors.
Our anchor buoy is at 6mts depth. It is an ideal dive site for Discover Scuba Divers, beginners, check dives, and snorkeling. This site, like most Porto Santo dive sites, is inside of the golden breams protected marine reserve with an abundant fish life all along the southern edge of the Ilheu de Cima, which drops right into the sea with no beaches.
As our most frequented dive site, the fish are very used to divers and usually accompany us throughout the whole dive. Expect to see golden breams, parrotfish, sea bream, spider crabs, the occasional moray or octopus, and triggerfish — a very relaxing dive.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 10 - 15m
A Gruta Madeira
After dropping the anchor just off the Ilheu de Cima, you do an 8 min swim over rocks and boulders to reach the small cavern with a bottom of very fine sand. After carefully entering you can ascend a few meters into a short chimney. Often you meet a large black ray just outside the cavern.
Inside the cavern, shine your torch up to see bogues and sea bream, and once you have explored again, revisit the rocks outside to search for well-hidden lobsters and moray eels. Over the sand and rocky bottom a little further away, you will spot more sea bream, parrotfish and triggerfish—an exciting dive comprising a mix of environments.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 18 - 26m
Baixa do Max Porto Santo
Baixa do Max, is located inside the bay of Porto Santo, very close to Ilhéu de Cima, and within the Marine Protected Area. The name is due to a great Grouper that existed there, known as Max.
The dive site consists of spectacular vertical volcanic walls and rocks and boulders of various sizes over a sandy bottom. It is just inside the protected marine reserve, and the fish life is very good, with resident groupers as well as all the other common species.
The current can be quite strong, mainly at the mid-tide of the high tides associated with the full moon and new moon.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 18 - 26m
Thailand
The Similan Islands LIVEABOARD
Thirty miles off Thailand’s west coast, the nine Similan Islands cover an area of approximately 87 square miles and offer some of the best liveaboard diving in the Andaman Sea. In combination with the northern islands of Ko Bon and Ko Tachai and the world-famous Richelieu Rock, a Similan Islands liveaboard trip provides access to an impressive catalog of marine species and often-easy diving in comfortable conditions.
Previous problems with over-tourism and damage to the land and marine ecosystems of the islands have been brought under control in recent years, through stricter access rules and the removal of virtually all land-based accommodation and tourist facilities.[1] As such, the Similan Islands liveaboard season runs from mid-October through to mid-May in line with the National Park open season, and it is prohibited to venture onto several of the most vulnerable islands.
While day trips are possible, a liveaboard is by far the best way to experience this intriguing region. Departing from Khao Lak, Ranong, or Phuket, liveaboards to the Similan Islands tend to run 4 or 7-night itineraries with the longer trips including dives at Richelieu Rock or the nearby Surin Islands. Some Similan Islands trips also include dive sites in Myanmar, a unique and rarely visited destination. Boats range in style from modern motor yachts to more traditional-style junks, and from budget-friendly to luxury. Most schedules will run 4 dives a day, including one dusk or night dive. There is also the option to snorkel between dives, and the possibility of a land-based excursion to explore the top-side wildlife.
With marine biodiversity now declared ‘fully recovered’, divers will discover diverse and prolific fish life including large schools of anthias, damselfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish schooling over healthy colourful coral formations and gently sloping reefs. Dramatic rock formations on the west side of the islands create a fascinating underwater topography of tunnels, caves, and swim-throughs, while nutrient-rich currents encourage vast populations of gorgonians, soft corals, and crinoids. Manta rays and whale sharks are frequent visitors between October and April.
Duration: 5 to 8 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 15 - 45m
Phuket Island Thailand
1. Phuket Shark Point
One of the best day-trip dive sites in Phuket, but also incredibly popular and very busy during peak season. Three pinnacles are covered in beautiful pink and purple soft corals, numerous barrel sponges, and the marine life is plentiful. This is an excellent site for encountering leopard sharks near the sandy bottom, as well as bamboo sharks, banded sea snakes, and turtles.
2. Anemone Reef
Another popular site visited by day boats and liveaboards, this single pinnacle is named after the large field of anemones that cover it. Divers can spot lionfish, clownfish moray eels, and reef sharks, as well as some fascinating macro clinging to the rocky substrate.
3. Home Run Reef
Two hours by boat from Phuket, Racha Island is home to several dive sites including Home Run Reef. A gently sloping reef leads to a maximum depth of 72 feet (22m) with plenty of fascinating coral formations and a host of tropical fish. The wreck of the Andaman Explorer can also be dived just off the reef.
4. Lucy's Reef
A great drift dive on Racha Island, Lucy's Reef is a great spot for large pelagic spots including manta rays, barracuda, and tuna. There are also plenty of leopard sharks and stingrays as well as pods of dolphins.
5. Karon Beach
A very shallow local shore dive, this site is often utilized by dive centers and novice divers but is also great for muck diving. There is plenty of marine life to be spotted, including rays and turtles, as well as some bright coral formations.
6. King Cruiser Wreck
Phuket's most popular wreck dive, this 280 feet (85m) ferry sank in 1997 after hitting the reef. It is now home to a plethora of Andaman Sea species, and while penetration is no longer possible, there is still plenty to explore outside the wreck.
7. Koh Dok Mai
One of the best macro sites around Phuket, this wall dive features colorful corals and critters abound. Photographers can find yellow tiger-tail seahorses, ornate and harlequin ghost pipefish, and a whole host of different nudibranchs.
Duration: 8 to 15 Days
Certification: OWD
Depth: 15 - 35m
Philippines
The Philippines
LIVEABOARD
In general, liveaboard diving in the Philippines can be divided into two distinct seasons: March to June, which is the prime season to dive Tubbataha, and July to February, which offers a wider variety of itineraries mainly visiting the Visayas with varying departure ports.
TUBBATAHA (MARCH TO JUNE)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as the best diving spot in the Philippines, and one of the most biodiverse dive areas on earth. Think pristine coral reefs, rich marine life, and prominent pelagic action (11 shark species including whale sharks too!).
MALAPASCUA & VISAYAS (JULY TO FEBRUARY)
Malapascua is a Philippine island in the Visayan Sea, known to be the only place in the world where thresher sharks are seen daily. Liveaboard trips to Malapascua are usually offered in combination with other Visayan Islands, which often include Cabilao, Balicasag, and Moalboal (THE place to witness a sardine run), Dauin (critter diving), and Apo Island.
APO REEF & CORON (DEC/JAN TO FEBRUARY)
Often called "little Tubbataha", Apo Reef is an excellent UNESCO heritage site candidate boasting colorful walls, plenty of sharks, turtles, bump-head parrotfish, and huge schools of snappers and tuna. Coron Bay is the wreck dive capital of the Philippines, with 11 unique World War II shipwrecks to explore.
Duration: 8 to 15 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 10 - 35m
South Africa
The Sardin Run Port St Johns
Every year from around February to August the South African Coast is enriched with life. This is a result of the annual migration of sardines. Starting on the west coast of South Africa in around February and moving along to the east coast of South Africa through the months until around august when they disappear.
Experience this annual phenomenon of millions of sardines which takes place off the coast of Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape of South Africa whilst being in the presence of hundreds of dolphins, sharks, diving birds, whales, game fish, and seals. During your Sardine Run trip, you will also get to dive one of the top-10 dive sites in the world, the Aliwal Shoal in KwaZulu-Natal. You’ll feel like you’re in a David Attenborough production or filming for Natgeo or the BBC Earth series.
Port St. Johns is situated in the heart of the wild coast and offers a unique beauty to the Sardine Run experience.
Port St Johns is a quaint coastal town in South Africa and is known as the Jewel of the Wild Coast. The Wild Coast is a stretch of 250 kilometers of coast which gained its name by its inaccessibility and reputation for ship-crushing waves. Today the Wild Coast is still relatively untouched and offers rich experiences and adventures.
Duration: 8 to 10 Days
Certification: AOW
Depth: 15 - 35m
" There is nothing wrong with enjoying looking at the surface of the ocean itself except
that when you finally see what goes on underwater,
you realize that you have been missing the whole point of the ocean.
Staying at the surface all the time is like going to the circus and
staring at the outside of the tent '
Dave Barry