Catrapona
Catrapona, located north of Cabo Espichel in Sesimbra, Portugal, is a sought-after destination for both recreational and technical divers. Despite its exposure to prevalent waves and winds that grace the Portuguese occidental coast year-round, this aquatic gem never fails to captivate underwater enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions at Catrapona is the abundant presence of Anthias, a stunning species of tropical-like fish. These vibrant creatures showcase long dorsal fins and magnificent bright pink coloration, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.
As divers descend into Catrapona's depths, they are greeted by a breathtaking vertical wall that begins at 34 meters and plunges to a maximum depth of 41 meters. The bottom of this dive site is adorned with a shimmering layer of bright sand, reflecting the illuminating sunlight from the surface. The wall itself boasts a diverse ecosystem, with sponges, yellow and orange hard coral, gorgonians, and redfish adorning its surface.
Despite being nestled in the cooler waters of the Atlantic, exploring Catrapona evokes a sense of diving in the tropics. The vivid colors, thriving marine life, and stunning underwater topography make this a truly unique and unforgettable diving experience.
For expert divers seeking a new challenge, Catrapona Dive Site offers an ideal environment. With visibility reaching up to 11 meters, this underwater paradise promises awe-inspiring encounters and unparalleled exploration opportunities.
Discover the wonders of Catrapona Dive Site today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal's underwater realm.
Diving Conditions Score for Catrapona
Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Catrapona
Depth
41m
Visibility
11m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Catrapona
Wave Height
0.84m
Wind Speed
8.7 m/s
Water Temp
18.2°C
Visibility
21.78km
Cloud Cover
67%
Wave Period
5.2s
Air Temperature
20.4°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Catrapona
Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 8.051345029239766/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.68m, Wind 5 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 7.205366055045872/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Catrapona are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 8.1/10
Waves: 0.68m (5.7s), Wind: 5 m/s
Score: 7.2/10
Waves: 0.72m, Wind: 6.1 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for CatraponaAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Catrapona
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Catrapona
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Catrapona
Ideal Conditions for Catrapona
Water Temp
23.0°C / 73.4°F
July
Visibility
15.3m / 50.2ft
January
Wave Height
0.9m / 3.0ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Catrapona
Catrapona shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (23.0°C) and January the coldest (8.6°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.9m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jul 8, 2026