Charneca (Wreck)

The Charneca wreck, located at the entrance to the port of Leixões in Portugal, is a popular dive site for beginners. Resting on a sandy bottom at a depth of 14 meters, the wreck has a north-south orientation and can only be accessed by boat.

Divers at the Charneca wreck have the opportunity to observe various marine species, including pout, flounders, octopuses, and a variety of crustaceans. Starfish are particularly common in this area.

The Charneca met its fate on February 16, 1986, when it encountered treacherous weather conditions while crossing the Leixões bar. Unfortunately, only one survivor emerged from the accident. Over time, the wreck has suffered significant damage and has been partially suppressed. Despite this, it is still possible to identify remnants of the ship's bridge. However, there is a risk that the wreck may disappear due to plans to extend the breakwater by 300 meters.

Diving at the Charneca wreck offers easy planning and navigation, making it suitable for divers with Wreck Diving certifications. While there is a surface current, the bottom current is virtually nonexistent. However, as the dive site is located near the entrance to the port of Leixões, divers should be mindful of maritime traffic and check for its presence.

The average visibility at the Charneca wreck is around 3 meters, although it can reach up to 4 meters. To ensure comfort during the dive, it is recommended to wear a 7mm isothermal suit, as the average water temperature hovers around 13ºC (55.4ºF). The best time to explore this dive site is between June and September.

For divers planning to visit the Charneca wreck, it is worth noting that it is located close to the APDL - Administração dos Portos do Douro e Leixões in Matosinhos e Leça da Palmeira, Porto, Portugal.