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Ponta do Altar

Discover an enchanting dive site in the crystal-clear waters of Portugal. Immerse yourself in the beauty of a rocky wall adorned with a captivating mix of sand and rock beneath the surface. Witness the emergence of numerous large rocks, providing a haven for a variety of marine creatures. With calm waters and a lack of current to contend with, this dive promises a serene underwater experience.

As you descend to a maximum depth of 23m, be prepared to be surrounded by a vibrant underwater ecosystem. The seabed is adorned with lush green and brown algae, creating a visually stunning panorama. Explore the plethora of macro life that thrives in this underwater haven, and be mesmerized by the sight of schools of different fish species gracefully gliding through the waters.

With a visibility of 16m, this dive site offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the aquatic world. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned diver, this site accommodates divers of all skill levels, ensuring an unforgettable diving experience for everyone.

Located near the Associação Náutica da Madeira in Caniçal, Machico, Madeira, this dive site is easily accessible and provides a convenient diving location for adventurers seeking to explore the underwater treasures of Portugal. Don't miss the chance to discover the captivating beauty that lies beneath the surface of the water at this remarkable dive site.

Plan your dive excursion today and embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure in Portugal. Experience the thrill of diving amidst stunning rock formations, diverse marine life, and the tranquil waters that await at this remarkable dive site.

Diving Conditions Score for Ponta do Altar

8.6
Very Good

Very good diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for Ponta do Altar

Depth

23m

Visibility

16m

Experience Level

beginner

Weather Conditions for Ponta do Altar

Wave Height

0.52m

Wind Speed

2.2 m/s

Water Temp

22.1°C

Visibility

16.62km

Cloud Cover

92%

Wave Period

6.7s

Air Temperature

24.1°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Ponta do Altar
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for Ponta do Altar

Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 9.454977168949771/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.48m, Wind 2.9 m/s.Best night dive time: 4:00 with score 8.897038095238095/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at Ponta do Altar: 06:00
Sunset at Ponta do Altar: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at Ponta do Altar 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.

🌞
Best Overall
8:00

Score: 9.5/10
Waves: 0.48m (7.3s), Wind: 2.9 m/s

🌞
Safest Overall
14:00

Score: 9.3/10
Waves: 0.54m (6.3s), Wind: 1.3 m/s

🌙
Best Night
4:00

Score: 8.9/10
Waves: 0.46m, Wind: 3.3 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for Ponta do Altar
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Ponta do Altar

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 Ponta do Altar

Winter

Avg. Score: 8.7/10

Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.

Best Months for Ponta do Altar

January
Score: 8.9
November
Score: 8.9
December
Score: 8.7

Ideal Conditions for Ponta do Altar

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

21.3°C / 70.3°F

July

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

16.9m / 55.4ft

November

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

0.7m / 2.3ft

November

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for Ponta do Altar

Ponta do Altar shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (21.3°C) and January the coldest (12.8°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in November with average wave heights of 0.7m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in November 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). July is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during November to January, 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.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 22, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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