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River Gurara Popa

The River Gurara MV, a Nigerian cargo motor vessel, sank during a fierce storm on February 26, 1989, near Cape Espichel in Portugal. The ship suffered significant damage, breaking in the middle, with its stern resting at an average depth of 23 meters. Divers can explore the wreckage and discover intriguing remnants such as the intact propeller and a portion of the machine house. In the vicinity, other scattered wrecks can be found in various directions, enhancing the diving experience.

This captivating dive site attracts a plethora of marine life, including large Congers, Pouts, Seabreams, Wrasses, Morays, Squids, and Octopuses. Divers can witness these fascinating creatures taking shelter amidst the wreck. With visibility reaching up to 8 meters and a maximum depth of 24 meters, this dive site is best suited for advanced divers.

Located close to Castelo, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Portugal, the River Gurara MV wreck is a must-visit for underwater exploration enthusiasts. Enhance your diving adventures by venturing to the nearby River Proa spot as well.

Diving Conditions Score for River Gurara Popa

6.1
Above Average

Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for River Gurara Popa

Depth

24m

Visibility

8m

Experience Level

advanced

Weather Conditions for River Gurara Popa

Wave Height

0.92m

Wind Speed

5.1 m/s

Water Temp

17.3°C

Visibility

21.02km

Cloud Cover

100%

Wave Period

7.2s

Air Temperature

19.7°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for River Gurara Popa
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for River Gurara Popa

Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 7.866715525114155/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.9m, Wind 3.3 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 7.343150684931507/10.

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

Sunrise at River Gurara Popa: 06:00
Sunset at River Gurara Popa: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at River Gurara Popa 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: 7.9/10
Waves: 0.9m (7.3s), Wind: 3.3 m/s

🌞
Safest Overall
6:00

Score: 7.9/10
Waves: 0.92m (7.3s), Wind: 2.8 m/s

🌙
Best Night
5:00

Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.92m, Wind: 3 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for River Gurara Popa
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at River Gurara Popa

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 River Gurara Popa

Winter

Avg. Score: 8.2/10

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

Best Months for River Gurara Popa

January
Score: 8.7
February
Score: 8.2
December
Score: 7.7

Ideal Conditions for River Gurara Popa

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

22.9°C / 73.2°F

July

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

15.3m / 50.2ft

January

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

0.9m / 3.0ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for River Gurara Popa

River Gurara Popa shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (22.9°C) and January the coldest (8.4°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.

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

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 23, 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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