This dive site, Dourada Wall, is a prominent natural reef formation belonging to the extensive Pedra do Valado reef system in Portugal. It presents as an impressive wall that gently breaks into a sandy valley adorned with various rock formations. Divers can navigate along the wall, exploring its contours before venturing into the more open sandy areas and around the scattered rocks.
The site is notable for its rich marine biodiversity, offering glimpses of moray eels and conger eels often found sheltering within the numerous caves and recesses of the rock structures. In addition, divers frequently encounter other captivating species such as octopus, cuttlefish, and triggerfish, which add to the vibrant underwater tapestry.
The Dourada Wall is best explored during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when water temperatures are more comfortable and visibility tends to be at its best. Its varied depth profile, from the shallower top of the wall to the deeper sandy bottom, makes it an excellent choice for both scuba divers and freedivers seeking diverse marine life and interesting topography in the Algarve region.
