This dive site is the Draga da Madalena, a captivating shipwreck located just south of the Douro River's mouth, off the picturesque beach of Madalena in Portugal. Lying on a sand bottom, the wreck offers an intriguing underwater landscape to explore. While specific historical details of the wreck are not widely publicized, its presence creates an artificial reef, serving as a focal point for marine life and an engaging site for divers to navigate around its remains.
Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life inhabiting the wreck and its sandy surroundings. The site is particularly noted for its macro life, providing opportunities to observe smaller creatures like crustaceans and nudibranchs. Larger inhabitants include pans and sea bass, while bottom dwellers such as congers, octopuses, lobsters, navaleiras (razor clams), and various crabs are commonly found sheltering within the wreck's structure or on the seabed.
The Draga da Madalena is accessible solely by boat, making it a dedicated boat dive experience. With a maximum depth of 20 meters and an average depth of approximately 10 meters, it is suitable for a wide range of divers, including beginners and freedivers. The best time to visit would typically align with calmer sea conditions, usually during the summer and early autumn months, to ensure optimal visibility and ease of access. Divers should consider bringing a dive light to fully appreciate the nooks and crannies of the wreck and its hidden inhabitants.
