While Lisbon is of course famous as Portugal's capital city, and while it has been an important center of human activity since the Neolithic period, it is also the site of a fantastic Marine Park. At Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, you'll have the opportunity to dive with more than 1000 recorded species, some of which are rarely seen in other places. Let's take a closer look.
Diving the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park: Important Information
Located about 50 km south of Lisbon, the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park features rocky reefs, stretches of clean white sand, and incredible rock formations that hold an almost unbelievable amount of life including invertebrates, crustaceans, and many species of fish. This diverse habitat was incorporated into a national park in 1998, when it was recognized that human pressures on the area were too great for life to continue thriving. Now, after well over a decade as a nature preserve, this area has rebounded wonderfully and is a spectacular place to dive.
Here, you will find massive forests of gorgonian sea fans, including many very small examples which have taken over since use restrictions were tightened in 2005. Now, no trawl fishing, spear fishing, collection of marine species, or jet ski use is permitted. While there is some fishing allowed it is limited to only 25 species and fisheries activities are strictly monitored, as are all maritime tourism activities including scuba diving. All users, including commercial tourism companies, must possess special licenses to conduct business within the Marine Park. Keep in mind as you dive, this area is on the rebound and local environmentalists fought hard to have it protected. Ensure you touch no organism, and always pay close attention to buoyancy control.
This being said,Luiz Saldanha Marine Park is one of the best places to dive in Portugal all year round. Many divers compare this area to the Caribbean or to Costa Rica for its kaleidoscope of colors as well as for its biodiversity. While the water can be chilly, especially during the winter months when a dry suit or semi dry suit is recommended, you will forget you are in Portugal when you see the massive coral covered slopes stretching out before you. Watch for all different kinds of nudibranchs and blennies, many different types of shrimp, spotted lobsters, and crabs including big spider crabs. In addition, the area is renowned for its octopus and cuttlefish population, so cephalopods are well represented here.
Some unique residents include a colony of seahorses, many stingrays, and even rare phosphorescent bijou anemones. Last but not least, the Marine Park is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins that sometimes join divers for a look around there beautiful and pristine underwater home.
Local dive centers are well equipped, and provide both air fills and mixed gases including nitrox. Depths are shallow, and on weekends you will sometimes find dive classes being held here. No matter when you come though, you are certain to be amazed at the abundance of marine life to be found in the area as well as with the many interesting sights to be had topside - including dinosaur footprints and many endemic species. As this is a popular destination, it is very important to plan your trip in advance.