About The Anchors
The Anchors is an archaeological boat dive site situated off Lagos, Portugal, near Ponta da Piedade, where historic anchors rest among natural rock formations and marine growth. This site is particularly significant for its unique blend of underwater history and natural reef exploration, distinguishing it from purely natural or wreck-focused sites. Divers typically seek out the mix of ancient artifacts and scenic underwater landscapes rather than extreme depths or strong currents. The underwater topography features scattered rock structures, small arches, and sand patches where approximately 22 old anchors are found. Some of these anchors exceed three meters in height, creating an astonishing scenario. The maximum reported depth for this site is 17 meters, though PADI lists it as 16 meters. Visibility can fluctuate, but the protected coastal setting generally makes for a comfortable dive. Marine life at The Anchors is modest but varied, with gorgonians and small reef creatures adding visual interest around the artifacts and rocks. Common sightings include conger eels, various crabs, cuttlefish, moray eels, nudibranchs, octopuses, scorpionfish, and squid. The site is also noted for wrasses, parrotfish, groupers, stingrays, and eagle rays around the São Roque islet area, though some species listings might pertain to a different site sharing the name. This site is accessible via boat, and its typically calm conditions make it suitable for a relaxed, beginner-friendly archaeological and reef tour. Divers should maintain careful buoyancy to avoid disturbing artifacts or marine growth. Standard boat-dive awareness is important during descent and pickup due to variable coastal surface conditions and potential boat traffic.
Highlights
Historic anchors (up to 3 meters tall)Archaeological underwater siteSmall arches and rock featuresDiverse small reef lifeGorgonian coralsConger eels and octopusesRelaxed coastal dive
Best Season
The optimal time to dive The Anchors is during periods of calmer and warmer sea states, which generally enhance comfort for this sheltered boat dive. The site's enjoyability is largely dependent on local sea conditions allowing boat access.
Dive site facts: The Anchors
- Depth
- 0–17 m
- Current
- Mild
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- , Reef
- Region / port
- Portugal
- Coordinates
- 38.6833° N, 9.4500° W
Conditions & Currents
The Anchors typically experiences mild to no current, making it a comfortable and accessible dive. It is characterized as a relaxed coastal profile where divers can enjoy a slower tour of the archaeological features and reef. As a boat entry site, divers are typically dropped directly onto the site and picked up from the water, requiring standard boat-dive awareness for both descent and ascent. Divers should be mindful of potential boat traffic at the surface. Visibility can be variable, ranging from 5 to 15 meters, and there is no mention of thermoclines or significant surge. This relatively placid environment makes it an excellent choice for less experienced divers.
Why dive The Anchors from a liveaboard?
The Anchors is one of Portugal's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include The Anchors on their Portugal itineraries.
Liveaboards diving The Anchors
These liveaboards may visit The Anchors on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Water And Wind
Portugal
8 guests13.41 m
Dive sites similar to The Anchors
Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
Pedra da Velha
Portugal
Pedra da Velha is an advanced boat-access rocky reef and pinnacle located off Peniche, within the protected Berlengas archipelago.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 10–20 m
- Theme
- Reef / Wall
Pedra da Nau
Portugal
Pedra da Nau is a notable dive site situated in a protected bay near Cascais, easily accessible with a short boat ride from shore or even by land.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 4–18 m
- Theme
- Reef
Silveira
Portugal
Silveira is a welcoming beginner-friendly dive site located off Terceira Island in the Azores archipelago, Portugal.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 2–15 m
- Theme
- Reef / Pinnacle
Cinco Ribeiras
Portugal
Cinco Ribeiras is situated on the western coast of Terceira Island in the Azores, named after a nearby village.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 5–16 m
- Theme
- Reef / Cavern
Ambrosio
Portugal
Baixa do Ambrósio is an advanced dive site situated in the open Atlantic, southeast of Santa Maria Island in the eastern Azores.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 5–47 m
- Theme
- Reef / Drift
Poente
Portugal
Poente is a remarkable dive site located on the western coastline of Terceira Island in the Azores, offering an engaging experience for intermediate divers.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 5–18 m
- Theme
- Reef