About Bay Cones
Bay Cones in Portugal is a unique dive site characterized by its artificial reef formations. Instead of natural topography, this site features eight by nine resin cones intentionally placed in the bay to foster marine life. Each cone develops its own ecosystem, offering a distinct exploration experience for divers. The site is generally considered a beginner-friendly location due to its mild currents and manageable depths. Divers can explore these individual cones, each presenting a different personality in terms of the marine life it attracts and the growth covering its surface. The concept allows for a focused, interactive dive where observations are concentrated on these specific structures. While specific marine life details are not extensively provided beyond general reef inhabitants, the artificial reef design aims to attract and sustain various species typically found in such environments. The best time to dive here is during the summer and autumn months, from July to October, when visibility is optimal, ranging from 20 to 30 meters, and water temperatures are warm, between 21 and 24°C. This site is ideal for introductory dives, allowing newer divers to gain experience in a controlled and interesting environment. It offers a relaxed diving pace where you can take your time observing the progress of the artificial reef project and its inhabitants. The accessibility and calm conditions make it a suitable spot for multiple dives.
Highlights
Artificial resin conesBeginner-friendly depthsIndividual cone ecosystemsRelaxed diving paceMarine growth observation
Best Season
The optimal period for diving Bay Cones spans from July to October. During these summer and autumn months, divers can expect excellent visibility, typically between 20 and 30 meters, and comfortably warm water temperatures ranging from 21 to 24°C.
Dive site facts: Bay Cones
- Current
- Mild
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Portugal
- Coordinates
- 38.7050° N, 9.4950° W
Conditions & Currents
Conditions at Bay Cones are generally calm, characterized by usually mild currents. This makes the site highly accessible and suitable for most certified divers, including beginners, as it does not typically present significant challenges related to water movement. The relaxed current environment allows for comfortable navigation and extended observation times around the artificial cones. Visibility is at its best from July to October, reaching 20-30 meters. Water temperatures during this peak season are also favorable, staying between 21-24°C. Divers should be aware of cooler temperatures and reduced visibility outside of the peak summer and autumn months, especially from December to March when conditions can be rougher. Given the mild nature of the site, special entry or exit techniques like negative entries or reef hooks are typically not required, ensuring a straightforward and enjoyable dive experience.
Why dive Bay Cones from a liveaboard?
Bay Cones 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 Bay Cones on their Portugal itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Bay Cones
These liveaboards may visit Bay Cones 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 Bay Cones
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