Ever thought about diving in Portugal? No?! Think twice! There are 1230 km of mainland coast, 920 km of island coastline, 12 islands, eight marine reserves and parks, combined with the rich and magnificent Atlantic Ocean, making Portugal the best and most diverse country in Europe for scuba diving and other water activities. The dive sites in Portugal are all located in the Atlantic Ocean, the least polluted on the planet, and in recent years has been awarded the EU blue flag for quality of water at many beaches in the country. The visibility in the continent is generally between 3 and 15 meters but can reach 30 meters. In the islands is considerably larger. Diving in Portugal it is possible all year round, with water temperatures ranging between 13 and 24 º C (55-75 º F), being the hottest in the south and the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores. You can soak comfortably with wet 5-7 mm suite, which like other necessary equipment is available for rent in diving centres. Come face to face with a vibrant underwater world, and sometimes even bizarre. You can see manta rays, whales, dolphins and volcanic scenery in the Azores; sharks, large groupers and schools of fish, exotic fauna and flora in Madeira, caves, wrecks, and lots of fish, the sunfish always shy and a haven for macro life on the continent. All within a few hours away from each other.