Dive the U-boat 1277 – the Most Iconic Dive in Portugal

Dive into Portugal’s Most Iconic Wreck: U-Boat 1277

This double dive experience in the Norte Region of Portugal offers certified advanced divers the chance to explore U-Boat 1277, a WWII German submarine resting at approximately 30 meters deep. Priced at $164 per person and lasting 3.5 hours, this tour combines history, marine biodiversity, and spectacular underwater scenery. With a provider rating of 4.3, Portugal Dive ensures a well-organized adventure led by experienced local guides.

Ideal for wreck diving enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this tour provides a rare opportunity to see a well-preserved wartime relic and an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Although suitable only for certified divers with a recent dive within a year, the experience promises both thrilling exploration and educational insights into Portugal’s WWII maritime past. The tour’s limited group size of eight participants ensures personalized attention and safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $164 per person for a comprehensive 3.5-hour experience
• Duration: 3.5 hours, including boat rides and dives
• Location: Depart from Marina de Leça, near Porto, Portugal
• Diving Experience: Designed specifically for certified advanced divers (AOWD)
• Highlight: Diving the historic WWII German U-1277 at around 30 meters deep
• Additional Dive: A second nearby reef or wreck, based on conditions, offering diversity and biodiversity

Starting Point at Marina de Leça and Safety Briefing

The tour begins at Marina de Leça, a convenient launching site just outside Porto. Before heading out on the water, a 30-minute safety briefing takes place, covering dive procedures, safety protocols, and equipment checks. This session helps ensure that all participants are prepared for the underwater adventure, especially considering the depth and nature of the dives.

The local guides are well-versed in the area’s diving conditions, providing clear instructions to maximize safety while maintaining a friendly and professional tone. This initial step sets the tone for a smooth, well-organized experience that balances adventure with safety.

Speedboat Transfers to the Dive Sites

After the safety briefing, a 15-minute speedboat ride takes divers from the marina to the dive sites along the Porto coast. The boat ride offers scenic views of the coastline and prepares divers mentally for the underwater exploration ahead. The speedboat is fast and comfortable, ensuring minimal travel time and more focus on the dives themselves.

The boat’s capacity is suitable for small groups, which allows for a more personalized experience, and the guides are attentive to weather conditions to optimize safety and comfort. Returning to the marina after each dive, the boat ride remains an integral part of the adventure, adding an element of excitement to the overall experience.

Exploring the WWII German U-1277 at 30 Meters Depth

The main highlight of this tour is the dive at U-Boat 1277, a Type VIIC German submarine launched in 1944 and scuttled on June 3, 1945, to avoid capture. Resting at about 30 meters, the U-1277 provides a fascinating encounter with a well-preserved wartime relic. The submarine’s history is explained by the guides, detailing its construction, wartime role, and scuttling near Portugal.

Divers who explore U-1277 see metal structures encrusted with marine growth, creating a haunting yet captivating scene. The wreck serves as a living museum, offering a chance to connect with Portugal’s WWII past through direct observation. The site is also an artificial reef, attracting diverse marine species that have made the submerged vessel their home.

More Great Tours Nearby

Second Dive at a Nearby Reef or Wreck

The second dive varies depending on conditions but typically takes place at a nearby reef or another wreck. This spot is selected on the day to ensure the best visibility and safety. Expect to see rich biodiversity, including fish, invertebrates, and possibly larger marine species, all thriving in the underwater landscapes around Porto.

This second dive offers a different environment, balancing exploration of natural reefs with wreck diving. It provides a well-rounded experience by showcasing the underwater life and landscapes that make Portugal’s coast so appealing to divers.

Equipment and Guides Included for a Smooth Experience

All necessary diving equipment is included in the tour, from masks and fins to tanks and regulators. The certified dive guides accompany each group, ensuring safety and offering insights into both the history of the wreck and the marine environment. Their local expertise enhances the experience, especially as they explain the significance of the U-Boat and highlight notable marine species.

Guides are fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, accommodating international participants and creating an inclusive atmosphere. The small group size of up to 8 participants means personalized attention, helping everyone feel comfortable and confident during the dives.

Logistics: From the Marina to the Water and Back

The 3.5-hour experience is well-paced, with timing structured around transport, safety, and diving. After the second dive, divers return to Marina de Leça, where the tour concludes. The schedule allows enough time for gear adjustments, briefings, and water time, making it suitable even for those new to wreck diving but with certified advanced experience.

Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen for before and after the dives. Since the last dive must be within a year, divers are advised to update their skills if necessary for dives exceeding that timeframe.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is tailored specifically for certified advanced divers (AOWD). It is not suitable for children under 10 years, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments. The depth of 30 meters and the nature of wreck diving require a certain level of certification and physical fitness.

The tour’s exclusive focus on wreck exploration and its historical significance make it particularly appealing for those interested in marine archaeology or wartime history. The small group size and professional guides provide a safe, educational, and engaging environment for enthusiasts.

Portugal Dive: The Experience Provider

Portugal Dive, rated 4.3, is the provider behind this tour. They specialize in diving experiences around Porto and Matosinhos, emphasizing safety, local expertise, and quality equipment. Their reputation supports a confident choice for divers seeking a memorable exploration of Portugal’s underwater heritage.

Comparing Similar Experiences in the Area

While this tour centers on U-Boat 1277, there are other options like surf lessons, food tours, or private city tours around Porto and Matosinhos. However, none match the uniqueness of exploring a WWII wreck at 30 meters deep in the Atlantic. For divers and history enthusiasts, this experience offers an unmatched combination of adventure and education.

Final Thoughts on the U-Boat 1277 Dive Tour

The $164 price covers two dives, equipment, guides, and boat transfers, making it a comprehensive package for those with the right certification. The 3.5-hour duration balances thorough exploration with manageable time commitments, perfect for a half-day adventure.

While suited to experienced divers, the impressive history of U-1277 and the chance to see marine life thriving on a WWII relic make this tour highly worthwhile. The small group setting and multi-lingual guides ensure a safe, informative, and personalized experience.

This tour is especially recommended for wreck diving aficionados and anyone eager to connect with Portugal’s maritime past beneath the waves. Just ensure you’re within the certification requirements and prepared for the depth involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for novice divers?
No, it is designed specifically for certified advanced divers (AOWD) due to the depth and wreck diving nature.

What is included in the price?
The two boat dives, including the U-Boat 1277, dive equipment, certified guides, and boat rides are all included.

What is the maximum depth of the dives?
The dives reach approximately 30 meters, centered on exploring the U-Boat wreck.

How long does each dive last?
The first dive is about 40 minutes, and the second around 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and returns to Marina de Leça.

Is there a safety briefing?
Yes, a 30-minute safety briefing is provided before the dives.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is fully refundable.

Are guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
Yes, the last dive must be within a year unless a reactivate or scuba skills update is completed.

This U-Boat 1277 dive tour offers a compelling blend of history, marine life, and underwater adventure. For certified divers eager to see a WWII relic in its natural habitat, this experience promises a memorable, well-organized exploration off the coast of Porto.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby