Arrifana Reef
Dive site
Arrifana sits on the Costa Vicentina Natural Park coastline north of Aljezur, where basalt and schist reef fingers extend from the clifftops to 25 m depth in unusually sheltered water for this exposed coast. Common cuttlefish congregate here in spring to mate and spawn in masses on the reef arms, creating one of mainland Portugal's most accessible cephalopod spectacles. Common octopus occupy almost every crack and overhang throughout the year; European moray eels share crevices with conger; and schools of salema and bogue orbit the outer reef edges. The combination of shelter, kelp forest in the shallows, and open rock below 10 m supports a wider species range than most Atlantic Portugal reef sites.
Conditions
Depth
5 to 25 m
Open water and up
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
10 to 18 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
13 to 22°C
5mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 14 |
| Vis (m) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Current | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | calm | calm | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate |
Field journal
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