If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a WWII wreck and soaking in Portugal’s underwater scenery, this tour might just be the one for you. It’s tailored specifically for certified advanced divers who are comfortable at depths around 30 meters. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out and what to keep in mind before booking, so you can decide if it’s the right adventure for your trip.

What really draws us to this experience are a couple of key things: first, the chance to visit the actual German WWII U-1277, a piece of history resting beneath the Atlantic’s waves. Second, the opportunity to encounter abundant marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes that make diving here more than just a historical exploration — it’s a vibrant, lively environment. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the depth and technical requirements, which mean it’s not suitable for everyone, especially those who aren’t already certified at an advanced level. If you’re comfortable with your skills and looking to tick off a bucket-list wreck, this tour can be a memorable highlight.

This experience suits travelers who are experienced divers with a taste for history and wreck exploration. It’s also good for those who enjoy well-organized, small-group trips where safety and personal attention are priorities. If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, you’ll find the intimate setting especially appealing. However, it’s definitely not ideal for children or anyone with mobility issues, and pregnant women are advised to stay clear.

Key Points

Historic Significance: You’ll explore the WWII German U-1277, a scuttled submarine with a fascinating past.
Marine Biodiversity: The wreck is now an artificial reef teeming with marine life, making each visit visually rewarding.
Expert Guidance: Led by seasoned local dive guides, ensuring safety and rich commentary.
Double Dive Format: Two dives in total, with the first being the iconic wreck, and the second at a nearby reef or another wreck.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, giving a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
Practical: Total duration of around 3.5 hours, including safety briefings, boat rides, and diving time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From the Tour

Starting at Marina de Leça, the day kicks off with a 30-minute safety briefing. This is crucial, especially given the technical nature of the dives. Even if you’ve done plenty of diving, expect to review safety protocols, especially since you’ll be going down to about 30 meters — a depth requiring good buoyancy control and comfort.

Once briefed, you’ll hop onto a speedboat, which takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the dive site. The boat ride itself is a nice way to get familiar with the coast and enjoy some fresh sea air before getting in the water. The first dive, lasting roughly 40 minutes, will be at the U-Boat 1277, a German WWII submarine that was scuttled by its crew in June 1945 to avoid capture. It’s a well-preserved relic, lying at a depth of about 30 meters, which offers a unique blend of history and underwater exploration.

Divers often comment on the clarity and richness of marine life around the wreck. It has become a habitat for many species, and the visual contrast of the rusted vessel against the colorful schools of fish makes for an extraordinary sight. The guides are experienced, and their local knowledge helps highlight features of the submarine and the surrounding marine environment.

After the first dive, you’ll return to the boat and enjoy a quick 15-minute ride back to the surface. The second dive, which lasts around 30 minutes, will be at a nearby reef or another wreck chosen on the day based on conditions. This flexibility ensures the best possible experience depending on current weather and sea state.

Back at the marina, you’ll have completed your 3.5-hour adventure, leaving with memories of history, marine biodiversity, and shared camaraderie with fellow divers.

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Sailboat Ride on the Matosinhos Sea with a Visit to the Port of Leixões

The Historic U-Boat 1277

The U-1277, a Type VIIC U-boat, launched in 1944, carries a compelling story. Its crew continued sailing after Germany’s surrender in May 1945, opting to scuttle the vessel off Portugal’s coast on June 3rd, to prevent it from being captured. Miraculously, all crew members survived and managed to swim ashore near Angeiras, later surrendering to Portuguese authorities.

Today, the wreck rests at about 30 meters deep, making it accessible to advanced divers who are comfortable with the technical challenges of such depths. It’s a striking reminder of WWII history and a popular site for wreck enthusiasts. As one reviewer noted, “It’s a rare chance to see a piece of WWII history in its underwater resting place,” which adds a meaningful layer to the diving experience.

The Logistics and Practical Details

The tour is priced at $164 per person, which includes two boat dives, equipment, and a certified guide. The price might seem steep for a half-day, but considering the uniqueness of the wreck and the professionalism of the guides, it’s a fair value for serious divers.

The trip is organized in small groups, limited to 8 people, which means more individual attention and fewer crowds. You’ll find the timings flexible, but it’s best to check availability beforehand. Remember, your last dive should be within a year, with a reactivation or skills update needed if it’s been longer.

What to bring? Simple essentials like swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Since you’ll be at around 30 meters, good buoyancy control and confidence in your skills are essential.

Why This Tour Might Not Be for Everyone

This experience isn’t suited for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments. The depth and technical nature of the dives require a certain level of physical fitness and comfort underwater. Also, if you’re not yet certified at the Advanced Open Water level, this isn’t the dive for you — the minimum requirement is certification at that level.

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The Value and Overall Experience

In terms of value, the tour offers a rare blend of history and marine adventure. The chance to explore a WWII relic in its original underwater state is pretty special. The small group setting and experienced guides mean you’re well looked after, and the marine life around the wreck can be surprisingly vibrant, providing a memorable contrast to the historical significance.

While the price might seem high compared to typical recreational dives, it’s justified by the uniqueness of the wreck, the quality of the guiding, and the overall safety standards maintained. Plus, the experience is suited for divers who already have their advanced certification and are comfortable with deeper, more technical dives.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re a seasoned diver with a love for history and wrecks, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore one of Portugal’s most iconic underwater sites. The U-Boat 1277 is more than just a wreck; it’s a piece of WWII history, now teeming with marine life and waiting to be appreciated from below the surface.

The trip’s organization, from safety briefings to boat rides and dive execution, reflects professionalism and care, which is reassuring when exploring such depths. The flexibility for the second site adds a nice touch, allowing guides to adapt to current conditions.

On balance, this experience is best suited for dedicated divers who want to combine their passion with a historical story, rather than casual snorkelers or families. If you fit that profile, you’ll likely find it to be a highlight of your Portugal trip.

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

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Not really. It’s tailored for certified Advanced Open Water Divers comfortable at around 30 meters. Beginners or less experienced divers should look for shallower, less technical options.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers two boat dives, equipment, and a professional dive guide. The boat ride and safety briefings are also part of the package.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including safety briefings, boat rides, and two dives.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring?
Just swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The dive guides will provide the necessary equipment.

Is it safe for non-Portuguese speakers?
Yes, the tour is led by guides speaking English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, making communication straightforward.

In all, if you’re after a dive that combines history, marine life, and expert guidance, this tour is a solid pick — especially if you’re already comfortable at depth. It’s a chance to tick off a bucket-list wreck while soaking up Portugal’s unique coastline.