Ocean Revival

The Ocean Revival Underwater Park  is situated off the coastal town of Portimao, Algarve, in southern Portugal. More precisely along the east side of the artificial reefs of Alvor, the bathymetric of 26 to 32 meters, with a minimum clearance of 15 meters. The reef will be one mile from the anchorage of Portimão, 3.3 miles from the port and 2 miles from the coast opposite to Prainha.

A carefully selected location for the following reasons:

• Very good diving conditions;
• Good sea condition over 300 days a year;
• Still waters, safe for diving;
• Water temperature between 14 ° and 22 ° C.

Marked by buoys the Ocean Revival reef consisted of four decommissioned vessels from the Portuguese Navy fleet that will serve as artificial reefs.

Oliveira e Carmo

Corvette Ex-NRP Oliveira e Carmo F489 Weight: 1.430 tons Length: 85 meters long Breadth: 12 meters

Zambeze

Ocean Patrol Ex-NRP Zambeze P1147 Weight: 292 tons Length: 44 meters long Breadth: 8 meters

Hermenegildo Capelo

Frigate Ex-NRP Hermenegildo Capelo F481 Weight: 2.700 tons Length: 102 meters long Breadth: 12 meters

Almeida Carvalho

Hydrographic Ship Ex-NRP Almeida de Carvalho A527 Weight: 1.320 tons Length: 64 meters long Breadth: 12 meters

In accordance with OSPAR Convention rules, the ships were cleaned of all environmentally hazardous materials or dangerous for divers. This preparation was done with the help of Canadian Artificial Reef Trading Consultant (CARC), that accounts for more than 23 Navy vessels deliberate immersions around the world.

Four warships that played a key role in the history of the Portuguese Navy sunk one by one a few dozen metres from each other, creating an authentic and freely accessible underwater theme park along the coast of Portimão.

This is the biggest artificial reef in Europe, where a fleet that once formed a whole armada will be transformed into a sanctuary brimming with marine life, with a complementary visitor centre on dry land, at the Portimão Museum.