This dive site, known as Pedra da Pata Roxa (Purple Paw Rock), is located a 20-minute boat ride southwest from a marina, likely near Cascais, Portugal. Divers navigate a rocky bottom interspersed with tongues of sand, starting around 24 meters and descending to a maximum of 28 meters. There is no specific historical background or detailed navigation instructions provided, but its allure lies in its vibrant marine life and unique topography.
The main attraction of Pedra da Pata Roxa is the opportunity to spot the elusive Small-spotted catshark, which is a key highlight for many divers. Beyond the catsharks, the site hosts a variety of fish species, octopus, and other invertebrates, thriving within the rocky crevices and sandy patches, offering rich biodiversity for observation.
While specific best times to visit are not detailed, temperate waters like those off Portugal generally offer year-round diving, with summer and early autumn providing warmer conditions and potentially better visibility. Divers should be prepared for typical Atlantic water temperatures. The average depth of 14 meters makes it suitable for recreational diving, and its maximum depth of 28 meters also appeals to more experienced divers and freedivers seeking deeper exploration.
