Ricardo…. the spot , in that day belongs to the one that got there first“
(Eurico Correia used to say this )

I woke up early—one of those ungodly hours. The pillow was wrapped around my neck like a clogged hourglass, and the sun hadn’t even bothered to show up yet. My eyes were glued shut with gunk that resembled river mud (but the clean kind—I do shower daily). I stumbled into the kitchen, feeling like a blind rat lost in the fog. Outside, the sky was still a deep navy sprinkled with stars. The air was crisp and invigorating, and my trusty VW Sharan started up cheerfully, ready to whisk me away to the sea.

But, as my good friend Paulo Rosa from São Jorge in the Azores used to tell his mother Odília:

— Mom, the sea is calling me.

And it truly was. Calling with that deep, salty voice you only hear in special places like Sagres. That corner of the Algarve where time slows down and nature still holds the reins.

Cap on, wetsuit slightly damp, and off I went, heading towards the blue. As soon as I entered the water, everything awakened—body, mind, and even my eyes, finally free from their sticky slumber. In my head, the song played: “Back to life… back to reality.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB54dZkzZOY

The visibility was so clear it felt like a David Attenborough documentary. I saw sea bream lining up as if waiting for the bus, an octopus doing a reverse maneuver behind a rock, and a school of silvery fish dancing around me as if I were their underwater DJ. I felt like the Carl Cox of the seas, the David Guetta of Sagres.

Everything was serene until I heard a shout from atop the cliff:

— Hey BOY…..! (He didn’t just say that… but I can’t write the rest here.) You’re scaring all the fish away, you son of a…!

There he was—the quintessential local fisherman. Firm stance, faded cap, cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, and the look of someone who’s argued with many mermaids, botles of beer , 47 wifes and … and ….lost to few.

I raised my hand calmly and replied:

— Sorry, mate… didn’t see your line. (In my Algarve accent leaning towards the Barlavento.)

“_{Barlavento is one of the two areas in Algarve, the west, where the wind (vento) comes from…Barla, means , as almost all the times does happen}“

He gave me a stern look as I climbed a bit up the limestone wall, my rather inclusive pink buoy in tow, and apologized again. Looking back, I saw his 1983 Zundapp (50cc motorbike) and figured he decided against throwing a rock at my head.

“My dad used to come here a lot, but my mom never let me join him—afraid of heights,” I said. (Oh, you know how mothers are… always looking out for us.) “How old are you, lad? 45 in two weeks…” Between puffs of his cigarette and his salt-weathered face, he chuckled at my pink buoy.

Five minutes later, we were chatting about the best times for sea bass, last week’s southeasterly winds, and how the sea, after all, belongs to everyone. I offered him a dried fig—my secret peace offering—and we sealed the truce, talking politics and old-school music. It looks like he does not like funk music also

“Well then, I better get back to fishing, or my wife will think I went off to see the ‘ladies.'”

That’s what I learned on a day I set out to swim alone, without cameras, without filming, just trying to flatten the belly… In Sagres, this somewhat forgotten paradise where the sea is generous but demands respect. Whether swimming, fishing, or floating while gazing at the sky, we must know how to share and, above all, understand that the sea doesn’t forgive distractions.

A few simple yet sacred rules for open water swimming:

• Daily study of tides and currents. It’s not overkill; it’s pure safety. I read the sea like others read the morning paper.
• Know when to stop. If you’re tired, don’t push it. Even the sea doesn’t like exhausted heroes.
• Always use a signaling buoy. It stands out—and can serve as a rest spot if needed.
• Inform someone before you go in. Even if it’s the grumpy fisherman on the cliff, someone should know you went.

I returned to land with a light heart and slightly more toned muscles… the ballad of the water. The fisherman waved from above. I waved back. The sea remained… waiting for the next visit.

And as my Azorean friend would say:

— When the sea calls, you go.

Until the next salty chronicle.

Happy swimming!

The post Salty Chronicles appeared first on Adamastor | Swim Adventures.

After many years competing in swimming and triathlon, with over 200 open-water races and triathlons under my belt, I suddenly found myself without any challenges. Whenever I feel stuck, I start thinking about doing something new. My mother used to joke that I must have caught her “restless bug,” as I can’t seem to sit still.

The other company where I worked, based up north, had little interest in the land of Al-Gharb, or perhaps it was just too busy with other things. So, with the idea of creating content and simply exercising, I decided to invite two friends to swim a 5 km route between Barranco Beach and Martinhal Beach. Together, we ended up setting a new milestone for ideas, and by 2024, this event had already held its third edition.

Sjoerd D., André C., and I left home that morning knowing there was a hurricane or storm warning (Bernard) approaching, with SW waves between 4 to 6 metres and intervals of 22 seconds. When we arrived, there was a huge downpour—one of those typical Algarvian rains.
It rarely rains much here, but when it does, it comes in quick bursts, or “esgarrões,” lasting no more than half an hour.
— “It’ll clear up in a bit,” we thought. And sure enough, after 10 minutes… boom, bright sunshine. After all, it’s still the Algarve, and even at the end of October, the water was 19 degrees, and we had lovely sun.

Entering the water was feasible since we started at a beach facing southeast, but… the 16-second wave intervals were already noticeable. A family member was set to support us in a kayak, but right from the start, we realised there would be issues. The sit-on-top kayak was taking on water due to a crack that had been poorly repaired, so it had to return to shore. André volunteered to take it and its driver back, leaving Sjoerd and me in the water, between 30-metre cliffs with swells that limited any emergency exit options, and beaches 3 km away in either direction.

The water was crystal clear, despite the typical deep emerald green of the area. We saw plenty of fish, but nothing unusual for this region, which is generally rich in marine life.

Si

nce the goal was to create content, I had a GoPro in hand. A large bird flew by. “Look, a gannet, but it’s brown… must be a juvenile.” We’d already seen some cormorants, but this was the first gannet. Then it decided to attack my swimming partner—pecking at his goggles! He was wearing red Zone3 goggles, which must have looked like a sardine or something tasty.

From there to the islets… of course, we had to swim to the islets. We didn’t stop much on the way because swimming against the waves meant losing 10 to 20 metres for every minute of rest. Yes, it was exhausting.

I also had a chance to try out those Swim Run fins (since it seems my adventure buddy enjoys such gadgets), but I didn’t like them much. I felt like they were forcing my head underwater, and as a trained swimmer, I don’t need such tricks.

Along the way, we had brief stops to eat and drink some isotonic fluids, but there wasn’t much chatting. Due to the high wave intervals, I decided not to swim close to the rock walls. It would’ve been more fun but far less safe. Even so, it turned out to be an excellent decision.

When we reached the Martinhal islets, Sjoerd said in his semi-Dutch accent, “This is very beautiful.” Trust me, a Dutchman doesn’t beat around the bush. If he likes something, he truly means it.

I was not at my peak fitness level, and to keep up with Sjoerd (since it’s always a competition when it’s two guys… ALWAYS), I really had to push myself. In the end, Sjoerd slowed down a bit due to his less efficient swimming style, allowing me to follow suit.

When we finally reached the shore, after admiring the islets, we said, “Shame about the waves… next year, we’ll do it again!”

The post The Epic Swim appeared first on Adamastor | Swim Adventures.

The imposing cliffs of the Algarve have always been my natural playground. I grew up among its rugged edges and the blue sea, accompanying my father on his recreational fishing trips. He was the one who taught me to love and respect the ocean, sharing valuable knowledge about tides, winds, and the secrets of the Portuguese coast.

Swimming became my passion early on. The Atlantic waters were my training ground, where I honed my techniques and developed a deep connection with the marine environment. Spearfishing added a new dimension to this relationship, teaching me about underwater life and, above all, the importance of safety. There were times when I underestimated the power of the sea and faced challenging situations, which reinforced the need to carefully plan every outing and to respect nature’s elements.

At 44 years old, with a degree in Sports and a specialization in swimming, I work as a swimming coach. My love for the sea, rock formations, and the rich local geography and biology drives me to share this knowledge with others. I understand the nuances of tides and, through this blog, aim to educate and promote the beauty of our country and, in particular, our Algarve region.

I own a house in the Azores, on the island of São Jorge, where I plan to organize expeditions in the future. For now, I am focused on the stunning island of São Miguel, with detailed information available on the site: https://adamastor-swim.pt/pt-pt/.

The Adamastor Swim Adventures Blog is a free platform where I share my passion and knowledge about the sea. I genuinely care about the people I accompany on these aquatic adventures, seeing this “work” almost as a personal mission, as I believe that true passions are priceless.

Through this space, I aim to inspire others to explore the wonders of our coastline, always with safety and respect for the marine environment. Together, we can uncover the secrets of the Algarve cliffs and the Azorean islands, strengthening our connection with nature and promoting the preservation of our natural resources.

The post The Start appeared first on Adamastor | Swim Adventures.

How to Read a Beach

When approaching a beach, the most important thing is to remain calm and observe before entering.

There’s always something to learn about how the weather will change, the direction of the tide (if it is moving), and, above all, how the waves are breaking along the coast and how the excess water flows back out to sea in rip currents.

Whenever I arrive at a new location, I always feel a sensation in my stomach—a mix of excitement and nervousness. This is completely normal, and even after many years, I still experience the same feeling.

Here, I’ll outline step-by-step how to analyse coastal or beach waters effectively.

What Causes Disturbance in the Sea or Watercourses

In open water, especially at sea, various factors affect navigation, visibility, and consequently safety. It’s essential to consider that waves are generated by wind, either locally or from distant sources. Water movement may also result from tides, rivers, ocean currents, or even passing vessels.

The Basics – Using Weather Apps and Forecast Websites

Checking the Weather

I like to cross-reference multiple websites and then verify their data on location. For example, these days, we have tools like Windguru, Windy, Surfline (formerly Magic Seaweed), and many others—some great, others less reliable.

The trick is to cross-check basic information such as wave height (usually in metres or feet) with wave period (time in seconds). For instance:

• Wave height: Taller waves make swimming less comfortable and reduce visibility in the water, creating the sensation of being surrounded by small “water hills” that obscure views of the shore, direction, or your companions/boats.
• Wave period: Indicates the amount of water moving at any given moment, also known as “groundswell” (waves generated by distant winds). If there’s local wind, it results in “wind swell”—a nuisance for swimming!

When I want to enjoy a smooth swim full of “flow,” too much wave activity can make it difficult.

How to Read a Weather Map

It’s essential to remember that some apps (like Windguru) don’t always account for the coastline or land formations, providing raw data that must be adapted to the specific location. Additionally, you must identify if there’s secondary swell—this occurs when waves bend around continental or island masses, creating unexpected interference. Secondary swell can also affect seemingly protected bay areas, posing potential safety issues or disrupting initial plans.

When paying close attention, you’ll find plenty of information: wind direction, wave direction, estimated temperatures, wave period, and wave height. Don’t forget tides, as these play a crucial role if the swimming area is affected by tidal currents—a topic I’ll cover in another article.

Period

The wave period reflects the movement of water masses back and forth. For swimmers, shorter periods are better. On mainland Portugal, a period below 10 seconds is ideal if the wave height isn’t too large. In the Azores or Madeira, a period of 12 seconds is still manageable—but bear in mind that island conditions involve additional factors.

Wave Height

This is straightforward: wave height is measured from behind the wave in the Hawaiian style. What you see from the front is roughly double the height indicated on apps or weather services. For example, on the Algarve’s south coast, waves over 0.5 metres might challenge most swimmers when entering or exiting the water. However, on the west coast, conditions may differ—so, what now?

Coastal Factors and Swell Direction

Here’s where the seabed and coastline come into play. For example, if the wave direction is from the north but the coast also faces north, the waves are likely much smaller than forecasted for that specific location. In such cases, it’s crucial to observe for secondary swell, which Windguru doesn’t immediately display as it uses a mathematical prediction model without factoring in landforms.

Coming Up Next

In the next edition, I’ll cover reading currents.

The post How should you know if its safe to go? appeared first on Adamastor | Swim Adventures.

(Al-Gharb – Arabic for “The Land to the West”)

The Algarve is the ideal location because it is accessible to all of Europe, has connections worldwide, and its people welcome tourists with warmth and high-quality service.

The excellence of the Algarve lies in its clean waters with outstanding bacteriological quality. We have no dangerous marine animals, the temperatures are mild, and the Algarve is one of the safest destinations in the world in terms of crime. Open water swimming is excellent, as our coasts are calm, with little wave activity. We can predict the weather with great accuracy, as our bays are sheltered from the Atlantic while maintaining their rich marine biodiversity.

The Algarve also boasts exceptional gastronomy, distinct from the rest of Portugal, featuring premium ingredients such as fresh fish and vegetables. Our culinary culture is based on olive oil and healthy, flavourful Mediterranean habits.

As you arrive in the Algarve, you can smell the native plants, see the vibrant colours, and appreciate the natural landscapes. When you enter the water—ranging from a minimum of 15°C in winter to a maximum of 24°C in summer—you are treated to emerald greens, shifting from darker to lighter hues depending on the time of year.

The Best Open Water Swimming Routes in the Algarve

In the Algarve, I like to highlight three areas:

1. The Eastern Algarve (Sotavento) – East of Albufeira.
2. The Western Algarve (Barlavento) – Between Albufeira and Sagres.
3. The Vicentine Coast – Stretching from Sagres to Odeceixe.

In the east, you’ll find long golden beaches, shaped by the flat plains from Faro to the Spanish border. The area between Albufeira and Sagres features cliffs of sandstone and limestone. Further north of Sagres lies the northern coast, known locally as the Vicentine Coast.

The Barlavento Coast is the most interesting, offering ideal swimming conditions on 90% of the days each year. With fascinating geology, you can find everything from fossilised shell deposits in cliffs ranging from 5m to 25m in height, to dinosaur footprints.

The seabed is full of life: octopus, squid, cuttlefish, sea bream, sea bass, and grey mullet thrive here. And, of course, the sardine is king. In some areas, you can spot massive schools of sardines right near the shore. Water temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 25°C in summer (with a few exceptions).

The Vicentine Coast lies within the Vicentine Coast and Southwest Alentejo Natural Park, with strict regulations on construction and nature conservation. In the sea, there are also restrictions on the capture of certain species and limits on how many animals or algae can be harvested.

The only real challenge in this area between Sagres and Odeceixe is the waves. On about 80% of the days, the swell makes swimming difficult. This region is dominated by surfers, but on days when the waves calm, what you see in the water is absolutely breathtaking. (This is my personal favourite area—without a doubt.)

My Favourite Swimming Routes in the Algarve

• Carvoeiro and Benagil: Known for their cliffs and caves.
• Portimão and Lagos: Ideal for spotting friendly marine life, always sheltered from the ocean by two large bays.
• Sagres: My passion. The wild cliffs and emerald green waters here are stunning.

From Sagres to Odeceixe, you’ll find cliffs rising up to 70m above the sea, made of shales and red sandstones the colour of Silves Castle. Some cliffs are nearly black, as quartz has been eroded by the sea and wind. The beaches feature white sands and a dazzling variety of marine life. Here, the sea bream (sargo) is king, deeply tied to the local economy. Locals love the “percebes” (goose barnacles), and nature remains untamed by human hands.

Swimming in these waters makes you feel special, encouraging a deeper connection with the world—a calmer, simpler, and purer perspective.

Tips for Swimming in the Algarve

When swimming in the Algarve, it’s essential to consider:

1. Recommended areas for entry and exit.
2. Tidal conditions at the time of your swim.
3. Local boat and marine traffic.

Understanding the tides is crucial. Although apps and the internet provide forecasts, unexpected conditions can arise. Knowing when the SE or SW winds will help or hinder your swim, combined with generational knowledge, proves invaluable. And, of course, knowing how to swim is a given! 😊

if you need to relax a bit…. here is one ideia

See the idea here

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