Created in 2021, the "Dive for Cascais" project organizes eight annual underwater cleanups in Cascais Bay, which take place between the end of April and the beginning of October.

These actions rely on the collaboration of the local fishing community, responsible for transporting the divers to the intervention areas, and on the fundamental support of volunteers who participate in different areas:

  • Divers – collect submerged debris for about 1 hour;
  • Stand-Up Paddle boards – transport trash and equipment to land and secure the perimeter;
  • Onshore - rescues marine life trapped in the debris, separates, weighs, and counts the collected trash.

The results of each cleanup are recorded on the international platform PADI Project Aware, contributing to the global mapping of marine pollution.

Diving Scholarships

The project also aims to involve young people from the municipality in protecting the oceans, offering them the opportunity to join our team of volunteers through diving scholarships.

The initiative supports participation in the SSI Open Water Diver course with an 80% copayment. The scholarships are intended for young people between 18 and 30 years old, residents of the municipality of Cascais, who commit to participating in at least five underwater cleanups.

Application requirements

To apply, simply fill out the form and submit the following documents through it:

  • A completed and signed oath of honor;
  • Completed and signed medical questionnaire;
  • Copy of identity card (front and back) or passport;
  • Proof of residence in the municipality of Cascais;
  • Motivational Video – A creative video, with a maximum duration of 3 minutes, in which you should explain your motivation for applying for one of our scholarships and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate.

For more information and conditions, please consult the diving scholarships regulations.

How to participate in the cleanups

The Dive for Cascais underwater cleanups are open to the entire community. Anyone can sign up as a volunteer, regardless of their level of experience, as long as they meet the specific requirements for each role.

Around 10 days before each cleanup, registration forms are published on the Movimento Claro social media channels. These forms are available for the different volunteer teams:

  • Divers
  • Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)
  • Onshore support team

Please note that places are limited, so we recommend registering as soon as the forms are released.

Taking part as a diver

Anyone with a valid diving certification can participate in the underwater cleanups. Having your own diving equipment is not mandatory: if you do not have personal gear, it can be rented free of charge as part of the initiative. However, divers with their own equipment generally have a greater chance of securing a place, due to logistical considerations.

Waiting list

If you are unable to register via the form because all places have already been filled, you may still send us an email expressing your interest in participating. These requests are placed on a waiting list and contacted whenever a spot becomes available due to cancellations.

Volunteer participation is essential to the success of each cleanup and to the positive impact the project has on protecting the marine ecosystems of Cascais Bay.

Calendar 2026

Opening of the Diving Scholarship Competition - January 16th

Closing of the Diving Scholarship Competition - February 27th

Evaluation of Applications and Selection of Winners - February 28 to March 6

Scholarships Diving Courses

  • Pool Sessions - March 14th and 15th
  • Ocean Diving trips - March 21st and 22nd

Underwater Cleanups

  • May 23rd
  • June 6th
  • July 11th
  • July 25th
  • August 8th
  • August 22nd
  • September 26th
  • October 10th
NOTE: The dates for diving trips and underwater cleanups may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and sea state.

From Trash to Art

"Tempus Fugit" – The Beauty and Reality of the Oceans

Inaugurated on December 7, 2024 , the sculpture "Tempus Fugit" , installed near the entrance to Praia do Peixe beach in Cascais Bay, was created from marine debris collected during the 4th edition of the Mergulha por Cascais project .

Conceived by the artist Fiumani , the work establishes a strong contrast between appearance and reality: the mirrored exterior reflects the beauty of the surrounding environment, while the interior reveals marine debris multiplied by mirrors, creating an infinite visual effect. This duality symbolizes how we idealize the ocean, often ignoring the true extent of pollution.

More than a sculpture, "Tempus Fugit" is a visual and emotional warning about the urgency of protecting the oceans and rethinking our relationship with nature.

Dive for Cascais Partners