Portugal · SCUBA DIVING
Good scuba diving tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they actually differ.
First-timer scuba session in Funchal, Portugal, with pool practice and a private reef, coached by a PADI instructor for $53.
“Great introduction to diving! A memorable event - and the kick-off to actually do scuba-diving.”
First-time scuba gear lesson in Funchal with pool training and a 12m max reef session. Small groups, equipment, certificate. From $53.
“The whole experience was simply amazing from the start to finish. I was a little nervous and my guide just made me feel so at ease. Honestly the beautiful of the ocean bed was breathtaking. We saw so many fish!!! One even swam up to my daughter’s mask!!! Would definitely recommend and next time I’m here I shall be doing it again.”
Scuba in Madeira’s Aquário da Madeira main tank with mantas, rays and sharks, plus aquarium tours and a natural pool warm-up. 3 hours.
“The guide abilio was amazing. Felt like a trip with old friends. He made the experience fun and easy for us. No worrying at all! And his girl Melanie was a pleasure to meet! (She's a fish)”
Beginner scuba experience in Albufeira with theory, pool practice, and a guided sea swim to 12m plus certification included for 6 months.
“This was truly amazing! Wow! Everything was superclear and good to follow when you dont know anything yet! The first minutes in the pool i felt pretty nervous and anxious and at first i feel like quiting. Scoty my instructor gave me the calmt en trust that i need. Once i got used in the pool and had my breath under control we could go out for the dive in sea. I had everything under control and at that point it starts to get soothing underwater! It is complete rest and it almost feels like meditation. The underwater world is really amazing and eventhough i started anxious it made me…”
Beginner-friendly guided scuba session in Lagos with full gear and safety-first instruction, exploring caves, bays, and sea life. 3 hours.
“Amazing activity. First time diving but the guide was great and helpful.”
Double guided scuba sessions off Albufeira by boat, with tanks and weights included, hot showers, and logbook help.
“The staff and the boat were lovely. Super helpful, friendly and professional from start to finish. Viator price does not include all equipment so you will need to allow an extra 20€ per person for this. Not a whole lot to see on the reef and a bit chilly. Still a fun experience”
Intro scuba training in Albufeira with small groups, pool practice, a guided reef outing to 12m, SSI paperwork, and course credit.
“We had a short briefing and test in the pool to start with. Once the instructors were happy that we had the confidence and ability to go into the open water (whilst closely accompanied by a professional instructor) we left on the boat and stopped near an artificial reef out in the ocean. It was fantastic, the instructors were clear and confidence inspiring whilst having lots of banter and fun at the same time. We saw lots of fish and octopus. This experience is an absolute must do, and if you like it you can progress and do a full diving course.”
Beginner eco scuba trial in Arrábida Natural Park near Sesimbra, SSI-recognized, one session at Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.
“Awesome experience to try diving for first time. The guides are super professional but also very easygoing people. They explain you everything step by step and I felt very safe under care of Paulho. Super fun activity :)”
Try scuba in Arrábida Marine Reserve from Sesimbra, with first-time training, SSI certification, and photo service in a 3-hour outing.
“Really great experience and Phillip was a great instructor who helped me feel comfortable my first time scuba diving!”
Certified scuba tour off Funchal’s marine protected area, small group, guided skills refresh, and UW-scooter for easy fun.
“Baptême de plongée, l’instructrice a pris le temps de nous expliquer et de nous mettre en confiance. Le matériel est super. Nous avons énormément apprécié l’activité. Je recommande”
Advanced scuba wreck session in Madeira, exploring the 85m Afonso Cerqueira inside the engine room and cafeteria, from $64.
“The best dive centre we have visited. The staff are extremely helpful and considerate. The dives were great but about 10 mins short. It would be great to have more air and get that extra few mins. However, by far the best PADI dive centre we have visited. Tq Oreo and Vladimir Ged and Jack”
First-time SCUBA for beginners in Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço, with pool practice, a 12m private reef swim, and a certificate.
“Bellissima esperienza, la guida super preparata e presente in ogni momento dell'attività. Ci ha messo a nostro agio ed è stata molto empatica nel gestire le nostre emozioni del momento (da non sottovalutare visto che per noi si trattava della prima immersione in assoluto).”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
