The 15 Best Portugal Scuba Diving

1.Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 715 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $53Our pick

Start at Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton with a safety lesson and pool practice. Then, if you choose the ocean option, follow a PADI instructor to a private reef near Funchal for a first scuba experience among colorful fish, coral, starfish, and possible octopus sightings. English, German, Portuguese, and Spanish support is available.

“Our scuba diving course was an unforgettable experience overall! Our instructor was super friendly and, after a brief theoretical introduction, familiarized us with the equipment. After that, we went to the pool for some practice, which was a bit shorter than expected, before we headed straight into the sea – a fantastic experience! Another particularly positive aspect is that you have the opportunity to obtain a diving certificate and that German-speaking instructors are on-site. The only small downside: the time listed online didn't quite match the actual duration. Otherwise, it was really nice, and we would do it again anytime!”

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2.Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 494 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $53

Start with a short scuba lesson and pool practice, then head into Funchal’s Protected Area for a guided 45-minute visit to a private reef, reaching up to 12 meters. Patient instructors such as Rafa, Esme, Jessie, and Roberto help beginners manage the equipment and stay calm. Expect fish, octopuses, rays, and other Madeira sea life.

“A brilliant introduction for first time divers. I booked onto this as an advanced diver so that my partner could experience diving for himself and we both had a wonderful time. Our instructor Sam was energetic and supportive throughout the whole dive, informative without being confusing or long winded, and clearly in love with his profession. 10/10”

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3.Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50Best value

Learn basic scuba skills at Azul Diving Center in Funchal, practice in the pool, then spend up to 45 to 50 minutes in the sea at a maximum depth of 12 meters. Instructors such as Rafa, Esme, and Guadalupe stay with you throughout. Equipment and a certificate are included, with groups limited to four.

“I had a great time, it was my first time scuba diving so I wasn’t sure what to expect but the instructor was very patient and very helpful with learning what we needed before heading to sea. I had an amazing experience and thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking about trying!”

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4.Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $163

At Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, you learn scuba basics with a professional guide, practice in the Cachalote natural pools, then enter the 6-meter main tank with sharks, rays, morays, and local fish. Abílio, Manuel, and Michael are among the instructors named by guests. No prior scuba experience is required.

“My mum and I had such a great time diving with our instructor. My mum was a little nervous and he could not have been more kind. It was really great to see the aquarium up close and personal and see all the amazing fish they have there. He made the experience fun and safe even though we were completely inexperienced divers. It's really worth doing - where else in the world can you do this?”

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5.Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 192 reviews · 3 hours · from $159

At Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, you learn basic scuba skills with an instructor before entering the main tank beside sharks, rays, and mantas. The three-hour visit includes equipment, a guided aquarium tour, natural-pool practice, and a look at the technical zone. Small groups are limited to four, and instruction is available in four languages.

“Beautiful experience and the guide is so funny and professional!”

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6.Albufeira: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 161 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $162

At Easydivers in Albufeira Marina, you learn scuba basics with a licensed instructor, practice in a pool, then take a boat to the sea for one supervised descent to 12 meters. English, Spanish, and Portuguese are available. Instructors such as João, Wilson, Fernando, and Paulo are known for calm, patient teaching.

“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…”

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7.Lagos: Guided Scuba Diving Trip for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 131 reviews · 3 hours · from $135

Meet Atlasdivertido in central Lagos for a beginner scuba lesson, equipment fitting, and a short boat ride along the Algarve coast. Guides such as Nuno, Nunu, Melanie, Gui, and Tee lead small groups of up to eight into the Atlantic for about 35 minutes, with chances to see cuttlefish, octopus, squid, fish, and sea stars.

“Absolutely amazing experience, I loved it! The instructors were so friendly and helpful and made sure that everything was explained comprehensively (all in perfect English). During the dive, Nunu kept making sure I was alright and checking to see if I was cold. 10 out of 10 would do again, I loved it!”

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8.Vila Franca Do Campo: Introduction to Scuba Diving Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 3 hours · from $154

Meet the Azores Sub Dive Center at Vila Franca do Campo Marina for a safety briefing, equipment lesson, and boat ride to the volcanic islet. You receive close supervision in the water, with guides such as Ivo, Ricardo, Rodrigo, Veronika, and Yanni helping beginners spot octopuses, eels, fish, and historic cannons.

“This was such a perfect activity! We were with a group of 5 & 4 from the center. Before we got on the boat to get to the diving location, we got a short but helpful introduction about the basics of scuba diving, with the remark that during this time of the year the visibility isn't that great. We got our gear and went on the boat: the vibe was relaxed. First 3 others went in, all with their own experienced diver. While we waited on the boat for our turn, we could go snorkeling and later get ready with someone from the center, who was very chatty and eased…”

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9.Catamaran Boat Party with Music, Open Bar & Dives

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 109 reviews · 3 hours · from $57

Join Sardinha do Tejo for a three-hour catamaran party from Doca de Santo Amaro. You’ll cruise past Algés, Belém Tower, and the 25 de Abril Bridge with music throughout, an open bar during the first hour, and a ladder for jumping into the water. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and hosts speak five languages.

“It was honestly the best thing we did the whole weekend. Perfect if you’re with a larger group. 10/10 experience. DJ was also incredible!”

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10.Try Scuba Diving in Arrabida Marine Reserve with photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Meet at Porto Abrigo in Sesimbra for a three-hour beginner scuba session in the Arrábida Marine Reserve. An SSI professional teaches you the basics, guides you to a maximum of 10 meters, and stays with you throughout the underwater session. Equipment, a boat ride, snacks, and underwater photos are included.

“The divers team, they were very lovely and professional, they tought us everything before the dive and afterwords”

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11.Try Dives – Discover Scuba Diving in Albufeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $157

Start at Easydivers in Albufeira Marina with a short theory lesson and pool practice. Then board the boat for a guided reef session to 12 meters, lasting about 30 minutes. Instructors work with two students each, and staff such as Paulo, Mario, and Macedonia are praised for calm, patient support. Equipment, water, and a six-month SSI certificate are included.

“Very nice atmosphere and professional team! Amazing, exciting but safe experience that is definitely worth trying!”

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12.Try Dive in Arrábida Marine Reserve Setubal Sesimbra

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 53 reviews · 2 hours · from $100

Meet at Creiro Beach near Anicha Bar for a two-hour beginner scuba session in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park. You’ll learn equipment basics and underwater breathing before a guided swim among reefs, coral gardens, octopuses, sea stars, and other marine life. Certified instructors speak English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.

“On s’est vraiment régalés pour ce baptême de plongée ! Les deux moniteurs étaient super gentils et vraiment adorables, ils parlaient très bien anglais, ce qui a permis de tout comprendre facilement. Les explications étaient top, et on a pu voir plein de beaux poissons, des poulpes, vraiment une expérience géniale ! Je recommande fortement !!!!”

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13.Try Dive Marine Reserve, Arrábida, Setúbal, Sesimbra, near Lisbon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $102

Meet the Wind team in Arrábida Natural Park for a two-hour first scuba experience in the Professor Luis Saldanha Marine Reserve. You’ll receive instruction, equipment, and accident insurance before exploring Atlantic reef life with an instructor such as Carlos. Transfers from Lisbon or elsewhere can be arranged for an extra fee.

“Great experience with the Learn to Dive. Sign in process, instruction, and equipment fitting was easy and the team provided great information. The dive itself was incredible. Carlos was an great dive master and had us exploring all sorts of sea life We came via Uber from Lisbon and that process was also easy and carefree I would highly recommend this for anyone who even wanted to try diving.”

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14.Lisbon Eco-Try Dive – Diving Baptism

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $117

Meet Anthia Diving Center in Sesimbra for a three-hour beginner scuba session in Professor Luíz Saldanha Marine Park. You’ll learn the basics, enter the water with one instructor for every two participants, and help with simple seabed conservation work. The session ends with a Mission Deep Blue certificate.

“It was amazing and unforgettable experience with friendly people.”

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15.Double dream dive on a Maritime Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $180

Join Portugal Dive in Sesimbra for a three-hour underwater outing in one of Portugal’s major maritime reserves. Certified divers choose their preferred site and interests, from relaxed swimming to photography or a wreck visit. Beginners can try scuba with an instructor beside them throughout. Equipment is included, and hotel transfers are available as an upgrade.

“Well organised. A fun experience. I enjoyed diving in new waters and was able to see a varied array of marine life.”

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