Portugal · SCUBA DIVING
The 10 best scuba diving trips you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Try scuba in Funchal with pool training, a private reef, PADI instruction, small groups, and colorful Atlantic sea life.
“instructors are very friendly, patient and multilingual. Could have asked for anything more.”
Try scuba in Madeira with pool training, a supervised sea descent to 12 meters, full equipment, and a certificate in Funchal.
“Esme, Guadalupe, Anthony and the team were excellent. We had our course split over two days as the water was too rough, but they were hugely accommodating and booked the open water session as soon as possible. Very calm, professional and charismatic - they all made the experience excellent and have given us the bug to go diving again! I would recommend to anyone visiting Funchal, as a great place to try Scuba or dive recreationally if more experienced. Many thanks to everyone at the Diving School!”
Swim with sharks, rays, and morays at Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, with expert instruction, natural pools, and a 6-meter main tank.
“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?”
Swim with sharks, rays, and manta rays at Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, with equipment, instruction, and a technical tour included.
“What an amazing experience ! It was my son’s (age 11) first time diving and he was very anxious and apprehensive, Abilio was absolutely amazing with him, talked him through everything, broke it down into stages for him, clearly explained everything to him and really reassured him, I had thought when we got there my son wasn’t going to do it but because of Alibio taking his time to reassure him he did it and was so happy and proud of himself at the end :) The whole experience was amazing, I was able to stay close to my son and observe then when he did the main dive in…”
Try scuba in Lagos with a small group, local guide, boat ride, and a 35-minute underwater session along the Algarve coast.
“This was fun! The team (Nunu, Melanie, Gui, and Tee) were very knowledgeable and friendly. I'd tried snorkeling and snuba before, but it was my first time trying scuba. I didn't realize how different it would be and got scared midway. I had to ascend earlier than the rest of the group, but it was a good introductory lesson.”
Try scuba in Albufeira with theory, pool practice, boat ride, and a guided sea swim to 12 meters. Ideal for first-timers.
“We had a great time with our calm and professional instructors. Also the rest of the staff was very very friendly and funny. Everything was clear and we felt very safe despite of the fact that was our first time diving. If you wonder if it’s for you, just try it. Definitely worth it!”
Try scuba in Vila Franca do Campo with patient instructors, clear water, marine life, and 16th-century cannons for $154.
“The guides were so nice ! We really enjoyed our tour, I recommend it :) We saw a lot of different species, great experience.”
Review of Albufeira’s certified diver boat trip, with two sites, professional guides, gear costs, timing, marine life, and booking tips.
“Beautiful dives with a professional team! I recommend! Not a great diversity of fish but pleasant!Auto-translated”
Try beginner scuba in Arrábida’s Marine Park, with a boat trip, one underwater session, environmental training, and SSI Blue Oceans access.
“Simply amazing, all the instructors and staff were very nice and professional, but in for a joke aswell. 100% recommend!”
Learn scuba skills in Madeira with Azul Diving’s three-day SSI course, including pool practice, sea training, equipment, and certification.
“I went there to pass my PE 40. The staff is great, perfect welcome . Big dedication to Anthony and Guadeloupe See you soon in Madeira”
From the cave boats to the cellar tastings, and the best of each.
