Lisbon: Try Dive in Arrábida Marine Reserve Setubal Sesimbra

If you’re dreaming of trying scuba diving for the first time, this tour in the Arrábida Marine Reserve might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s designed for beginners, offering a safe and friendly environment to get your feet wet—literally—and explore Portugal’s diverse underwater world. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the positive reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a solid choice for anyone curious about the sea.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it is—you get professional, certified instructors guiding you every step of the way—and the chance to see a stunning variety of marine life up close. Plus, it’s nestled within a protected zone of natural beauty, adding a layer of tranquility to your adventure. A possible consideration is that it’s only 2 hours long, so if you’re craving more extensive underwater exploration, you might need to look elsewhere. Still, for a first-time taste of scuba, this tour seems well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting a safe intro with memorable views.

If you’re comfortable with a short, guided experience that prioritizes safety and friendly instruction, this tour might be just perfect. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with friends or family (over age 10), eager to try something different and learn about Portugal’s marine biodiversity in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: Designed for those new to scuba diving, with a gradual introduction and safety focus.
• Certified Guides: Instructors and Divemasters are certified by top organizations like CMAS and SSI, ensuring professionalism and safety.
• Diverse Marine Life: Watch over 1,000 species, including octopuses, lobsters, sea horses, and more, in one of Europe’s most diverse seabeds.
• All Equipment Included: Full scuba gear, tanks, and ballast are provided, making it straightforward to participate without extra hassle.
• Short & Flexible: The experience lasts around 2 hours, perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or want a quick taste of underwater exploring.
• Excellent Reviews: With a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews, most participants find it worthwhile and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s the Experience Really Like?

This tour takes place in Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, a prime location within Arrábida Natural Park, just under an hour from Lisbon. That proximity makes it an easy escape from the city’s hustle, and you’ll find this site boasts some of the most diverse seabeds in Europe. During your time, you’ll glide through reefs and coral gardens, where anemones, gorgonians, and sea stars create a lively scene.

The process begins with a safety briefing, where your guides introduce themselves—and you’ll get familiar with your gear. The instructors are not just qualified, but also praised for their friendliness and patience, especially important for nervous first-timers. You’ll learn to breathe underwater, a key step that often surprises people with how natural it feels once you get the hang of it.

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll do a brief adaptation session, usually in shallow water. This is when you start feeling more at ease and test your equipment—like your mask, fins, and regulator—before heading out on a guided, small-group dive. During the dive, your guide will point out marine creatures, some unique to this reserve, such as octopuses or lobsters. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, helping even the most anxious participants relax and enjoy the experience.

One reviewer, Krzysztof, shared how the team’s patience made all the difference. They arrived stressed but left feeling elated, praising the calm, professional instructors who answered all their questions—sometimes multiple times. The guides’ expertise really shines through in moments like these, making the experience approachable for beginners.

The entire activity, including transfers via speedboat, lasts around 2 hours. You’ll leave with a participation certificate, which makes for a nice keepsake—especially if you’re planning more underwater adventures later. Plus, safety gear—such as tanks and ballast—is included, removing the hassle of arranging your own equipment.

The Location: Why Arrábida Marine Park?

This protected marine area is celebrated for a reason. Its reefs and coral gardens host an incredible variety of over 1,000 marine species. From delicate anemones to elusive sea horses, the biodiversity here is remarkable in Europe, particularly along the Setúbal coast.

The scenery is striking—rocky outcroppings, underwater caves, and lush coral formations offer a stunning backdrop for your first experience. Many find the environment peaceful, and the water clarity generally good, especially in calm weather conditions. The proximity to Lisbon means you can enjoy a quick escape to nature without spending hours traveling.

A major draw is how the site’s diversity benefits your learning—your guides can easily point out different species and explain their roles in the ecosystem, making your introduction educational as well as fun. Many reviewers mention how the guides’ knowledge enhances the experience, turning a simple activity into a mini-seminar about marine life.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour package provides all the essentials: certified instructors, full scuba gear, tanks, ballast, and liability insurance. The inclusion of water and safety support ensures you are looked after throughout.

Transportation to the site is not included but can be requested for an extra fee, which might be worth considering if you’re unfamiliar with the area or prefer a hassle-free experience. Given the short duration, many opt for local transport or organized transfers to make things easier.

The experience is accessible in multiple languages—English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish—which makes it convenient for international travelers. Keep in mind, children under 10, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health issues are not suitable for this activity, as safety is a priority.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal if you want a low-pressure, well-organized introduction to scuba diving. It’s perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups looking for a memorable activity that combines nature, education, and a bit of thrill. If you’re traveling with someone who’s nervous about water or new to diving, you’ll find the guides patient and reassuring.

It’s also a good choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion—like a birthday or bachelor(ette) party—and want an activity that’s fun, safe, and a bit different. While not suitable for children under 10, teens who meet the age requirement might enjoy the experience as well.

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Practical Tips for Booking and Preparing

• Book early to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons.
• Since the tour is only 2 hours, plan to arrive a bit earlier to get fitted with gear and settle in.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and a hair tie—these are all you need for the activity.
• Remember, you’re participating in an outdoor activity, so check the weather forecast. The experience is weather-dependent, and safety protocols might lead to rescheduling.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as boat transfers are involved.
• Don’t forget your sense of curiosity and patience—your guides are there to make this fun and safe.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Try Dive experience in Arrábida offers a fantastic way to dip your toes into the underwater world without any prior experience needed. The friendly, certified guides and the diverse marine environment make it a worthwhile activity. The reviews confirm that many participants leave feeling accomplished, inspired, and eager for more.

While it’s a brief session, it seems packed with value—discovering marine life, gaining new skills, and enjoying Portugal’s natural beauty. It’s especially suited for those who want a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving that doesn’t overcommit.

If you’re in Lisbon and curious about what lies beneath the water, this could be a memorable first step.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this tour is specifically designed for those new to scuba diving. The instructors provide thorough safety briefings and guidance, making it accessible for first-timers.

How long does the experience last?
The total activity duration is about 2 hours, including safety briefing, gear setup, adaptation, and the actual guided dive.

What’s included in the price?
You get certified instructors and divemasters, full scuba gear, tanks, ballast, a participation certificate, water, and safety support via speedboat.

Can I go if I have no previous experience?
Absolutely. This is a Try Scuba Dive designed for beginners, no prior experience necessary.

Is transportation provided?
Not automatically, but transportation can be requested for an extra fee.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a hair tie. Everything else, including gear, is provided.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, the experience may be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

If you’re looking for a way to try something new, enjoy Portugal’s natural beauty, and get a taste of underwater life—this tour strikes a good balance of safety, fun, and education. It’s a chance to see the ocean from a different perspective, all with friendly guides supporting you every step of the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: