My First Scuba Dive into the Ocean from Terceira – Azores

My First Scuba Dive into the Ocean from Terceira – Azores
Location: Azores, Portugal
Price: $176 per person
Provider: Portugal Dive

What We Love About This Experience
This tour offers a safe, beginner-friendly way to experience the underwater world of the Azores without any prior certification. The professional guidance from certified instructors ensures you’re in good hands, making even nervous first-timers feel comfortable. Plus, the chance to see amazing marine life—like octopuses and colorful fish—alongside volcanic landscapes really makes it a memorable introduction to scuba.

One thing to consider though: the duration is relatively short—just around 2 hours—so it’s more of a taste test than a full-day adventure. Also, it’s geared toward those over 10 years old, so not ideal if you’re traveling with very young kids or people with mobility issues. That said, if you’re looking for a low-pressure, fun introduction to scuba, this is a solid choice.

This tour suits first-time divers, travel lovers eager to see marine life, or anyone curious about trying something new in a stunning setting. It’s especially good if you want a safe, controlled environment to get your feet wet (literally).

Key Points

• No certification needed; perfect for complete beginners
• Small group size (up to 4 participants), ensuring personalized attention
• Safety and instruction are prioritized with certified guides
• Marine biodiversity in the Azores is a major highlight
• Short, manageable experience suited for those with limited time
• Includes all equipment and safety briefings for peace of mind

You can check availability for your dates here:

Diving into the Azores: What to Expect

If you’re considering this experience, you’re probably wondering what a typical session looks like, and what makes it special. Here’s a detailed look based on the info available.

Starting Point: Porto das Pipas

Your adventure begins at Porto das Pipas, a convenient and scenic spot on Terceira Island. The location itself sets a relaxed tone for the day. It’s easy to get there, and you’ll meet your instructor for a quick safety briefing before anything underwater happens.

The Safety Briefing (about 30 minutes)

This part is crucial. The instructor will explain how the equipment works, what signals to use, and safety rules to keep everyone secure and confident. Since no prior experience is required, this briefing is designed to be clear and straightforward, focusing on what you need to know to feel comfortable underwater.

Many reviews mention that the instructors are friendly, clear, and patient, which helps ease any nerves. Expect to learn how to breathe through the regulator, equalize your ears, and move in the water. This foundational knowledge is essential, and the safety briefing sets the tone for a relaxed experience.

The Dive (around 40 minutes)

Once you’re ready, you’ll gear up with all the necessary equipment—mask, fins, wetsuit, and tank—and then head into the water. The dive will be up to 6 meters deep, making it accessible for those new to diving.

The underwater scenery includes volcanic rock formations, which give a fascinating backdrop to your first underwater experience. You’ll see a variety of marine creatures such as octopuses, sea breams, and wrasse. Several reviewers have highlighted how stunning the views are, with clear waters making it easy to see the vibrant marine life.

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What It Feels Like

Many first-timers describe the sensation as surprisingly peaceful. The water temperature is comfortable enough for a short dive, and the shallow depth means you don’t feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself mesmerized by the movement of fish and the beauty of the volcanic landscape.

Since the experience is designed for beginners, the instructor will be close by, offering guidance and reassurance. It’s about having fun and experiencing something new, not about pushing limits.

Returning to Shore

After the dive, you’ll head back to Porto das Pipas, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Some participants opt for underwater photos or videos, which are often included as an optional extra. These can be a great way to remember your first ocean adventure—just check if they’re part of the package or an added cost.

The Value of the Experience

At $176 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. It includes all equipment, a safety briefing, and the dive itself, plus insurance. Having a small group (limited to four) means you get more personalized attention, which is reassuring for beginners.

Compared to more extensive certifications or full-day dives, this is a short, manageable experience that provides a genuine taste of what scuba is like. If you’re unsure whether diving is for you or simply want a safe way to dip your toes into the underwater world, this tour hits the sweet spot.

It’s also worth noting that the reviews for Portugal Dive are generally positive, with a 4.3 rating. Participants appreciate the professionalism of the instructors and the spectacular marine environment.

Practical considerations

• You’ll want to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen—everything you need to enjoy the day comfortably.
• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.
• Expect the experience to last about 2 hours, with the actual dive being about 40 minutes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is great for those curious about scuba but hesitant to commit to certification right away. It’s ideal if you want a safe, guided introduction that doesn’t consume an entire day.

Travelers who love marine life and stunning coastal views will particularly enjoy the scenery and the chance to see octopuses and colorful fish. If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, the small size of the tour ensures everyone receives personal attention.

It’s not designed for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with specific mobility needs, but for active, healthy adults or teens over 10 with a sense of adventure—this could be the start of a new hobby.

FAQ About This Tour

Is prior diving certification needed?
No, this experience is designed for beginners with no certification required.

How deep will I go underwater?
You’ll be diving up to 6 meters deep, which is perfect for first-timers.

What is included in the price?
All equipment, a certified instructor, safety briefing, one ocean dive, insurance, and optional underwater photos/videos.

How long does the experience last?
The total duration is about 2 hours, with roughly 40 minutes spent underwater.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 10 years old.

What language support is available?
Guides speak English, French, and Spanish.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are recommended; all equipment is provided.

In the end, if you’re looking for a safe, friendly, and visually stunning way to try scuba in the Azores, this tour from Portugal Dive offers a compelling option. The chance to see volcanic underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life makes it a memorable introduction. While it’s a short experience, it can be the start of a new hobby or simply a unique highlight of your trip.

For those with a sense of adventure and a love for nature’s underwater beauty, this tour might just be the perfect first step.

You can check availability for your dates here: