TRY SCUBA DIVING

Trying Scuba in the Azores: An Honest Guide

If you’re dreaming of dipping your toes into the world of scuba diving but aren’t quite ready for a full certification, a try scuba experience might be just what you need. We recently looked into a popular tour offered by Best Spot Azores Dive Center, and while we haven’t personally tried it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty inviting picture — especially for first-timers.

What really drew us in are two things: the small group size, limited to just two participants, which often means more personalized attention, and the chance to explore the underwater world around an inactive volcano. That’s not something you get every day. The only caution? It’s a experience that definitely requires being comfortable in the water and having basic swimming ability, so it’s not suited for everyone. But if you’re curious, this tour is likely a good fit — especially if you want a low-pressure intro to scuba with knowledgeable guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Perfect for first-timers who want a guided introduction to scuba diving
• Small group setting ensures focused instruction and safety
• Marine life and volcanic scenery make for memorable sights
• Includes quality gear like wetsuits, fins, and masks at no extra cost
• Duration of 3 hours balances experience with a relaxed schedule
• Not suitable for those with health conditions or who can’t swim

What This Tour Offers

This try scuba experience is designed for those who are new to the underwater world but eager to get a taste of it in a safe, controlled environment. The tour lasts about three hours, and it’s led by professional instructors fluent in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. That multilingual aspect makes it accessible to a broad range of visitors.

The main draw is a guided experience where you’ll get to breathe underwater for the first time, explore marine life, and enjoy the scenery of a famous inactive volcano in the Azores. The experience begins with a safety briefing at the Best Spot Azores Dive Center, where you’ll get to try on your gear—mask, snorkel, wetsuit, boots, and fins—all provided at no extra charge.

What to Expect on the Day

Once you’ve met your instructor at the dive center, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing and an introduction to the equipment. This is especially valuable for first-timers who might feel a little nervous about breathing underwater or handling the gear. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides help ease initial fears — one reviewer from Switzerland said, “The instructor took that fear away, so 10/10 experience!”

Afterward, you’ll hop on a boat to reach your dive site, which depends on sea conditions but typically includes exploring a remarkable underwater landscape associated with the volcano. The total underwater time is about an hour, during which you’ll be closely supervised by your instructor and a boat skipper who stays on the surface for safety.

Underwater, you’ll have a chance to see local marine life—a highlight for many. The marine biologists on site also offer insights afterward, helping you identify what you saw and learn more about the marine ecosystem. The experience is intimate, with just two participants per group, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more personalized adventure.

The Equipment and the Convenience

All necessary gear—mask, snorkel, wetsuit, boots, fins—is included, which means you don’t have to worry about renting or buying anything special. The wetsuits are full 6mm, suitable for the Azores’ water temperatures, offering both comfort and warmth.

The meeting point is straightforward: Best Spot Azores Dive Center, located at the stairs to the water level, with a distinctive kiosk to look for. The activity does not include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own pickup and drop-off, which is worth noting for planning.

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The Experience for Different Travelers

This tour is especially suited for adventure seekers who want a safe, guided introduction without a long commitment or certification. It’s also perfect for those who might feel hesitant about jumping into a full dive but still want to see underwater life firsthand.

Because the instructor is fluent in multiple languages and the group is small, communication and safety are prioritized, making it a comfortable choice for first-timers. However, it’s not recommended for people with pre-existing medical conditions or those who are unable to swim, so check your health before booking.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $153 per person, this experience offers a well-rounded introduction to scuba in a stunning setting. Considering the equipment included and the personalized nature of the tour, it’s reasonably priced for the quality and exclusivity of the experience. Plus, the opportunity to see marine life close up and learn from marine biologists afterward adds educational value that many casual snorkel experiences don’t offer.

One thing to keep in mind is the no included transfer—you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the dive center. Also, there’s a standard policy of free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Voices: What Travelers Say

The only review available gives this experience a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. The reviewer from Switzerland appreciated the instructor’s patience and ability to guide first-timers smoothly through the process. They also mentioned the importance of the safety briefing and gear fitting, which made the whole experience enjoyable rather than nerve-wracking.

Another key point from the review was a helpful reminder that after diving, flying is not recommended immediately — so plan your activities accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re curious about scuba diving but hesitant to commit to a full certification, this try scuba experience offers a fantastic introduction. The small group size, professional guidance, and the chance to see marine life and volcanic features make it a compelling option for first-timers and adventure lovers alike.

It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable in the water, eager to learn, and looking for a safe, guided exploration. The inclusion of knowledgeable marine biologists adds an educational layer that enriches the whole experience, turning a simple dive into a meaningful encounter with nature.

For those wanting a quick, exciting taste of the underwater world in the Azores, this tour delivers. Just remember to be prepared with swimwear and a towel, and consider the need for your own transportation to the meeting point.

FAQ

• Is this activity suitable for beginners?
  Yes, it’s designed for first-timers with no prior experience required. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance and safety instructions.

• What is included in the price?
  All necessary equipment—mask, snorkel, wetsuit, boots, fins—is included at no extra cost.

• How long is the underwater part of the experience?
  You will be underwater for approximately 1 hour, under close supervision.

• Do I need to be able to swim?
  Yes, you need to be able to swim to participate in this activity.

• Are there any health restrictions?
  It’s not recommended for people with pre-existing medical conditions or those who can’t swim.

• Where do I meet for the tour?
  At the Best Spot Azores Dive Center, stairs to the water level, near Kiosk B in front of Dock B.

• Is transportation included?
  No, you’ll need to organize your own pickup and drop-off.

• Can I cancel the activity?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What languages are available for the guides?
  Guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

• What should I bring?
  Swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops. It’s also good to bring a sense of adventure and curiosity!

This try scuba tour is a neat way to get your feet wet—literally—and see a side of the Azores most visitors only dream about. It combines safety, education, and fun, making it a worthwhile choice if you want to dip your toes into the underwater world without diving headfirst into a certification course.

You can check availability for your dates here: