Double Dive the Fantastic Ocean Revival Park

Planning a trip to the Algarve and considering adding some underwater excitement? The Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park in Lagos is a solid choice for those with an advanced open water certification looking to explore one of Europe’s top wreck sites. From what we’ve gathered, this tour offers an intimate, well-organized experience that emphasizes safety and quality, but it’s not without a few considerations to keep in mind.

What we really like about this experience is the small group size—just six people—which means you’ll get personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the included equipment means you won’t have to lug your own gear, and the hotel pickup adds convenience, especially if you’re staying near Portimão or Lagos. However, a potential downside is that the visibility can vary—some reviews mention around 3 meters—and this can impact how spectacular the wrecks look underwater.

This tour tends to suit experienced divers who are comfortable with wrecks and open water conditions. If you’re at the right level, you’ll love the chance to explore four sunken navy ships in one go. For those without certification, the operator offers supervised “try dives,” but actual wreck exploration is reserved for certified divers. Overall, if wreck diving is your thing and you’re in the Algarve, this experience might just be worth considering.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Only six divers per trip, which allows for more personal guidance.
• All Equipment Included: No need to bring your own gear, making logistics easier.
• Hotel Pickup: Convenient start from your accommodation, saving energy and time.
• Experience Level: Designed for advanced open water divers — not suitable for beginners.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Weather Dependent: The tour relies on good weather conditions for safety and visibility.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting and Getting Ready

The adventure begins at the meeting point in Lagos, Portugal, at Passeio dos Descobrimentos 16. The tour operates daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so you get plenty of flexibility. From there, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Portimão—an added touch that helps you start the day without hassle.

Once you arrive at the dock, you’ll find a well-maintained boat waiting—reviewers mention the very good dive boat and well-maintained equipment. This is crucial because wreck diving demands reliability and safety, and it’s reassuring to see positive feedback in this area.

What’s Included

You’ll leave your gear at home—because the tour provides all the necessary equipment—and this is ideal if you’d prefer to travel light or aren’t keen on lugging gear around. Bottled water is on hand to keep you hydrated, which is especially important when spending hours in and out of the water.

The Wrecks and the Dive Sites

The Ocean Revival Park features four sunken navy ships, deliberately sunk to attract recreational divers. These wrecks are roughly within a 20-30 minute boat ride from the harbor, making for a relatively quick and comfortable trip.

While the exact depths aren’t specified, the focus is on wrecks that appeal to advanced divers, meaning you’ll likely be exploring at depths that allow for detailed inspections and more complex navigation. The visibility can sometimes be limited—around 3 meters according to one review—but that doesn’t necessarily diminish the experience. It might make the underwater scenery more mysterious and atmospheric.

The Double Dive Experience

You’ll do two separate dives during the session, giving you the opportunity to really get immersed in the wrecks. The experience is designed to be more intimate, with group sizes capped at six, so your guide can give detailed briefings and personalized attention.

From a reviewer’s perspective, the professional, well-organized setup makes you feel confident and well cared for. The dive operator’s focus is clearly on safety and quality, which is reassuring—especially since wreck diving requires more skill and awareness.

Underwater Highlights

The wrecks themselves are the main attraction. They provide a fascinating peek into historic navy vessels, now encrusted with marine life. Some reviews mention a bit of fish around the wrecks, adding to the overall ambiance. While the dives are considered fair with some variability in visibility, many divers find the wrecks themselves to be interesting and worth exploring.

Who Is It Best For?

This experience is perfect if you:
– Have an Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
– Are comfortable with wreck diving and open water navigation.
– Want a small-group, personalized experience.
– Are looking for a well-organized tour with all equipment included.

If you don’t have certification, the operator offers supervised try dives where you can get a taste of wreck diving with an instructor by your side.

Value and Cost

At $162.60 per person, this experience is priced fairly for what you get: two dives on one of Europe’s top wreck sites, included equipment, small-group attention, and hotel pickup. Because the tour is relatively short—around 4 hours—it’s a good value for experienced divers wanting a quality wreck exploration without spending an entire day at sea.

Some reviews point out that the dive sites are “fair”, with variable visibility, but this is not uncommon for wreck diving in certain conditions. The fact that the boat and equipment are well maintained and the setup is professional makes the price reasonable, especially considering the personalized experience.

What Are the Drawbacks?

The main consideration is the variable visibility—some might find the 3-meter view limiting, especially if they’re expecting clear waters. Plus, this tour is not suitable for uncertified or beginner divers, so if you’re new to diving, you’ll need to look for other options or try the supervised dive offered.

Weather can also impact the experience—poor weather cancels the tour, but the operator provides a full refund or rescheduling if needed, which adds peace of mind.

The Sum Up

If wreck diving is your thing and you’re certified as an advanced diver, the Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park offers a focused, small-group experience in one of Europe’s premier wreck sites. The combination of professional organization, included equipment, and hotel pickup makes it a convenient choice, especially if you’re staying in Lagos or Portimão.

While visibility can sometimes be limited, the chance to explore four sunken vessels in a relaxed setting makes this a memorable part of any Algarve itinerary. It’s an experience best suited for those who love wreck exploration, appreciate personalized attention, and are comfortable in open water.

For travelers seeking a well-organized, intimate wreck adventure with the safety of a professional team, this tour strikes a good balance of quality and value. Be prepared for some variability in underwater conditions, but overall, it offers an authentic dive into Portugal’s maritime history.

FAQs

Do I need to be an advanced diver to participate?
Yes, this tour is designed for advanced open water divers. If you’re not certified at that level, the operator offers supervised “try dives” where you can experience wreck diving safely.

Is all diving equipment included?
Yes, the tour provides all necessary scuba gear, so you don’t need to bring your own, simplifying your packing.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is six divers, which helps keep the experience personalized and less crowded.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, which gives you flexibility if weather or other plans shift.

What should I expect in terms of visibility?
Visibility is reported to sometimes be around 3 meters, so don’t expect crystal-clear waters, but the wrecks still offer plenty to explore.

Is this experience suitable for families or children?
Since it’s aimed at advanced divers, it’s not suitable for children or non-certified divers. Those interested in trying wreck diving should consider the supervised try dive options.

If you’re ready to explore Portugal’s underwater history and meet the wrecks in person, this tour could be just the thing. Just keep your expectations in check regarding visibility, and you’ll have a memorable adventure.