Albufeira: Double Ocean Dive for Certified Divers

If you’re planning a trip to the Algarve and have your certification, a double dive in Albufeira might just be the highlight of your beach holiday. We’ve researched this experience thoroughly, and it seems like a solid choice for anyone wanting a taste of Portugal’s underwater side with professional guidance.

What we really like about this tour is the small group size, which tends to mean a more personalized, relaxed experience. Plus, the chance to see the artwork by Vhils underwater is pretty unique—something not many diving spots can boast about. On the flip side, the tour’s 4-hour duration might feel a little rushed if you’re looking to spend more time exploring. It’s best suited for certified divers who want to combine good scenery with some underwater art, and who appreciate a guided, well-organized trip.

Key Points

• Ideal for Certified Divers: This tour requires you to have current diving certification, making it unsuitable for complete beginners.
• Unique Underwater Art: Depending on the schedule, you may have the chance to see Vhils’ underwater mural—an intriguing blend of art and marine environment.
• Well-Guided Experience: Professional dive guides lead the way, ensuring safety and local insight.
• Small Groups: Limited participants mean a more tailored experience and fewer crowds.
• Includes Essential Equipment: All gear, plus boat transport to the sites, are covered.
• Duration and Flexibility: The whole experience lasts about 4 hours, with some flexibility in starting times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect From This Tour

We’ve looked into the details, and this experience seems like a well-structured way to enjoy the Algarve’s underwater world. Starting at the Rua Marina de Albufeira, you’ll meet your guides and have a safety briefing that lasts around 30 minutes. This part is crucial—guides tend to be knowledgeable and approachable, making even nervous divers feel more at ease.

After the briefing, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for a 15-minute ride to the first dive site. The boat ride itself is often appreciated for giving you quick access to the best spots while offering a chance to enjoy the scenic coastline. Once at the site, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours exploring underwater—this includes the double dive, so you’ll actually get two separate dives during the session.

The highlight for many is the potential sighting of Vhils’ underwater art—carved into a submerged rock face. If you’re lucky, this piece will be part of your dive, blending creativity with marine life in a way that’s hard to forget. Beyond that, you’re likely to see reefs, caves, and a variety of sea creatures—octopuses, moray eels, and schools of colorful fish are common sights in this part of Portugal.

After the dives, you’ll return via speedboat to the marina, ending your trip back at the starting point. The entire process is designed to be smooth, with safety and enjoyment front and center.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers quite a bit—briefing, expert dive guides, all equipment, boat transfers, and the double dive itself. This makes it straightforward for you: no hidden costs on gear or transport if you’ve booked through the provider.

However, note that things like a dive computer or torch are not included. If you prefer to have your own gear or extra lighting, you’ll need to bring or rent it separately. Also, transportation from your accommodation isn’t included, but can be arranged if needed.

The Logistics: Meeting and Timing

The meeting point is at the dive centre, with the exact location shared after booking. It’s worth noting that the tour operates in several languages—English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish—making it accessible for many travelers. The duration is about 4 hours, so you’ll want to plan your day accordingly. Starting times vary, so check availability to find a slot that fits your schedule.

Given the nature of the trip, it’s suitable for those comfortable with diving, as the last dive should be within a year unless you’ve completed a reactivation session. Sadly, this isn’t designed for children under 10 or anyone with mobility issues, so it’s definitely geared toward active, certified divers.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

From reviews, guides tend to be praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more enjoyable. One diver mentioned, “The guides knew exactly where to take us and made sure everyone felt safe,” which we think speaks to the professionalism of Portugal Dive.

Another reviewer appreciated the stunning underwater scenery and the chance to see marine life in clear waters: “There was so much to see—octopuses, schools of fish—and the art was a bonus I didn’t expect.” That underwater mural by Vhils gets special mention, with some saying it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime kind of sight.”

Some minor complaints include the shorter dive times, which can feel a bit rushed for those wanting a more leisurely exploration. Also, since the price is $164 per person, it’s fairly competitive but still a significant investment, especially considering the included equipment and guides.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This double dive experience is best for certified divers who want to explore Algarve’s underwater environment with knowledgeable guides. It’s perfect if you’re interested in seeing local marine life, caves, and unique features like underwater art. The small group setting makes it a good choice for travelers who prefer a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger tour boats.

If you’re traveling alone or in a small group, you’ll probably find this to be a rewarding way to spend part of your Algarve holiday. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate well-organized trips and are comfortable spending about half a day underwater.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a solid combination of professional guidance, interesting sights, and a chance to see something truly special—the underwater mural by Vhils. The price reflects the quality and inclusions, making it a worthwhile option if you’re a certified diver wanting to explore the Algarve’s marine world.

While it’s not a day-long adventure, the 4-hour format is convenient for fitting into a busy travel schedule. Be prepared for the typical safety and equipment briefings, and come with a sense of curiosity and adventure.

For those who already hold a dive certification, this trip could be a memorable highlight of your trip, especially if you’re keen on combining art with marine exploration. Just ensure your certification is recent enough, and you’re comfortable with the underwater environment.

FAQ

Do I need a dive computer?
No, a dive computer isn’t included, but it’s recommended if you have one. You might want to bring your own or rent one separately.

Can I do this tour if I haven’t dived in a while?
Your last dive must be within a year, or you’ll need a reactivation or skills update before participating.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, as it involves certification and active diving.

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

Is transportation included?
No, but you can arrange for transport if needed; the meeting point is at the dive centre.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately 4 hours from start to finish, including safety briefing, boat rides, and dives.

Will I see marine life?
Yes, likely octopuses, moray eels, and schools of fish—depending on the week’s schedule and conditions.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring your diving certification, be comfortable in the water, and arrive ready for a professional, safety-focused experience.

In sum, this tour delivers a practical, well-organized way to enjoy Algarve’s underwater scenery. It’s best suited for certified divers who want to see marine caves, reefs, and perhaps even the underwater mural—an experience that’s as visually striking as it is refreshing.

You can check availability for your dates here: