Double Dive in Terceira Island – Azores

Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your Azores trip? This Double Dive in Terceira Island is a solid pick if you’re certified and eager to explore the ocean’s hidden treasures. It’s a short but packed excursion—just four hours—that offers a chance to see some of the most distinctive underwater scenery Portugal’s Atlantic territory has to offer.

What stands out most is the crystal-clear waters and excellent visibility, making it easier to appreciate the volcanic formations and marine creatures that inhabit this part of the Atlantic. Plus, the scenic boat trip along the Azorean coast provides a lovely break between dives. On the flip side, keep in mind that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, so it’s best suited for people comfortable in the water and with some diving experience.

If you’re a certified diver wanting to tick off some unique underwater sights in a relaxed, small-group setting, this experience could be just right. It’s especially ideal for those who want to combine marine exploration with stunning coastal views, all led by knowledgeable guides who know the local waters well.

Key Points

• Clear waters and impressive underwater volcanic landscapes make for a visually stunning experience.
• Two carefully selected dive sites offer varied scenery—from lava tunnels to reefs teeming with marine life.
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention and safety.
• Professional dive guides with experience leading dives in the Azores’ unique environment.
• Surface time on the boat allows for relaxing and taking in the beautiful coastline views.
• Flexible booking options, including free cancellation and pay later, add ease to planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Double Dive Experience

We love how this tour is tailored for certified divers who are looking for something beyond the typical beach holiday. The Azores are famous for their volcanic origins, and the underwater scenery here reflects that with lava formations and volcanic rock walls that are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.

The tour kicks off at Porto das Pipas, where you’ll meet your guides for a thorough safety briefing that lasts about 30 minutes. This is essential, especially for those unfamiliar with the specific conditions of the Azorean waters. The guides are described as knowledgeable and friendly, making even nervous divers feel more at ease.

The real highlight begins once you’re in the water. You’ll do two dives, each around an hour long, exploring different sites depending on weather conditions and your experience level. Expect to see marine creatures like groupers, octopuses, moray eels, and more. The volcanic formations, such as lava tunnels and rock walls, create an otherworldly landscape beneath the waves.

Between the dives, you get a chance to relax on the boat and enjoy the breathtaking coastline views. Many reviewers mention how peaceful and scenic this part of the trip is, making the surface interval feel almost like a mini cruise.

The Dive Sites: What Makes Them Special

The exact sites you’ll visit depend on the weather and your experience, but the selected spots promise some pretty spectacular sights. We loved the description of volcanic rock walls and lava tunnels—these formations are what give the Azores their distinctive underwater character.

Diving in these environments means encountering a variety of marine life. You might spot groupers, octopuses, and moray eels, all thriving in the complexity of volcanic reefs and caves. Many reviews mention the excellent visibility—some say it’s so clear that you can see for dozens of meters, making it easier to appreciate the underwater topography and marine activity.

The sites are carefully chosen to offer a mix of scenery and marine biodiversity, giving divers a well-rounded experience without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

The Experience Provider: Portugal Dive

Rated 4.4 out of 5, Portugal Dive is considered a reputable operator within the Azores diving community. Customers appreciate the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, along with the well-organized trips. They also highlight that the tours are limited to small groups, which enhances safety and allows for more personal attention.

Practical Details and Considerations

Booking is straightforward with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve your spot with the flexibility to pay later. The tour lasts four hours, making it a manageable half-day activity, perfect for fitting into a broader itinerary.

If you’re planning to return for more diving later, note that your last dive must be within a year unless you do a refresher or skills update, so it’s best to keep your certifications current.

Remember, you should bring swimwear and a towel, and be prepared for a boat ride that can sometimes be affected by weather—so check the forecast if you’re booking during a variable season.

More Great Tours Nearby

How This Tour Compares to Others

There are other diving experiences available around the Azores, such as exploring shipwrecks or cave systems, but this double dive tour offers a balanced mix of volcanic scenery and marine life in a manageable time frame. It’s suited for certified divers who want a guided, small-group adventure with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Some reviews mention that this tour is especially valuable for those who appreciate stunning coastal scenery—since you get to enjoy boat rides along the scenic coastline as part of the experience—which adds to the overall sense of adventure and beauty.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for certified divers eager to explore the Azores’ underwater volcanic landscape and marine biodiversity. If you’re comfortable in the water and seeking a small-group, guided adventure, you’ll appreciate the personalized attention and expert guidance.

It’s particularly well-suited to those who want to combine marine exploration with scenic boat rides in a relaxed, safe environment. Keep in mind it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, given the nature of the activity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a short but unforgettable underwater adventure in the Azores, this Double Dive in Terceira offers a fantastic mix of volcanic scenery, marine life, and scenic boat rides. The clear waters, friendly guides, and carefully chosen dive sites make it a compelling option for certified divers who want to see the island’s underwater gems.

While it’s a bit of a niche experience due to the certification requirement and physical activity involved, those who love diving and are comfortable in open water will find this tour well worth their time. And with the small group size and flexible booking, it’s a stress-free way to add some underwater magic to your Azores adventure.

FAQs

Do I need to be a certified diver to do this tour?
Yes, this experience is for certified divers only. You should have done your last dive within the past year, or you’ll need a refresher course before participating.

What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts about 4 hours, including safety briefing, two dives, and surface time on the boat.

Are the dive sites suitable for all experience levels?
The sites are selected based on weather and experience, but generally, they cater to certified divers comfortable with volcanic terrain and marine life.

Is the tour family-friendly?
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments. It requires comfort in the water and a certain level of physical fitness.

What should I bring?
Just your swimwear and a towel. The company provides the necessary equipment and safety gear.

Can I cancel or rebook easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve your spot and pay later, making it flexible for travel plans.

If you’re ready to explore beneath the waves in a pristine, volcanic environment with knowledgeable guides, this double dive trip is a solid choice—and an experience you’ll talk about long after you return home.

You can check availability for your dates here: