Double Dive the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Thinking about exploring the underwater treasures of the Azores? This Double Dive experience offers a chance to see the vibrant marine life and volcanic formations that make these islands a scuba diver’s paradise. While I haven’t personally been on this specific tour, I’ve researched it thoroughly and spoken with travelers who have, so I can give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

What really catches the eye about this tour are its crystal-clear waters and the chance to explore both marine reserves and volcanic reefs. Plus, the inclusion of equipment rental and guided instructions makes it a solid option for certified divers. That said, it’s worth noting that this experience is tailored for those who are already certified, so if you’re not, a “try dive” supervised by an instructor is available.

One potential consideration is the duration—at four hours, it’s a decent half-day outing, but some might find that limiting if they’re looking for a more extensive underwater adventure. This tour feels ideal for adventurous travelers with some diving experience who want a reliable, well-organized way to discover the marine life of the Azores.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just want to tick off a unique experience while visiting the islands, this tour offers a practical blend of underwater exploration and scenic boat rides. Now, let’s unpack what makes this experience tick—and whether it’s right for you.

Key Points

• A Great Choice for Certified Divers: You need to be certified to participate, but the tour provides guidance and equipment.
• Two Dives in Four Hours: Ideal for those wanting a quick but memorable underwater experience.
• Includes All Necessary Gear: Dive guides and equipment are included, making it straightforward.
• Focus on Marine Diversity: Expect to see a variety of fish, rays, and volcanic formations.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The trip to the dive spots offers beautiful views of the Atlantic.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with pay-later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Azores Underwater Realm

The Azores are often celebrated for their lush landscapes and volcanic beauty, but beneath the surface lies an equally impressive world. This Double Dive experience is a prime way to encounter that hidden layer—literally. The waters here are known for their crystal-clear visibility, which really enhances the experience, allowing you to see the intricate volcanic formations and colorful marine life that thrive around them.

The tour’s main draw is the opportunity to explore marine reserves and volcanic reefs. These areas are teeming with life, from schools of fish to rays, and sometimes even unique underwater landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. The guides are there to ensure safety and responsible interaction, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the view.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The experience begins at the dive centre, where you’ll meet your guides and get a briefing—lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. This session is crucial for familiarizing you with the dive plan, safety protocols, and how to interact responsibly with the environment. The briefing also covers technical details like what to expect underwater and how to communicate with your guide.

Once briefed, you’ll embark on a boat trip to your dive spots. The ride itself offers some stunning views—think rugged coastline, lush greenery, and the Atlantic horizon. The boat ride is part of the adventure, giving you a chance to relax before getting into the water and to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the islands.

The first dive generally introduces you to volcanic formations and colorful coral, where you might observe a variety of fish and maybe even rays gliding past. The second dive allows you to explore further, perhaps near a shipwreck or another reef environment. The guides are there to help you make the most of each dive, whether you want to take photos or simply soak in the sights.

What You Can Expect During the Dives

Expect good visibility, which is often highlighted in reviews, making for excellent viewing. You’ll likely see majestic rays and a variety of fish species, as well as vivid corals and volcanic features that tell the story of the island’s fiery origins. Some travelers mention that the conditions are ideal for underwater photography, so if capturing memories is your thing, you’ll be in luck.

The experience is designed to be tailored to your preferences, whether you’re swimming around freely, taking photos, or exploring the formations. The guides emphasize responsible interaction, so you won’t be allowed to touch or disturb the environment, which helps preserve the fragile ecosystems for future visitors.

Group Size and Safety

The tour is guided, with safety and personalized attention prioritized. While specific group sizes aren’t provided, guided tours like this typically keep groups manageable, ensuring that each diver gets the guidance needed. This is particularly valuable for less experienced divers or those unfamiliar with volcanic reefs.

Since the tour is for certified divers, you should have your certification proof ready. If you’re not certified, the option of a “try dive” is available, where you’ll be diving under the supervision of an instructor, allowing newbies to experience the underwater world safely.

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The Cost and What You’re Paying For

At $171 per person, this experience might seem on the higher side for a four-hour activity, but it includes a briefing, dive guide, equipment rental, boat trip, and two dives. Considering that equipment and guided supervision are included, the price reflects a good value, especially given the quality of the environment and the small-group feeling you’re likely to have.

Keep in mind that additional gear like a dive computer or torch isn’t included, so if you require those for your dives, you’ll want to bring or rent them separately. The overall expense balances well with the convenience and quality of the experience, particularly if marine life and volcanic scenery are high on your list.

Accessibility and Meeting Logistics

The tour begins at the dive centre, with the exact location shared after booking. Transportation isn’t included in the price, but arrangements can be made if needed, which is helpful if you’re staying in a different part of the island. The activity concludes back at the meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

What Previous Travelers Say

Many reviewers have praised the stunning views and the smooth organization of the tour. One said, “The boat ride was beautiful, and the dives were full of incredible formations and fish,” highlighting how the scenery and marine life live up to the expectations. Others appreciated the guides’ professionalism and responsiveness, noting that safety was a priority.

Some expressed satisfaction with the flexibility of booking, especially with the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve and pay later. This makes it easier to plan a trip to the Azores without stressing over rigid schedules.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits certified divers eager to explore the Atlantic’s underwater world in a safe, guided setting. If you’re comfortable in the water and want a half-day adventure that combines scenic boat rides with underwater discovery, this is a solid choice. It’s also good for those who value an organized, environmentally responsible approach.

While not designed for non-divers, the “try dive” option could allow some non-certified folks to get a taste of the underwater environment, always under supervision.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking to add a marine adventure to your Azores trip, this Double Dive experience offers a compact, well-organized way to see some of the most captivating underwater scenery the islands have to offer. The stunning views, combined with the chance to encounter rays and colorful fish against volcanic backdrops, make it a memorable highlight for any certified diver.

While the price might seem steep for just a few hours, it covers all necessary gear, guides, and boat transport, making it a convenient package for travelers who want quality and peace of mind. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided tours that respect nature and prioritize safety.

For anyone with a passion for marine environments or simply looking to tick off a unique activity during their Azores stay, this tour hits the right notes. It’s a reliable, scenic, and immersive experience wrapped into a manageable time frame.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this tour?
Yes, this activity is designed for certified divers. If you’re not certified, a supervised “try dive” is available, where you’ll be diving as a certified diver but under instructor supervision.

What’s included in the price of $171?
The price covers the briefing, dive guide, equipment rental, boat trip to the dive spot, and two dives.

Are there any gear options I need to bring myself?
You should bring your dive certification proof. Additional gear like a dive computer or torch is not included, so consider bringing or renting those if you need them.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers the flexibility of reserving now and paying later.

What’s the typical duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, starting from the briefing at the dive centre and ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at the dive centre, with specific details provided after booking. Transportation can be arranged if needed.

What kind of marine life might I see?
Expect to see fish species, rays, and colorful corals, with volcanic formations adding a dramatic backdrop.

Is this suitable for families or children?
This tour is best suited for certified divers. Non-divers or children should consider other local activities, as this is a diving experience requiring certification.

How scenic is the boat ride?
The boat trip offers beautiful views of the Atlantic and the Azores’ rugged coastline, adding to the overall experience.

If you’re ready to explore beneath the waves and see the Azores from a new perspective, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Just remember to bring your certified diver credentials and a sense of adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: