Double Scuba Dive on a Marine Reserve

Exploring the Double Scuba Dive on a Marine Reserve: Is It Worth It?

If you’re thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your Portugal trip, a double scuba dive at the Sesimbra Marine Reserve might just be the experience to consider. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on the details and traveler reviews, it offers a solid opportunity to see Portugal’s underwater world up close, especially for those already certified or interested in trying it out with supervision.

What really catches our attention here are the spectacular underwater scenes—lots of marine life, diverse fish, and vibrant flora—and the charming setting of Sesimbra itself, a picturesque village by the sea. On the flip side, the experience is tailored for certified divers, so if you’re not yet certified, you’ll need to consider the “try dive” option. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want an immersive, visually stunning marine experience while enjoying a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Marine Reserve Setting: One of Portugal’s largest, with abundant marine life.
• Underwater Variety: Expect to see different fish species and underwater flora.
• Certified or Supervised: Open to certified divers, with options for beginners under supervision.
• Short but Action-Packed: About 3 hours—including briefing, boat trip, and two dives.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized guidance.
• Flexible Options: Pick-up available, but not included in the price.

What’s the Tour All About?

This experience is centered around exploring the Sesimbra Marine Reserve, an area that has transitioned from a humble fishing village to a lively protected marine environment. The reserve is celebrated for its ecological diversity, which you’ll get to see firsthand if you’re comfortable with diving.

The main activity involves two dives over approximately three hours, including a briefing, boat transfer, and the dives themselves. The focus is on tailored experiences—you can choose to enjoy just swimming around, take photos of the marine life, or visit a wreck if that’s your thing. This flexibility makes it appealing whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone curious to see what’s underwater without extensive training.

Diving at Sesimbra: What Can You Expect?

Your guide will give you a short but thorough briefing lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. This prep covers safety, the route, and behaviors to respect the environment. Because the marine environment is fragile, the emphasis on respecting and protecting the ecosystem is clear, which we appreciate.

Once in the water, you might find yourself swimming past schools of fish, colorful flora, and possibly even a wreck—depending on the dive plan. The underwater scenery is often praised for its variety and health, with divers noting the high chance of spotting different species.

Diving Experience and Group Dynamics

Since the tour is limited to 8 participants, you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd. The guide’s role is crucial here—they’ll help you navigate the underwater landscape while making sure everyone stays safe and comfortable.

Richard’s review mentions “Good instruction,” which speaks to the quality of guidance you can expect. This is reassuring, especially if you’re new to scuba, even if the tour is for certified divers.

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The Practicalities: What Does the Tour Include?

For $148, you get a lot packed into these three hours. The price covers the briefing, dive guide, equipment rental, and boat trip to the dive spots. Essentially, you’re paying for a guided experience with all necessary gear, which can be a relief for those not wanting to pack their own.

However, there are some things not included—like your dive computer or torch, so if you use these tools or want a better underwater light, you’ll need to bring or rent them separately.

The tour’s meeting point is at the dive centre, with the option for pickup at your accommodation—though this isn’t included in the price. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds a nice touch for planning.

Timing and Group Size

The duration is about 3 hours, with specific start times depending on availability. The small group size means you’ll get more attention from your guide, which can make a difference for safety and enjoyment. The inclusion of multiple languages—English, French, Portuguese, Spanish—ensures you’ll get instructions in your preferred language.

The Experience From a Traveler’s Perspective

Based on the reviews, this experience really shines in the visual aspect. Several mention “stunning views,” which is key because the underwater scenery can be quite captivating here. The combination of a beautiful coastal village and vibrant marine life makes it a well-rounded day out.

While the experience is generally positive, some points are worth noting. Since it’s designed for certified divers, non-certified folks need to plan for a different activity—like a try dive. Also, remember that this is a short experience—if you’re looking for a full day of diving or a more in-depth exploration, you might want to look for other options.

The small group environment gets high praise, and Richard’s comment about “good instruction” shows that guides are attentive. The convenience of equipment rental and boat transfer simplifies the logistics, letting you focus on enjoying the water.

The Setting: Why Sesimbra?

The town of Sesimbra itself is worth a visit. With its pretty waterfront, fresh seafood, and relaxed vibe, it’s a lovely place to spend some time before or after your dives. If you have a few extra hours, grabbing a coffee on the promenade or wandering through the streets reveals a taste of authentic Portuguese coastal life.

The beach nearby offers a chance to unwind after your underwater adventures, whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just soak in the views. This combination of land and sea makes the excursion feel complete.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is ideal if you’re already a certified diver or want a supervised dive with expert guides. It’s perfect for those who love nature and want to see Portugal’s marine biodiversity firsthand. The small group size and focus on environmental respect make it a good choice for travelers seeking quality over quantity.

If you’re a newbie looking for a full scuba course or a day-long adventure, this might not be the best fit. However, if you’re comfortable with diving and want a manageable, well-organized trip that maximizes your underwater time, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

This double scuba experience at Sesimbra’s marine reserve offers a reliable, well-structured way to discover Portugal’s underwater treasures. The focus on small groups, good instruction, and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile addition to your travel plans. The price is reasonable for what’s included, especially considering the boat transfer and equipment rental.

The main selling points are undoubtedly the variety of marine life and the chance to visit a beautiful coastal village. While it’s not a long or overly intense activity, it hits the sweet spot for those wanting a taste of underwater exploration without a full certification course or lengthy commitment.

If you’re a certified diver wanting to see some of Portugal’s best underwater spots, this tour offers a solid, enjoyable experience you’re likely to remember. Just be sure to bring your swimwear, towel, and dive certification, and you’re all set for a fun, memorable adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified to join this tour?
Yes, the experience is for certified divers. If you aren’t certified but still want to try scuba, there’s an option for a “try dive” under supervision, but you should talk to your host to understand how it differs.

Can I get picked up from my accommodation?
Yes, optional pickup is available, but it’s not included in the $148 price. You’ll need to arrange and pay for this separately if you prefer door-to-door service.

How long is the entire experience?
The activity lasts about 3 hours, including briefing, boat transfer, and two dives. You’ll want to schedule accordingly, especially if you want to explore the town afterward.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, and diving certification. Equipment rental is included, but you might want to bring your own dive computer or torch if you have specific preferences.

Is this suitable for families or children?
This experience is designed for certified divers, so it’s best suited for adults or older teens who are comfortable with scuba diving.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Many say the underwater scenery and marine life are the highlights, along with the chance to visit a charming seaside village. The small group setting also enhances the personalized feel.

Are there any drawbacks?
The main consideration is that it’s a relatively short experience and only for certified divers. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure or non-certified options, you may need to look elsewhere.

To sum it up, if you’re eager to see Portugal’s marine environment and already have your certification, this double scuba experience offers a well-organized, visually stunning, and manageable way to do just that. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting a taste of underwater life in one of the country’s most beautiful coastal areas.

You can check availability for your dates here: