Eco – Try Dive

Imagine dipping your toes into the clear waters of Portugal’s Setubal District, surrounded by vibrant marine life, and feeling the thrill of discovering a new world—all without the need for extensive training or certification. That’s exactly what the Eco – Try Dive experience offers. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone wanting a taste of the underwater realm, this tour promises an approachable and responsible way to explore beneath the waves.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on eco-diving—a chance to contribute to the preservation of the seabed while enjoying an unforgettable adventure. Plus, with professional guides and a safe, supportive environment, it’s designed to boost confidence, regardless of your prior experience. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, and the weather can influence availability.

If you’re someone dreaming of seeing Portugal’s stunning marine biodiversity or simply eager to try something different during your visit, this tour is likely to hit the spot. It’s especially great if you value safety, environmental care, and guided expertise. But if you’re looking for a more intensive certification or an all-day underwater expedition, this might not be the right fit.

Key Points

• Safe introduction to scuba: Perfect for beginners wanting a gentle start to underwater activities.
• Eco-focused: Contribute to marine conservation with the opportunity to help clean the seabed.
• Professional guides: A high level of safety and support, with one instructor for every two participants.
• Flexible in water settings: Can take place in confined or open water, depending on conditions.
• Authentic local environment: Experience the beauty of the Luíz Saldanha Marine Reserve and the Arrábida region.
• Book in advance: Usually reserved around 12 days ahead, so plan accordingly.

What is the Eco – Try Dive Experience?

The Eco – Try Dive is a short, roughly 4-hour introduction to the underwater world, designed to give beginners a taste of scuba diving without the pressure of certification. Hosted by Anthia Diving Center in Sesimbra, Portugal, this experience stands out because of its focus on eco-diving—a form of diving that promotes environmental awareness and actively contributes to seabed cleanup efforts.

This activity is ideal for those curious about diving but not ready for the full certification course. It presents a fantastic way to see marine life up close, learn basic diving skills, and understand the importance of protecting our oceans. The program includes the use of all necessary scuba equipment, and you will be under professional supervision at all times.

The Setting: Sesimbra and the Marine Reserve

Sesimbra is a charming coastal town known for its pristine waters and rich marine biodiversity. The tour takes place at Anthia Diving Center, which is conveniently located at Porto de Abrigo, right in the heart of this scenic area. The diving happens in the Luíz Saldanha Marine Reserve, a protected area teeming with over 1500 species—making it a vibrant, lively environment for newcomers to explore.

The water clarity and diverse underwater life are frequently praised by visitors. One review mentions “clear water full of sea life,” which suggests you’ll likely be able to see plenty during your guided session. The location’s natural beauty and the conservation efforts here make it a memorable backdrop for your first underwater encounter.

The Experience: What to Expect

From the moment you arrive at the diving center, you’ll notice a warm, professional atmosphere. The team prioritizes safety and education, ensuring that everyone feels confident and cared for.

Your adventure begins with a briefing, during which instructors explain how the equipment works and what to expect underwater. The guides are known for being attentive, balancing professionalism with a friendly attitude—”brilliant at finding the right balance between professional and safe,” as one review highlights. This attention to safety means you’ll have an instructor for every two people in the water, a reassuring ratio for beginners.

Once suited up, you’ll head into the water in a controlled environment, either in confined or open water, depending on conditions. In this eco-conscious program, you’ll also get the chance to help clean the seabed, adding a sense of purpose to your visit. At the end, you receive a “Mission Deep Blue” certificate, a tangible reminder of your contribution to marine conservation.

What Do Participants Say?

One of the most encouraging aspects of this tour is the consistently positive feedback from previous travelers. Participants describe the experience as “perfect,” “safe,” “fun,” and “unforgettable.” For example, one reviewer mentions, “The staff was very professional and very kind. I had a marvelous experience and felt safe at all times.”

Another reviewer shared that it’s suitable even for children: “Brilliant at finding the right balance between professional and safe, and having fun,” with children aged 12 and 15 also enjoying the experience. This speaks to the approachable nature of the activity, especially for those new to underwater adventures.

The guides’ attentiveness is frequently praised, with comments like “very attentive staff,” and “support, equipment, experience — all of excellent level.” The sense of being well taken care of really shines through in these reviews, which is essential when trying a new activity in unfamiliar waters.

Pricing and Value

At roughly $103 USD per person, this tour offers a solid value, considering it includes all scuba gear and professional supervision. Compared to other experiences, the focus on eco-diving adds extra meaning—you’re not just exploring but also helping to preserve the environment. Plus, the certificate received at the end gives a nice sense of accomplishment for a half-day activity.

While it doesn’t include lunch, the short duration makes it easy to combine with other activities or meals in Sesimbra. Booking about 12 days in advance helps secure a spot, especially during peak seasons, and the limited group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures personalized attention.

Practical Details: How It Works

The tour departs at 2:30 pm from Anthia Diving Center. You should arrive ready to go with moderate physical fitness, as the activity is designed to be accessible to most. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it convenient to reach.

Participants are allowed service animals, which is thoughtful. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple. The activity is weather-dependent; if poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a first-timer eager to discover what scuba is all about in a safe, eco-conscious setting, this experience hits the sweet spot. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided, environmentally responsible introduction without the commitment of certification. The knowledgeable guides and supportive environment make it suitable for those who might feel a bit nervous or unsure about diving.

It’s also a great choice for families or groups of friends who want to share a memorable experience in Portugal’s beautiful marine reserve. If you’re passionate about marine conservation, the opportunity to help clean the seabed adds extra satisfaction to your adventure.

However, if you’re seeking a deep technical experience or a full certification, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Keep in mind that the timing and weather conditions can influence your experience, so flexibility is key.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. It’s designed for those new to scuba diving and includes a thorough briefing and supervision, so you’ll be supported throughout.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers all necessary scuba equipment and professional guidance. It does not include lunch, so plan to eat beforehand or afterward.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, from check-in to finish, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

Is the activity weather-dependent?
Yes. It requires good weather conditions. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this activity good for children?
While most reviews mention adults, some children as young as 12 have enjoyed the experience, provided they meet moderate physical fitness requirements.

Final Thoughts

The Eco – Try Dive experience in Sesimbra offers a genuine, safe, and environmentally friendly way to dip your toes into the underwater world. Its focus on conservation, professional guidance, and the chance to explore Portugal’s marine biodiversity make it a compelling choice for curious travelers. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners, eco-conscious explorers, and anyone wanting a memorable, guided introduction to diving without the long-term commitment.

If you’re seeking a responsible adventure that combines fun with a sense of contribution, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Just remember to book in advance, be prepared for the weather, and get ready to see Portugal from a whole new perspective beneath the waves.