The Algarve is a fantastic spot for scuba diving—not just because of its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, but also because of the variety of experiences tailored for newcomers and seasoned explorers alike. We especially like the Albufeira: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners because it offers a thorough introduction in a relaxed setting, earning an impressive 4.8/5 rating from nearly 130 reviews. After a brief theory session and pool practice, you’ll get to explore Albufeira’s underwater scenery with expert instructors. It’s perfect for first-timers who want to get a solid taste of what scuba is all about without feeling overwhelmed.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a guided experience amidst scenic caves and bays, the Lagos: Guided Scuba Diving Trip for Beginners offers a more scenic coastal route with marine encounters like squid and octopus. Both tours cater to beginners but differ in setting and approach, giving you options depending on whether you prefer a controlled, beginner-focused session or an adventure along the dramatic Lagos coastline.
Below, I’ve summarized the main types of tours on offer: a structured beginner course in Albufeira and a scenic coastal guided trip in Lagos. Each has its own appeal, described in detail to help you decide which suits your travel style best.
1. Albufeira: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners
This beginners’ scuba experience in Albufeira is designed to give newcomers a safe, fun introduction to the underwater world. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, starting at Easydivers, where you’ll first go through a brief theory session and pool practice to build confidence. Once comfortable, you’ll head out to explore the underwater scenery, with the chance to see fish, octopus, conga eels, and other marine creatures.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on education and safety. The instructors are highly praised for their humor, patience, and clear communication, making even nervous first-timers feel at ease. The review highlights include comments like, “The dive was INCREDIBLE, all the staff were amazing and really made the experience 10x better,” and “The practice session in the pool and the diving lesson beforehand were very informative and clear.” The group size is kept manageable, which ensures personalized attention.
The value for money is high, considering the detailed instruction, equipment, and the chance to qualify to scuba dive afterwards. It’s ideal for travelers who want a structured, beginner-friendly introduction without the complexities of a full certification. The only potential downside is that it’s a short experience, so if you’re craving a full day of diving, you’ll need to book multiple trips.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers who want a safe, fun, and well-organized introduction to scuba diving in a friendly setting.
2. Lagos: Guided Scuba Diving Trip for Beginners
For around $125 per person, the Lagos guided scuba trip offers a 3-hour adventure along the Algarve coastline. This tour emphasizes exploring scenic caves and bays, along with discovering the local marine life, including squid, octopus, and a variety of fish. It’s ideal if you want a more scenic, guided experience that combines underwater exploration with coastal sightseeing.
What makes this trip unique is the guided approach—a local instructor leads the group along the rugged coast, pointing out interesting marine creatures and rock formations. Several reviews note how attentive and helpful the guides are, with one saying, “The guides were very helpful, attentive and made sure to explain aspects of the dive so everyone was comfortable.” The tour also features some participation in exploring the caves and bays, making it more interactive than a typical pool lesson.
The water conditions can vary—some reviews mention murkiness, but most agree the experience was still worthwhile. It’s suited for those who want a guided coastal adventure with marine life sightings in a slightly more natural setting. The tour offers good value considering the scenic highlights, though it’s less structured than the Albufeira experience, so some comfort with water excursions is helpful.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for beginners who want to see the Algarve’s coastline and marine life with a knowledgeable guide, especially if they’re comfortable with guided water outings.
How to Choose Your Perfect Algarve Scuba Tour
When selecting between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience excites you most. If you’re new to diving and want a structured, beginner-focused course, the Albufeira experience offers comprehensive instruction and the chance to qualify to dive. If you prefer exploring scenic coastal caves and bays with marine life in a guided trip, Lagos provides a more scenic, less formal adventure.
Booking early is wise, especially during the summer months, when demand can be high. Think about whether you want a full introduction to scuba or a coastal exploration with marine sightings. Both tours are great options for beginners but cater to different preferences: one more educational, the other more scenic.
To sum it up, the Algarve has a variety of scuba diving experiences suited for first-timers. The Albufeira experience is ideal if you want a structured, qualification-ready session, while Lagos offers an adventurous guided trip along the coast with marine encounters. For different traveler types—whether you’re seeking education, scenic beauty, or marine encounters—these tours provide memorable introductions to the underwater world. Booking early and choosing the right tour for your comfort level will ensure a fantastic underwater adventure in Portugal’s southern paradise.
