Written by

Portugal is one of the ideal and most diverse diving destinations in Europe. It includes 8 protected marine areas, 12 islands, and almost 1200 km of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Diving takes place in 8 places around the country such as Porto, Aveiro, Peniche, Lisbon, Sines, Sagres, Lagos, and Faro. Apart from the mainland, drivers also like to flock in Madeira and Azores, and are also interested in diving in Portugal due to its variety of sunken ships and submarines.

In addition to the historical attraction, many marine reserves also provide a variety of fish life and corals. Also, the divers can easily witness larger species of whale sharks, manta rays, devil rays, dolphins, whales, barracuda, tuna, goliath grouper, sunfish, and, on occasion, hammerhead sharks. So, if you are an enthusiastic one or are looking for a similar experience, then here are some famous training centers for Scuba Diving In Portugal for you!

Top 10 Scuba Diving Centers In Portugal For An Experience Of A Lifetime

Take a look at these 10 best centres that will help you dive and explore the underwater life at its best. And believe us, irrespective of which place you pick, you’ll end up having an extraordinary experience.

  • Dive Time, Lagos
  • Algarve Divexperience
  • Azul Diving Center Madeira
  • Indigo Divers – Centro De Mergulho De Albufeira Ltd
  • Explora Madeira Diving Center
  • Subnauta
  • Anthia Diving Center
  • Easydivers
  • Mero Diving Center
  • Haliotis

1. Dive Time, Lagos

Dive Time, Lagos

Image Source

It is the best place for scuba diving in Lagos Portugal. It is the most adventurous experience to dive beneath the waves and also in the hidden reefs and wrecks of Algarve. A new creation of the Ocean revival underwater park has made it one of the worlds best diving destination in Portugal. You can experience the diversity of life inside the Atlantic ocean. It will definitely be a memorable experience for you. While driving around the country you can experience the beautiful historical wrecks, colorful marine reserves, underwater caves, volcanos, reefs, and open ocean.

Location: Lagos

Must Read: Christmas In Portugal: 6 Places Which Will Give That Perfect Christmassy Vibes!


Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now


2. Algarve Divexperience

Dive experience

Image Source

It is an incredible place to try scuba diving in Portugal Algarve. The calm sea makes it a perfect place for dives with a variety of underwater attractions like rich marine biodiversity and sunk ships from the 18th century to the Second world war. It is considered a unique place because of its soothing beaches, underground caves, and natural reefs. Apart from that this place has fantastic weather throughout the year.

Location: Algarve

3. Azul Diving Center Madeira

Diving Center Madeira

Image Source

Azul diving center is in Madeira is a protected place since 2000 approved by SSI and PADI. It is an excellent spot for scuba diving near Portugal. It provides snorkeling, boat diving excursion, and scuba diving excursion. It also gives training to individuals and small groups. It has spectacular cliffs, hidden caves and also provides you the best swimming experience in the crystal clear water of Madeira.

Location: Madeira

Suggested Read: 9 Best Churches In Lisbon That’ll Make Your Portugal Holiday More Memorable

4. Indigo Divers – Centro De Mergulho De Albufeira Ltd

Indigo Divers

Image Source

It is the best place which offers scuba diving in Portugal, Algarve. It provides the best courses, especially for beginners. They teach how to breathe inside and outside the water. It offers beach and boat dives also. The friendly and experienced divemaster or instructor will guide you throughout the course and ensure that you have an experience like none other. You can either go for a dive with your loved ones or solo if you’re adventurous enough!

Location: Algarve

Suggested Read: 10 Lakes In Portugal: Unwind And Relax In The Beautiful Portuguese Surroundings

5. Explora Madeira Diving Center

Madeira Diving Center View

Image Source

It is a good location where the tourist can experience best scuba diving in Portugal. It gives an easy access to the sea with a beautiful tropical garden. It is approved by SSI and PADI. It also includes a swimming pool with hot showers and changing rooms. Many seahorses and fishes can be seen in their house reefs. It gives a thrilling underwater experience to the divers with sunken ships and submarines with other diverse species along with flora and fauna. It also has some beautiful islands with soothing beaches. The divers can also expect to see some macro and reef species. Octopus, squid, crab, lobsters can also be seen in Portugal.

Location: Madeira

Suggested Read: Azores Islands: A Handy Guide To This Nature’s Gorgeous Marvel In Portugal

6. Subnauta

Subnauta

Image Source

It is a scuba diving center which is created by the divers and for the divers. It makes the scuba diving in Portugal Algarve more special and adventurous. It offers you with their knowledgeable team who knows various Portugal diving sites. They will train you after taking care of the safety details and also they will teach you how to dive according to the weather condition.

Location: Rua Engenheiro

7. Anthia Diving Center

Diving Center View

Image Source

It is the center for scuba diving in Lisbon. It is affiliated by SSI and will give you the best scuba diving experience. It is a dive center which is more active and dynamic in nature. It takes care of the diver with full security with famous dive snacks. It also offers dolphin tours on a boat. This center also includes water tanks, hot shower, air filling stations and provides equipment for rent. While scuba diving, the divers can also have a sudden meet with octopus, cuttlefish, grouper, a variety of crabs, lobsters etc under proper supervision. They are mostly affiliated under PADI and SSI.

Location: Sesimbra

Suggested Read: Lisbon Nightlife: 10 Best Places To Enjoy Portugal Nights To The Fullest

8. Easydivers

divers view

Image Source

Easydivers is a diving center affiliated by PADI. It provides best quality diving service keeping in mind the safety requirements. It also takes care of the underwater environment. It offers various types of diving such as reefs, shipwrecks, artificial wrecks, cave, wall diving etc. If you’re someone who’s been wanting to have a certificate in diving, this is the best place to learn how to dive and become a pro at it.

Location: Portugal

9. Mero Diving Center

Mero Diving Center

Image Source

It is the most experience school which offers the best scuba diving in Portugal. It was established in the year 1970. It is a naturally protected area with incredible dive spots. It offers teaching courses and activities keeping in mind the safety of the divers such as a cave, deep diving, drops off or even relaxes dives. They also provide the best and experienced trainers to the divers who guides the divers keeping in mind the safety requirements and also about the condition of the water and its species.

Location: Caniço

Suggested Read: 5 Best Villas In Portugal That Will Add Stars To Your Holiday Experience

10. Haliotis

Haliotis In Portugal

Image Source

Scuba diving in Portugal always offers the best diving experience to the divers. It also provides training to the beginners. Haliotis in Santa Maria is the most suitable spot for scuba diving because of its suitable weather. The most diverse species of flora and fauna can be seen under the water. It is the largest dive center with 55 dive sites. It offers you with massive walls, caves, passages and underwater plains. The most diverse species can also be spotted which makes the best diving experience for the divers.

There is also scuba diving in Faro and scuba diving in Vilamoura which offers the best scuba diving in Portugal. It provides the best service at an affordable rate. These are the most suitable places for an adventure enthusiast. No doubt, Portugal is a hub of scuba diving centers which offers the best scuba dive courses at all levels at an affordable cost. It has nearly 100 dive sites which are just 1200 km away from the Atlantic coastline and around the islands. A mid-range to high range hotels with full-service dive shop facilities and comfortable accommodation can be found easily. Apart from scuba diving, the other activities offered are sea kayaking and surfing. Between dives, you can also fill your time with different cultural and natural activities such as to hike in natural surrounds and bathe in natural springs.

Location: Santa Maria

Further Read: 14 Terrific Things To Do In Portugal To Soak In The Rich Portuguese Flavor

With so many things to do in Portugal and an adventuresome scuba experience, we are sure you wouldn’t want to put your vacation on hold. So, don’t wait much and plan your Europe holiday with TravelTriangle right away. Also, make sure you customize your itinerary accordingly and add scuba diving in Portugal to your list.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Portugal

Is Portugal good for diving?

Portugal has 8 protected marine areas that provide excellent diving spots and spans across 1200km making it one of the best diving spots for all kinds of scuba divers.

What to do in the Portugal Islands?

Some of the most amazing things to do in Portugal Island are:
1. Go Canoeing at Furnas Lake
2. Explore the marine world at Oceanário de Lisboa
3. Surf 100 Feet High Waves at Nazare
4. Explore Hidden Cave Beaches at Algarve
5. Gaze At Dolphins at Sado Estuary

Is scuba diving in Portugal safe for first-timers?

Scuba diving in Portugal is absolutely safe for even the first-timers.

Can you snorkel after scuba diving?

Yes. Ideally, snorkeling right after scuba diving should be avoided as it requires holding breath for a long time. However, you can snorkel right after scuba diving but make sure you do not exceed the depths of 33 ft.

What is the main safety rule for diving?

The most important rule that you would hold to while scuba diving is that you should never hold your breath underwater. Doing otherwise could make you pass out or slow which are major risks that you should avoid while underwater.

Which is the most ideal time to visit Portugal?

March to June and September to November are the best times to visit Portugal as you can experience pleasant and dry weather which is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.

What should you not do after scuba diving?

A few things that you should totally avoid right after scuba diving are:
1. Travel to altitude
2. Exercise
3. Get a massage
4. Take a hot bath or shower
5. Drink alcohol
6. Fly

How much does diving cost in Portugal?

A full day try dive with 2 ocean dives will cost you INR 13450 per person per day.

What should I avoid in scuba diving in Portugal?

One should avoid holding breath underwater, as it can cause serious injury.

Does Portugal have beaches?

Yes, Portugal has some of the finest beaches in the world and it is quite famous for its shoreline.


Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.


People Also Read

Category: Europe, Things To Do

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month