Scuba diving in the Algarve
The best diving schools in the Algarve
The clear blue sea of the Algarve is a popular destination for beginners and experienced scuba divers. Discover the underwater world of the Algarve and visit the many shipwrecks, caves and rock formations hidden beneath the water’s surface. With a bit of luck, you’ll come across octopuses and seahorses hiding in the cracks and holes during your dives. Get your Open Water, Advanced or Dive Master or rent equipment from one of the diving schools in Lagos, Faro, Albufeira or Portimão.
In the summer, when the waves have gone, underwater visibility is best, although prices are a bit higher. In the spring and autumn, diving is also excellent and prices are lower. In the winter, most diving schools are closed as the waves make it difficult for boats to leave the harbour and the water is often more cloudy, which makes visibility much less.
Below you will find everything you need to know about scuba diving in the Algarve:
💡 Tips for choosing a diving school in the Algarve
As a fanatic diver and snorkeler I regularly dive under the water surface when there are no waves to surf on. These are my tips for a diving holiday in the Algarve:
🐟 Get your Open Water certification in the Algarve! During these lessons you will learn how the equipment works, how to keep yourself safe and afterwards you will be qualified to dive up to 18 meters underwater. There are a large number of shipwrecks scattered along the southern coast of Portugal that you cannot explore with just a snorkel. What’s more, you will keep this certificate for the rest of your life, making it absolutely worth the investment.
🐟 Not all diving schools go to the same locations, so check in advance what you would like to see and then choose a diving school that offers trips to that location.
🐟 Scuba diving & diving schools Albufeira
In Albufeira there are 2 diving schools that both have a good reputation. Easydivers has an office in the Marina, while the dive shop of Indigo Divers is located near The Strip. These diving schools both offer lessons and fun dives. Check out both websites and choose the diving school that you feel most comfortable with! Both have very good reviews and are more than happy to take you to the most beautiful places to dive in the Algarve.
These are the best diving schools in Albufeira :
1. Easydivers Albufeira diving school
Easydivers in Albufeira is a well reviewed diving school that offers the following services:
- The Diving Lessons
- Fundives
- Trial dives
- Dive shop
- Repairs & maintenance
Book your 3.5 hour introductory lesson or
fundive below,
including all the equipment you need, such as BCD, wetsuit and mask. After a theoretical introduction, you will practice all the actions you need during diving in the pool. Once you have mastered everything, you will sail out of the harbor by boat to apply your new skills during a dive off the coast of the Algarve!
🤿 Availability introductory dive (click)
🤿 Double dive availability (for certified divers) (click)
2. Indigo Divers – Albufeira Diving Center
Indigo Divers Albufeira is a 5 star PADI dive school that regularly has great deals for packages and groups. They offer the following services:
- The Diving Lessons
- Fundives
- Trial dives
- Dive shop
A package of 6 lessons spread over 3 days + equipment & lunch is only €210 if you book in advance.
🐟 Scuba diving & diving schools Lagos
Lagos is an excellent location for water activities, including scuba diving. There are two diving schools here where you can book lessons and fundives. Both are well regarded and are priced around the same.
These are the best diving schools in Lagos:
1. Diving school Atlasfun single person
Atlasdivertido unipessoal lda is an excellent diving school in Lagos where you can go for a guided diving trip for beginners.
During these introductions, you will learn all the basic skills you need to dive in the ocean later. Check availability below and book your first scuba lesson now!
2. Lagos Divers Algarve duikschool
The Lagos Divers Algarve dive shop is located in the centre of old Lagos within walking distance of the Marina. Here you can go for:
- The Diving Lessons
- Fundives
- Trial dives
- Dive shop
- Material rental
- Repairs & maintenance
You can book a double dive from €75 including tanks, weights, insurance and guide but excluding the rental of BCD, wetsuit and other equipment.
3. WeDive Lagos duikschool
WeDive Lagos is an excellent diving school located just behind the beautiful Meia Praia, near the harbour. They offer the following services:
- The Diving Lessons
- Fundives
- Trial dives
- Dive shop
- Material rental
- Repairs & maintenance
A double dive here also costs €75, including tanks, weights, insurance and guide, but excluding BCD rental, wetsuit and other equipment.
🐟Scuba diving & diving schools Portimão
In Portimão stad zijn er momenteel (nog) geen duikscholen. Net buiten de stad vind je op een klein kwartiertje rijden richting het oosten echter wel de uitstekend gerecenseerde duikwinkel Diver’s Cove, waar je terecht kan voor al je duikwensen:
1. Diver’s Cove Portimão / Alvor
The diving school Diver’s Cove is a PADI certified diving school that focuses on families. However, everyone is welcome and they offer the following services:
- The Diving Lessons
- Fundives
- Trial dives
- Dive shop
- Material rental
A single dive with your own equipment costs €35, a dive with all the equipment is €55. If you order a package of 6 or 10 dives, you will receive extra discounts.
🐟 Scuba diving & diving schools Sagres
In Sagres you will find the most southwestern diving school of Europe. At the diving school Divers Cape , located in the harbor , you can go for diving lessons & fun dives.
1. Divers Cape Sagres
The diving school Divers Cape is a PADI certified diving school where you can go for lessons and fun dives:
- The Diving Lessons
- Fundives
A single dive with your own equipment costs €55, a dive with all the equipment is €65. If you order a package of more than one dive, you will receive extra discounts.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Diving in the Algarve
What are some popular dive sites in the Algarve?
There are several great dive sites in the Algarve, including the Ponta da Piedade caves, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa nature reserve and the Ocean Revival Project shipwreck.
When is the best season for diving in the Algarve?
The diving season in the Algarve runs from May to October, with the warmest water temperatures in July and August. This period offers excellent diving conditions with good underwater visibility.
Are there opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers in the Algarve?
Absolutely, the Algarve has diving schools offering lessons and guided dives for beginners. There are also challenging dive sites for experienced divers, such as cave diving and deep wreck diving.
What kind of marine life can I expect when diving in the Algarve?
While diving in the Algarve you can encounter a diverse marine life, including colorful fish, octopus, grouper, moray eels, and sometimes even sea turtles and dolphins.
Are there any regulations or permits required for diving in the Algarve?
Diving in the Algarve usually requires a valid diving permit, which is often provided by dive centres. It is also important to respect local diving regulations and marine protected areas for the preservation of marine life.
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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