Albufeira: 2 DIVES TRIP (ONLY CERTIFIED DIVERS)

Our review takes you through a well-organized 2 Dives Trip in Albufeira, Portugal, designed exclusively for certified divers eager to discover the Algarve’s marine treasures. While I haven’t personally strapped on fins for this exact tour, from what I’ve gathered, it offers a solid combination of natural reef exploration, expert guidance, and authentic underwater encounters. The trip is offered by Easydivers Dive Centre, a reputable local operator, and costs around $85 per person for a half-day adventure that promises two different dive sites.

Two things really stand out about this experience. First, the chance to visit both natural reefs and artificial structures provides a varied underwater landscape that keeps things interesting. Second, the professional and attentive staff—specifically the dive guides—are praised for their organization and helpfulness, which matters when you’re half-submerged and relying on their expertise.

A potential consideration is visibility, which can sometimes be limited beyond the control of the dive center, as one reviewer pointed out. This means that, depending on weather and water conditions, your underwater views might not be as crystal-clear as you’d hope. Still, the focus on safety, good supervision, and marine life sightings makes this a worthwhile outing for divers who want to make the most of their time in the Algarve.

• Natural and Artificial Reefs: Combining both types of sites offers a richer underwater experience.
• Certified Dive Requirements: Only suitable for those with current certification; non-certified bookings are non-refundable.
• Marine Life: Expect to see octopuses, crabs, conger eels, nudibranchs, and other marine flora and fauna.
• Guides and Support: Guides like those at Easydivers are known for their friendly, attentive service, making sure everyone feels safe and informed.
• Duration and Timing: The 4-hour trip typically starts early morning, with flexible schedules depending on availability.
• Additional Equipment: You’ll need to bring your own regulator, wetsuit, gloves, fins, and computer unless you arrange otherwise—these aren’t included in the price.

Starting Off at Easydivers Dive Center

Your morning begins at 8:30 AM at the Easydivers Dive Center, located conveniently in Albufeira. The check-in process involves filling out a medical questionnaire to ensure safety, which is a standard step for all divers. You’ll then select your equipment sizes and get suited up, a process that’s quick with the helpful staff guiding you. If you have your own gear, you’re welcome to bring it along—this is especially appealing for certified divers with specialized equipment.

The atmosphere at Easydivers is professional but welcoming, with multilingual guides speaking Portuguese, English, and Spanish. They are praised for their organization and friendly attitude, making even nervous divers feel at ease. Once ready, you’ll board a boat, where the sense of adventure truly begins, with scenic views of the Algarve coastline fading behind you as the boat heads out to the first site.

Exploring Two Unique Dive Sites

The itinerary includes visiting two different dive sites, both featuring natural reefs and man-made structures. You’ll spend roughly 50 to 60 minutes at each site, exploring walls, reefs, and marine life. One of the standout benefits of this trip is the opportunity to see marine animals like octopuses, congers, crabs, and nudibranchs. One reviewer, Patricia, noted that despite limited visibility—which can happen on certain days—the supervision and attentiveness of guides made a big difference.

The sites are chosen for their natural beauty and marine biodiversity, making each dive a new adventure. The reefs are home to a variety of flora and fauna, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Since the trip includes both natural and artificial reefs, you’ll appreciate the different environments and formations, adding a layer of variety to your underwater experience.

What to Expect During Your Dives

Each dive lasts about 50 minutes to an hour, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The guides are attentive, filling logbooks and providing safety tips—an aspect that many experienced divers appreciate, according to reviews. The marine life around the reefs is diverse and vibrant, with sightings of creatures like octopuses and crabs being common.

For the second site, you’ll transfer via the boat, traveling roughly the same duration underwater. This change of scenery keeps the experience fresh. After your dives, you’ll return to the marina, where a hot shower and the logbook filling process await, making it easy to document your adventure.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the $85 fee are air tanks, weights, boat trip, insurance, a dive guide, and bottled water. These essentials ensure that you can focus on enjoying the undersea world. However, you’ll need to bring your own wetsuit, regulator, gloves, fins, dive computer, and torch unless you arrange to rent or borrow them.

The activity is strictly for certified divers—non-certified or uncertified bookings are non-refundable, emphasizing the importance of current certification and recent diving experience (within the last 18 months). This policy guarantees safety but also means beginners or casual snorkelers need to look elsewhere.

Who Should Consider This Trip?

This tour is ideal if you’re a certified diver looking for a morning of exploration in the Algarve’s waters. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate organized, professional service and want to see a variety of marine habitats. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or anyone with heart problems, as safety precautions are strictly followed.

The Value of the Experience

At $85, the cost per person seems fair considering the included boat trip, guide, and equipment. The value is especially clear if you’re eager to explore multiple reefs in one morning rather than a single site, maximizing your time underwater. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, with attention to safety and marine life, making it a relaxing yet exciting option for certified divers.

Unique Details and Tips from Reviews

Patricia’s review mentions that “the dives were well organized,” though visibility was limited at times—something to keep in mind when planning. Bernadine’s feedback emphasizes the friendly and helpful staff, recommending the experience wholeheartedly and expressing a desire to go diving again with Easydivers.

Who Will Love This?

If you’re an experienced diver craving a straightforward, well-managed outing with the Algarve’s best underwater sights, this trip fits perfectly. It’s especially good if you’re traveling alone or with a small group, and you want to make the most of your diving time without hassle. The professionalism of the staff and well-chosen sites guarantee a comfortable and rewarding experience.

This Albufeira double-dive experience offers a solid combination of safety, professional guidance, and marine exploration, perfect for certified divers seeking to expand their underwater adventures in Portugal. The focus on visiting two different reefs means you’ll get a broader view of the local marine environment, and the knowledgeable guides help ensure your safety and enjoyment.

The emphasis on marine life sightings—octopuses, crabs, congers—adds an element of discovery that many divers cherish. While weather conditions can sometimes limit visibility, the overall organization and friendly atmosphere make this a worthwhile outing.

For those with current diving certification, this trip presents a cost-effective way to explore the Algarve’s underwater world, especially if you’re looking for a half-day activity that balances adventure with convenience. It’s a good choice for seasoned divers who want a no-fuss, authentic experience with a reputable local operator.

Is this activity suitable for non-certified divers?
No, this trip is strictly for certified divers. Non-certified bookings are non-refundable, and you need current certification to participate.

What should I bring with me?
You need to bring your diving certification, and if you have your own gear like a regulator, wetsuit, gloves, fins, or a dive computer, you can bring it. If not, contact the operator ahead of time to arrange gear rental.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers air tanks, weights, boat trip, insurance, a dive guide, and bottled water.

How long do the dives last?
Each dive generally lasts about 50 minutes to an hour, providing ample time to explore the reef and marine life.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, you should not participate if you’re pregnant, have mobility issues, heart problems, or are under 10 years old. Also, non-swimmers and those under 4 ft 6 in are not suitable.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, as long as there is availability. It’s recommended to check the schedule beforehand.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who are the guides?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and are known for their friendly, attentive service.

What if the water visibility is poor?
Visibility can vary, but guides focus on safety and marine life sightings, making the trip worthwhile even with limited clarity.

This double dive trip in Albufeira offers a balanced adventure—perfect for certified divers who want to explore the Algarve’s vibrant underwater world with professional support, at a reasonable price, and in a setting that emphasizes authenticity and safety.