Scuba Diving Albufeira-Double Dive Trip

Albufeira’s marina is the launch point for a proper half-day underwater outing, not a quick tryout in a swimming pool. You take a boat to two sites, receive a briefing before each session, and have up to 55 minutes for the first and 50 minutes for the second. I like the small maximum group of 10 and the careful check-in for certification and medical fitness. I also like the hot showers and logbook service at the end.

The catch is simple: the advertised $101.59 price includes tanks and weights, but not the suit, regulator, mask, gloves, boots, or fins. That rental package costs an extra €20 at check-in. Underwater conditions can also be cool, with visibility and marine life varying by site.

Key points to know before booking

• Two boat-based sessions: Visit two underwater sites from Albufeira Marina rather than making a single short descent.
• Open Water certification required: You must show your certificate, complete the health paperwork, and know how to swim.
• Professional crew: Fernando and Matias guide the underwater sessions, while João handles the boat.
• Rental gear costs extra: Tanks and weights are included, but the main personal kit costs €20 to rent.
• Maximum of 10 participants: The small group cap should make briefings and individual help easier.
• Useful finish at the base: Hot showers and logbook details are provided after you return.

Two Albufeira sessions from one easy marina meeting point

You meet at Easydivers Dive Center in Albufeira Marina at 8:30 am. The address is Passeio dos Oceanos, Lote 4, Loja 5, Loja 5, 8200-371 Albufeira, Portugal. The center is near public transportation, and the activity ends at the same place.

The whole outing takes about four hours. That includes check-in, paperwork, equipment preparation, the boat ride, two underwater sessions, surface intervals, and the return to the center. I would keep the rest of your morning flexible. The schedule is not a rushed dash to the boat, but it is also not an all-day coastal cruise.

The boat transfer is one of the practical strengths here. You do not need to arrange your own transport to separate coastal sites, haul your equipment along a beach, or work out where to enter the water. The crew takes you from the marina to the first location and then moves the boat to the second.

Check-in, certification, and medical forms

This activity is for certified scuba participants only, with a minimum Open Water level. At check-in, you present your certification card and complete an RTCW form along with the standard medical questionnaire.

That paperwork is not busywork. It gives the team a clear picture of your certification and current health before you enter the water. Some conditions, including asthma and heart problems, may prevent participation, so the operator advises consulting a doctor before booking if you have a relevant medical concern.

You must also know how to swim. Pregnant women and children under 10, or under 1.40 meters tall, cannot take part. Most adults who meet the certification, swimming, and health requirements can participate, but the medical form still matters.

I appreciate that the process includes a real check rather than treating every customer as interchangeable. It is especially useful if you have not been in the water for a while. One experienced participant valued tips from the instructors and help with a new dive computer, which suggests the staff can assist beyond the most basic safety talk.

Getting fitted for equipment at Easydivers

After check-in, you move to the equipment area. The staff assigns the gear, and you prepare and fit it before heading to the boat. If you bring your own equipment, this step is shorter.

The price includes tanks and weights. It does not include the suit, regulator, mask, gloves, boots, or fins. Renting those items costs €20 per person, paid at check-in. This is the most important price detail to understand before you reserve.

At $101.59 per person, the trip is not the cheapest way to spend a morning at the coast. Still, the value becomes clearer if you need equipment, a boat, a guide, tanks, weights, and organized access to two sites. Add the €20 rental charge to your mental budget if you are not carrying your own kit.

The equipment feedback is encouraging. A participant described the rental kit as being in very good condition, and the attached shop carries a range of equipment at reasonable prices. That does not guarantee a perfect fit for every person, so tell the staff at once if a mask, suit, or other item feels wrong.

Food and drinks are not included, but bottled water is provided. Photos are available to buy separately.

The first session, up to 55 minutes or 60 bar

Once everyone is ready, you board with the professional crew and head to the first site. Before entering the water, the guide gives a site briefing. You should expect instructions about the plan, safety, and what to watch for at that location.

The first underwater session lasts a maximum of 55 minutes or until your air supply reaches 60 bar, whichever comes first. This time limit is a ceiling, not a promise that every person will remain underwater for the full period. Your air use, comfort, conditions, and the group plan all matter.

The local sea life can be rewarding but is not guaranteed to be thick at every site. Sightings described by the crew’s customers include octopus, conger eels, moray eels, cuttlefish, crabs, and even a ray. Another account noted pleasant sessions but limited fish variety.

That is a fair picture of the Algarve coast. You may see interesting creatures, but you should not book this expecting a tropical reef packed with fish. One account recorded water around 15 degrees Celsius and visibility around five meters. Bring realistic expectations, especially if you have visited warmer, clearer destinations.

Between the two sites, a useful surface break

After the first session, you return to the boat and move to the second site. The crew conducts a debriefing about the first session and then explains the plan for the next one.

This is a small but useful part of the program. You get a chance to think through what went well, ask questions, and reset before going back into the water. It can also help less confident certified participants settle into the conditions.

The group size has a maximum of 10 people. That does not mean every departure will reach that number, but it does put a sensible limit on the boat group. Smaller numbers generally make it easier for guides to notice different experience levels and offer individual help.

That personal attention is one of the strongest reasons to consider this operator. Fernando and Matias are named as underwater guides, and their role includes attention to individual experience levels. João is the boat captain. The staff at the shop also handles certification checks, equipment, forms, and logbook details.

The second session, up to 50 minutes or 60 bar

The second session follows the same basic limits: a maximum of 50 minutes or 60 bar. You return to the boat afterward, then head back to Albufeira Marina.

Two separate underwater sessions give you more than a single look at the coast. Conditions and marine life can differ between sites, and your second session may feel easier once you have adjusted to the water, equipment, and local conditions.

Still, the shorter second limit and the surface interval mean this is a structured morning, not unlimited time beneath the water. The guide sets the pace, and you must follow the air and safety limits. That is exactly what certified participants should expect from an organized trip.

If you are an infrequent scuba participant, the two-session format can be useful. You have a chance to settle in during the first session, then apply any equipment or breathing adjustments during the second. If you are seeking a highly demanding technical outing or rare marine species, this is not that kind of program.

Hot showers and a finished logbook

Back at the center, hot showers are available. That detail matters more than it sounds, especially after a cool morning in 15-degree water. You can rinse off, warm up, and change before dealing with the final paperwork.

The staff then gives you the details of your sessions so you can complete your logbook. I like this practical finish. It turns the outing into a properly recorded scuba experience rather than simply a boat ride with equipment.

You can also ask about the gear used or the sites visited while the details are fresh. Photos are not included, but souvenir images can be purchased if available for your outing.

Who gets the best value from this trip

This experience suits certified Open Water participants who want organized access to Albufeira’s coastal sites without arranging a private boat. It is also a good fit for people who have their own equipment but still want tanks, weights, guides, and transport to the sites.

Infrequent scuba participants may appreciate the staff’s support. One customer received help with a new computer, while others praised the clear safety briefings and the way the instructors supported newer certified participants. You do not need to be an expert, but you do need to meet the certification and swimming requirements.

The trip is less suitable for complete beginners. You cannot use this as a first lesson because certification is required. It is also a poor choice if you dislike cool water, have medical concerns that may affect your ability to scuba, or want guaranteed high visibility and large schools of fish.

The activity is offered in English. The crew’s professional approach received strong praise, with a 4.7 rating from 95 reviews and 92 percent of participants recommending it. Those figures do not remove the natural limits of local water conditions, but they do support the impression of a well-organized center.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

You should arrive ready for the 8:30 am start at Easydivers in the marina. Bring proof of certification, swimwear, and any personal equipment you plan to use. If you rent the main kit, budget the extra €20.

Do not plan to fly within 48 hours after the activity. That restriction is standard scuba safety advice and should shape your wider Algarve itinerary. A morning session followed by a later flight may not be a sensible match.

The activity depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the activity are not refunded or accepted, and late arrivals or no-shows receive no refund. I would allow extra time to reach the marina, since missing the boat is an expensive mistake.

Should you book the Albufeira two-session outing?

I would book this if you already hold at least Open Water certification and want a tidy, guided morning with two boat-based sessions. The staff support, named guides, small group limit, included tanks and weights, hot showers, and logbook finish add real value.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a huge variety of fish or tropical visibility. The local water can be chilly, visibility may be modest, and marine life varies. Also remember the €20 equipment charge, which changes the true cost for anyone without a full personal kit.

For a certified participant staying in Albufeira, this is a practical way to get into the water with little hassle. Book it for professional organization and a chance to see local marine life, not for guaranteed reef spectacle.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

No. You must be a certified scuba participant with at least Open Water certification.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 am.

Where do I meet the group?

You meet at Easydivers Dive Center, Marina de Albufeira, Passeio dos Oceanos, Lote 4, Loja 5, 8200-371 Albufeira, Portugal.

Where does the activity finish?

It finishes back at Easydivers Dive Center, the same location as the meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity takes approximately four hours.

How long are the two underwater sessions?

The first has a maximum duration of 55 minutes or until 60 bar. The second has a maximum duration of 50 minutes or until 60 bar.

What equipment is included?

Tanks and weights are included. The suit, regulator, mask, gloves, boots, and fins are not included.

How much does equipment rental cost?

The excluded equipment can be rented for an additional €20 per person, paid at check-in.

Do I need to complete a health questionnaire?

Yes. All participants must complete a health questionnaire, and you must also present your scuba certification and complete an RTCW form.

Can I fly after taking part?

Flying within 48 hours of the activity is not recommended.

Are hot showers available afterward?

Yes. Hot showers are available at the base center after the two sessions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Late cancellations, changes, late arrivals, and no-shows are not refunded.