Lisbon: Arrabida Scuba Diving Try Dive & Photos

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (117 reviews) 97% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/12

Duration3h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · PT +1

Mobile ticketAccepted

First time diving in Arrabida’s wild blue with locals guiding every step

You’ll slip beneath Arrabida’s clear Atlantic waters with a patient local guide by your side, learning scuba basics at your own pace. Expect laughter on the boat ride, curious fish swirling past your mask, and hot tea waiting when you surface — plus photos to remember your first dive long after you’re back in Lisbon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Try scuba diving in Arrabida Marine Reserve

Meet certified SSI professional
Learn scuba diving skills
Dive up to 10 meters deep
Explore underwater marine species
Enjoy boat tour around reserve
Receive photos of dive experience

The Experience

We climbed into the van just after breakfast, wetsuits bunched awkwardly under our arms — I kept worrying I’d forgotten something, but our guide Joana laughed and said all we needed was curiosity. The drive from Lisbon to Arrabida was quicker than I expected, winding past vineyards and sleepy villages until the ocean started peeking through pine trees. You could smell salt in the air before you even saw the water. My heart thudded as we stepped onto the boat; honestly, I almost chickened out right there.

The Atlantic felt colder than I’d imagined when it seeped into my suit, but then Joana handed me the mask and suddenly everything got real quiet. She showed us how to breathe — slow and steady — and checked our gear again (I must have asked her three times if my tank was on). We slid off the boat together, bubbles everywhere, sunlight flickering down green-blue through the water. There were fish darting around that Joana called sargos and salemas — she pointed them out by name, her voice muffled through her regulator but somehow still cheerful. At one point a little crab scuttled over my glove; I tried to say its name in Portuguese but just made everyone laugh.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm down there. The world above faded away — just breathing and watching these strange shapes move through rocks covered in soft mossy stuff. Someone’s fin brushed my hand and for a second I panicked, then realized it was just part of learning to share space underwater. After maybe half an hour (it felt both longer and shorter), we surfaced with goofy grins. They took pictures of us looking like astronauts — not flattering, but honest.

Back on shore, they handed out hot tea and cookies while we peeled off wetsuits with frozen fingers. The sun felt warmer than before; maybe that was relief or just adrenaline wearing off. Joana asked if any of us wanted to try for our diving license next time — I’m still thinking about it. There’s something about seeing Portugal from below that sticks with you.

What’s included

Your day includes all quality scuba equipment needed for your try dive in Arrabida Marine Reserve near Lisbon, guidance from certified instructors throughout, accident insurance coverage, access to changing rooms (with hot showers after), plus photos taken during your dive and a small snack with tea once you’re back on land.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Arrábida Experiences