Lisbon: Arrabida Scuba Diving Try Dive & Photos

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

Is this scuba diving experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed as a try dive for first-timers with no prior experience required.

How deep will we go during the dive?

You can dive up to 10 meters deep under supervision of an SSI professional instructor.

Are photos included in the package?

Yes, photos of your dive are included so you can remember the experience.

Is equipment provided for the scuba diving?

All technical equipment needed for diving is provided as part of the tour.

Is transportation from Lisbon included?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup; meeting point is near Lisbon with public transport options available.

Can children or people with limited mobility join?

The experience is wheelchair accessible and infants/small children can join in a stroller or pram.

Is this activity safe for pregnant travelers?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions.

Do we get anything to eat or drink after diving?

A small snack and tea are offered at the end of the experience.

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.