Double Dive the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Exploring the depths of the Atlantic might sound daunting, but for those who love underwater adventures, the Double Dive in the Azores offers a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s volcanic archipelago. This experience provides certified divers with a chance to explore vibrant underwater landscapes, teeming with marine life and striking volcanic formations—all within a manageable 4-hour window. It’s an excellent way to add an authentic, memorable moment to your Azores trip without taking up your whole day.

What stands out most about this tour is the quality of the guided experience. From the detailed briefing to the friendly dive guides, everything feels tailored to make your underwater adventure smooth and enjoyable. That said, since it’s a double dive, it’s best suited for confident, certified divers who are comfortable with potentially longer underwater sessions. Beginners or those without certification might need to consider the “try dive” option, which keeps safety and supervision front and center. This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see pristine marine environments and volcanic reefs that are unique to the Azores.

Key Points

• Authentic underwater exploration in a volcanic island setting
• Guided by multilingual experts with personalized attention
• Includes equipment and boat transfer, simplifying logistics
• Short but immersive experience ideal for busy schedules
• Suitable for certified divers, with options for supervised beginners
• Opportunity to see marine life, coral, rays, and shipwrecks in crystal-clear waters

What to Expect from the Double Dive Experience in the Azores

The Azores are known for their volcanic activity and pristine waters, making them a top destination for underwater explorers. This tour centers around two guided dives, with a comprehensive briefing beforehand, lasting roughly 60 to 90 minutes. During this briefing, guides cover the dive plan, safety procedures, and how to responsibly enjoy the underwater environment—an essential aspect considering the delicate marine ecosystems.

Once acclimated, you’ll hop aboard a boat that takes you out to the dive spots. These locations are often within marine reserves or volcanic reefs, meaning you’ll encounter a stunning variety of fish, corals, and possibly rays—some reviewers even noted the magical sight of rays gliding past. The underwater scenery is characterized by dramatic volcanic formations, vibrant coral colonies, and intriguing shipwrecks, providing a diverse visual feast.

The Dive Experience and Marine Environment

The guides are praised for their expertise and ability to tailor the experience, especially for certified divers. One reviewer mentioned, “The guides knew exactly where to find the best fish and coral, and their safety instructions made me feel confident throughout.” The clarity of the waters in the Azores is often highlighted, with visibility frequently praised as excellent, enhancing the overall experience.

During these dives, you might find yourself swimming past colorful corals, exploring volcanic structures, or even encountering larger marine animals such as rays. The underwater scenery isn’t just beautiful—it’s a testament to the unique volcanic nature of the islands. If you’re lucky, you might also explore a shipwreck, adding an element of mystery to your dive.

Equipment and Logistics

All essential equipment is included: dive guides, rental gear, and boat transport. This means you don’t need to worry about sourcing gear or arranging transport, both of which are taken care of by Portugal Dive, the experience provider. For safety, a dive computer and torch aren’t included, so bring your own if you have one, or inquire about rentals.

The group size tends to be small, making the experience more personalized. The boat ride to the dive spots is an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the Atlantic, with many reviewers citing the calm, clear waters and the picturesque landscape as a highlight even before diving.

Duration and Pacing

At just four hours, including briefing, boat transfer, and two dives, this experience is perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for authentic underwater exploration. The timing is flexible, with availability check recommended for precise start times. The tour ends back at the meeting point, making it easy to plan your day afterward.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for certified divers looking for a manageable yet rewarding underwater adventure. It’s suitable for those who want to explore volcanic reefs, see marine life, and enjoy the Atlantic’s transparency. It’s also a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a guided experience with experienced professionals who prioritize safety and environmental responsibility.

However, if you’re not certified or prefer a less intensive introduction, the “try dive” option might be available, allowing you to dive under supervision. The tour’s multilingual guides speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication regardless of your language.

Why Choose This Tour? The Benefits and Value

For the price of approximately $171 per person, you gain access to a high-quality, professionally guided double dive in one of Europe’s most unique marine environments. The inclusions—briefing, equipment, boat transfer, and two dives—offer excellent value considering the cost of similar experiences elsewhere. Plus, you’re guaranteed a small-group setting, which means more attention from your guides and less crowding underwater.

The Azores are famous for their crystal-clear waters, which greatly enhance visibility and allow for stunning underwater photography. Commentators have appreciated the chance to capture beautiful marine scenes and volcanic features, making this not just an adventure but a memorable photo opportunity.

The flexibility of the booking process—free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the option to reserve now and pay later—adds ease and peace of mind. Whether you’re exploring as part of a larger Portuguese itinerary or specifically targeting the Azores’ marine riches, this experience offers a convenient and authentic way to explore the islands’ underwater world.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This double dive experience offers a compelling mix of adventure, natural beauty, and expert guidance. It’s perfect for certified divers who want to see the underwater volcanic scenery, marine life, and perhaps a shipwreck or two. The tour’s duration makes it suitable for travelers who want an immersive experience without committing an entire day.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who aren’t certified divers but still want to participate, the “try dive” option might suit you, providing supervision and reassurance. For those interested in exploring other marine activities in the Azores—such as snorkeling or kayaking—this experience complements well with land-based tours, ensuring a well-rounded trip.

If your main goal is to see stunning, unspoiled underwater landscapes and you’re comfortable with diving, this tour delivers both in spades. Its professional guides, focus on safety, and environmental respect make it an excellent choice for travelers seeking authenticity and value.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-certified divers?
No, this particular experience is for certified divers. However, there is an option for non-certified individuals to participate in a “try dive,” supervised by an instructor.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the briefing, dive guide, rental equipment, boat transfer to the dive sites, and the two dives themselves.

What should I bring?
Bring your own swimwear, towel, and your diving certification. You might also want to bring a dive computer or torch if you have them, as these are not included.

How long does the experience last?
The entire activity takes about 4 hours, including the briefing, boat ride, and two dives.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, making communication easy for international travelers.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, you will meet at the dive center, but transportation can be arranged if needed, at an additional cost.

What are the water conditions like?
The waters tend to have excellent visibility, often praised by previous participants, and feature volcanic formations, coral reefs, and marine life.

Can I see marine animals like rays or shipwrecks?
Yes, the dive spots are known to be home to rays, colorful fish, and sometimes shipwrecks, depending on the site.

How do I book and cancel?
You can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours before the activity.

In The Sum Up, the Double Dive the Azores tour offers a fantastic snapshot of the islands’ underwater landscapes for certified divers. Its combination of ease, expert guidance, and stunning scenery makes it a standout activity for anyone wanting to experience the Atlantic’s aquatic secrets. Whether you’re seeking vibrant coral reefs, encounters with rays, or underwater volcanic formations, this tour delivers an engaging, authentic, and value-packed adventure.