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

Travelers often list the Azores among their favorite hidden gems for natural beauty, but few mention its incredible underwater treasures. The Double Dive experience by Portugal Dive offers a chance to see this volcanic archipelago from a totally different perspective—beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or considering a “try dive,” this tour promises vivid marine life, stunning volcanic formations, and memorable moments.

What really sets this experience apart: the crystal-clear visibility, the chance to explore volcanic reefs and marine reserves, and the dedicated guidance ensuring a responsible, enjoyable adventure. Still, keep in mind that this tour is only for certified divers, so if you’re new to scuba, you’ll need to opt for a different activity. Overall, it’s ideal for those craving authentic ocean encounters with a manageable time commitment.

Good To Know

• Authentic Atlantic underwater landscapes showcase volcanic reefs and marine reserves.
• Professional guides ensure safety and responsible interaction with marine life.
• Great value at $171 for two guided dives, including equipment and boat transfer.
• Flexible booking options allow for free cancellation and rescheduling.
• Accessible for certified divers, with optional supervised “try dives” for beginners.
• Stunning visibility and marine diversity make for unforgettable underwater moments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: What makes this experience special?

The Double Dive Azores tour is a fantastic way to extend your adventure beyond land-based exploration, tapping into the archipelago’s vibrant underwater world. We love that it combines stunning natural scenery with the thrill of underwater discovery, all wrapped into a manageable 4-hour trip.

Three things particularly stand out: first, the crystal-clear waters that provide excellent visibility—up to several meters—allowing you to see volcanic formations and marine creatures clearly. Second, the expert guidance from Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French instructors helps ensure safety and environmental respect, which is crucial in these protected reserves. Lastly, the value for money—at $171 per person, including equipment, boat transfer, and 2 guided dives—makes it approachable for many divers.

One consideration is that if you’re not a certified diver, this experience won’t be suitable unless you opt for the supervised “try dive,” which still offers a taste of the underwater world with professional oversight. It’s best suited for certified divers eager to explore volcanic reefs and marine life in a relatively short window.

Why choose Double Dive the Azores?

This experience offers a perfect mix of adventure, education, and natural beauty. The Azores are famous for volcanic terrain above water, but beneath the surface, you’ll find an equally fascinating landscape of volcanic reefs and marine reserves. It’s a must-do for anyone who loves ocean scenery, marine life, or simply wants a new perspective on this remote island chain.

The guides are experienced and committed to responsible interaction—crucial when diving in protected zones. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the team, with some mentioning their guides’ patience and attention to detail, especially for those new to the area or diving.

What to expect on the tour

The tour kicks off at the dive center, where you’ll meet your guide and gear up. The briefing, lasting roughly 60 to 90 minutes, covers safety protocols, the dive plan, and environmental guidelines. It’s essential because it sets expectations and ensures everyone understands how to interact with the marine environment responsibly.

Once geared up, you’ll board a boat—an essential part of the experience—taking you to designated dive spots like marine reserves or volcanic reefs. Expect to explore underwater landscapes dotted with colorful corals, volcanic formations, and marine life ranging from playful fish to graceful rays. Many reviewers mention the stunning visibility, which enhances the experience, making underwater photography a real treat.

During the dives, guides assist with navigation and help you spot interesting marine creatures. One reviewer mentioned that “the guides pointed out rays and schools of fish that I never would have noticed on my own.” If you’re lucky, you might also encounter shipwrecks or other unique underwater features that make the experience even more special.

The Dive Experience

The guided dives are tailored to ensure maximum enjoyment while respecting the environment. For those who enjoy photography, the clear waters and vibrant marine life provide excellent opportunities. If you’re more interested in exploring volcanic structures or watching rays glide past, guides are happy to help you get close and observe safely.

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Equipment and Comfort

Included in the price are dive guide and equipment rental, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you prefer to. The equipment is generally well-maintained, but it’s always good to double-check on arrival. For added safety, bring your dive computer if you have one, as it’s not included.

Timing and Group Size

With a total duration of about 4 hours, the tour fits well into a day trip, leaving ample time for land excursions or rest afterward. The group sizes tend to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention from guides, which enhances your comfort and confidence underwater.

The value of this experience

Compared to other aquatic activities in the Azores, this tour offers great value. For $171, you get two guided dives, equipment, boat transfer, and expert guidance—covering a lot in a short period. Many reviewers appreciated the clarity of the waters and the diversity of marine life, which made the cost worthwhile.

While some travelers mentioned they bring their own dive computer or torch for exploring darker areas, everything else needed for the dives is supplied. The tour is flexible, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, making it easier to plan around unpredictable weather or changing schedules.

Meeting points and practical considerations

The meeting point is at the dive center—details are provided after booking—and transportation can be arranged if needed, although it’s not included in the price. The activity ends back at the same location, giving you the chance to ask questions or get your gear dried and packed for the day.

What to bring

• Swimwear and towel for after the dive
• Your diving certification
• Personal items like sunscreen (reef-safe preferred) and a waterproof camera if desired

Important notes

The tour operates in multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, ensuring a comfortable experience for diverse travelers. Remember, the tour’s duration is approximately 4 hours, with the actual diving time depending on the group and weather conditions.

Authentic insights from reviews

Reviewers consistently praised the stunning underwater visibility, noting that clear waters made spotting marine creatures much easier. One diver mentioned that “the underwater landscape was like nothing I’d ever seen—volcanic formations and schools of colorful fish everywhere.”

The guides received high marks for their patience and knowledge, with many highlighting their efforts to ensure safety and share interesting facts about the marine environment. Several reviewers also appreciated that the tour was “well-organized” and “not rushed,” allowing enough time to enjoy each dive.

While some mentioned that weather can influence visibility and overall experience, most found that the guides adapted well to changing conditions, emphasizing safety and enjoyment.

The Sum Up

The Double Dive Azores experience offers a compelling snapshot of the archipelago’s underwater beauty. It balances adventure with professionalism, making it suitable for certified divers eager to explore volcanic reefs and marine reserves. The inclusion of equipment, boat transfer, and guided support makes it a good value for those who want a hassle-free, memorable ocean adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who already have their diving certification and are looking for an authentic, well-organized dive experience in a stunning location. It’s perfect for those wanting to add an extra dimension to their Azores visit, offering unforgettable views of marine life and volcanic formations.

In short, if you’re after a genuinely spectacular underwater experience with professional guides, this tour will not disappoint. Just remember to bring your certification, and prepare for some of the clearest, most vibrant waters you’ve ever seen.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for non-certified divers?
No, this tour is for certified divers. However, there is an option for a supervised “try dive,” where you will be diving as a certified diver under the supervision of an instructor.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the briefing, dive guide, equipment rental, boat trip to the dive spot, and the two guided dives.

Can I bring my own dive computer or torch?
While these are not included, many divers find bringing their own dive computer and torch helpful, especially for exploring darker areas or taking photos.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, your diving certification, and personal items like sunscreen and waterproof camera if desired.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including briefing, transfers, and two guided dives.

Are guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication.

Is transportation included?
Transportation can be arranged but is not included in the price. The activity begins and ends at the dive center.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Expect to see colorful fish, rays, and volcanic formations. Many reviews mention the opportunity to see rays and schools of fish up close.

How is the visibility underwater?
Most reviewers highlight excellent visibility, making the experience visually spectacular.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can reschedule if weather conditions prevent a good experience.

Whether you’re a dedicated diver or seeking your first underwater adventure, this tour opens a window into the Azores’ rich marine environment, promising unforgettable sights and a true sense of discovery.

You can check if your dates are available here: