A good underwater day starts with good rules. This Albufeira two-session trip for certified divers is well run, with clear briefings and a smooth boat schedule; I also like that you get hot showers and help filling in your logbook after. The main thing to weigh is gear costs: the basic rental kit is not included and adds 20€ per person at check-in.

This is built for people who already have the certification to handle their own setup and buoyancy. You’ll still get guidance on the day, but you’re not signing up for a beginner course here, and the session limits (time and pressure) keep it controlled.

If you’re new to being in open water, cold water, or boats, you’ll want to plan carefully. And if you don’t meet the health or swim requirements, this one won’t work for you.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Certified-only schedule: Minimum Open Water level, with certificate checks and a health questionnaire.
• Two boat sessions in one day: Short, managed time underwater with a briefing + debrief between.
• Tanks and weights included: Saves money and stress if you’re traveling light.
• Bring-your-own gear is allowed: You can skip the prep stage if you already have a suit/reg/mask setup.
• Small group size: Max 10 travelers for more personal attention.
• Hot showers and logbook support: They’ll help you record your day after the boat returns.

Certified Divers Only: Paperwork, Health Checks, and Swim Know-How

This experience is for certified scuba divers only, with a minimum level of Open Water. Before anything happens, you’ll show your diver certificate and complete an RTCW form plus the related medical questionnaire, which follows the standard international health procedure.

You also need to be honest with yourself about medical fit. Some pre-existing conditions (examples listed include asthma and heart conditions) can prevent you from diving, so the safe move is to ask your doctor if you’re unsure. If you’ve ever had breathing issues or you’re not confident about exertion, don’t guess.

There are also clear personal limits: pregnant women aren’t allowed, and children under 10 years old (plus a height cutoff of 1.40m) can’t join. And one requirement is non-negotiable: knowing how to swim is essential.

The practical takeaway for you: treat the paperwork like part of the activity. If you arrive without the right certificate details or you need more time answering health questions, you’ll slow the whole check-in flow.

Easydivers at Albufeira Marina: What Happens Before You Go Under

The meeting point is at Easydivers in Marina de Albufeira, at Passeio dos Oceanos, Lote 4, Loja 5. The start time is 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Once you check in, the process is straightforward. If you’re using rental gear, you’ll go to the equipment area to get assigned and prepare your kit. If you bring your own suit/regulator/mask setup, you skip that equipment assignment step.

From a value standpoint, I like that they spell out where your time goes. You can plan around the early start, confirm your gear choice ahead of time, and avoid last-minute decisions that make people late.

Also keep in mind that you should receive a confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. That’s helpful if your trip schedule is tight.

Boat Schedule and Safety Briefings: How the Two Sessions Work

This is a double-session day, run from a boat. After you gear up and complete check-in, you embark with the professional team and take the boat to the first underwater site. Before you enter the water, you’ll get a briefing.

The first session has a maximum duration of 55 minutes or a limit of 60 bar (whichever comes first). After you return to the vessel, you’ll do a debrief of what you just did and a new briefing for the second site.

The second session is slightly shorter on paper: maximum 50 minutes or 60 bar again. Then the boat returns to the marina.

What that means for you in real life: this format protects the day from turning into an exhausting slog. You get guided structure, controlled time underwater, and a clear rhythm—water, short window, debrief/brief, water, back to shore.

You’ll also benefit from a smaller group. The max is 10 travelers, and that matters when guides need to confirm comfort levels and monitor who’s ready for what.

Gear Choices and the 20€ Rental Add-On

Here’s the part that can surprise first-timers, so I’d plan for it early. Tanks and weights are included, and the guides are included. Bottled water is included too.

But the following are not included:

• suit
• regulator
• dive mask
• gloves
• boots
• fins

If you don’t bring your own kit, there’s an extra cost of 20€ per person, paid at check-in, for that rental set.

You can treat this two ways:

1. Bring your own essential kit to avoid the check-in add-on and any delays.
2. Use their rental kit if you’re traveling hands-free or your own gear is bulky.

The reviews back up that the rental kit is in good condition and that the staff helps with the practical bits. One diver also noted help learning how to use a new scuba computer, which is a big deal if you upgraded recently and you want to avoid guessing underwater.

My practical advice: decide before you arrive whether you trust your setup and whether you’re ready to assemble it quickly. If you’re renting, give yourself time to test fit and comfort on land—mask leaks and boot pressure are annoying at the worst moment.

Underwater Expectations Around Albufeira: What You Might See

This area can be fun, even when the “fish show” isn’t constant. Some people care most about wildlife variety, and others care more about feeling the sea and exploring structures.

From accounts of the day’s sightings, you might encounter creatures like octopus, moray eels, cuttlefish (including sepia), crabs, and even a ray. One report also described seeing multiple animals during the first session and staying within about 12 meters.

Still, it’s smart to keep expectations flexible. One diver flagged that fish diversity can be limited and that the experience can be more about the guided, controlled outing than a constant parade of marine life. Visibility and water temperature also influence what you notice—one report called out around 15°C water and roughly 5 in visibility terms.

So what should you do? If you’re sensitive to cold, treat this as a cold-water day unless you know otherwise for your travel dates. A comfy thermal setup makes everything easier, especially with boats, surface time, and the second session being scheduled back-to-back.

After the Boat Comes Back: Hot Showers and Logbook Details

When you return to the marina, you’re not just dumped back on the street. You’ll have hot showers at the base center, which is a big quality-of-life win after you come up cold and salty.

Then you head to the service desk. This is where you get the details from your sessions so you can fill in your logbook. That might sound like a small thing, but it’s useful when you’re trying to remember specifics like locations, duration, and pressure behavior without digging through notes later.

If you like to keep a clean record of your training and experience, you’ll appreciate that structure. And if you’re an infrequent diver, having help re-centering after the day can reduce that post-trip scramble.

Price and Value for $101.59: What You’re Really Paying For

At $101.59 per person, the price looks reasonable when you break down what’s covered. Included:

• all taxes, fees, and handling charges
• professional guide
• tanks and weights
• bottled water
• the boat-based two-session schedule
• hot showers and logbook support

Not included:

• food and drinks
• souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• the suit/regulator/mask/gloves/boots/fins set (with that 20€ rental add-on if you need it)

So a true “all-in” planning figure depends on your gear situation. If you need the full rental kit, you’re likely adding 20€ per person on top. If you bring your own equipment, you keep the day closer to the base price.

The best way to judge value is this: you’re buying two guided underwater sessions from a boat, not just one. You’re also buying the “don’t worry about the hassle” part—tanks and weights logistics, equipment handling, briefings, and post-session care.

If you’re a diver who already owns most gear, this can be a strong deal. If you don’t own much and you’ll pay the 20€ kit fee, it’s still likely workable, but your math should include that add-on from the start.

Who This Trip Fits Best in Your Algarve Plans

This is best for certified divers who want a structured day without DIY planning. It suits:

• people who like guided briefings and clear session limits
• divers who dive infrequently and want extra help staying comfortable in open water
• travelers who want a small group (max 10) rather than a crowd
• anyone comfortable being out early and doing two sessions back-to-back

It’s not a match if you’re:

• not certified at least Open Water level
• dealing with medical conditions that could affect safety
• unable to swim
• planning to bring a pregnant participant
• traveling with children under 10 or shorter than 1.40m

One more timing note: diving within 48 hours of flying isn’t recommended. If you’re juggling flights and tours, plan a buffer day.

And since the experience requires good weather, you should expect possible date adjustments if conditions aren’t right.

Should You Book This Albufeira Double Scuba Session?

Yes, I’d book it if you meet the safety requirements and you want a well-run, small-group day with clear structure. The combination of tanks and weights included, two guided sessions, and hot showers plus logbook support makes it feel organized from start to finish.

I’d think twice if you’re going to need the full rental kit and you’re trying to keep costs razor-low—because that 20€ add-on is real. I’d also plan for cold water if your dates land on the cooler side, since at least one report pinned conditions around 15°C.

Your best decision shortcut:

• If you’re a certified Open Water diver who values guidance and you already have most gear: this is a strong value.
• If you’re gear-light, sensitive to cold, or you’re unsure about your medical clearance: do extra prep before you pay.

If you want an efficient Algarve underwater day with professional staff and a sensible schedule, this one makes the shortlist.

FAQ

Do I need a certification to join?

Yes. This experience is for certified divers only, with a minimum level of Open Water. You’ll need to show your diver certificate at check-in.

What medical paperwork do I complete at the start?

At check-in, you’ll complete an RTCW form and the respective medical questionnaire as part of the standard international procedure.

How long is the trip, and is it one or two sessions?

The activity is about 4 hours. It includes two underwater sessions: the first up to 55 minutes, and the second up to 50 minutes, both with a 60 bar limit.

What gear is included, and what costs extra?

Tanks and weights are included. Suit, regulator, dive mask, gloves, boots, and fins are not included, and if you need the rental kit, there is an extra 20€ per person paid at check-in.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Where do we meet, and what time does it start?

You meet at Easydivers in Marina de Albufeira (Passeio dos Oceanos, Lote 4, Loja 5, 8200-371 Albufeira, Portugal). The start time is 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How big is the group?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations, it’s free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.