Funchal: DPV- Scooter Dive Adventure

Imagine gliding effortlessly through the water like a secret agent, feeling the rush of underwater propulsion, and exploring Madeira’s vibrant marine life—all in just two hours. That’s exactly what the DPV Scooter Dive Adventure offers, located at the Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton hotel in Funchal. Priced at $67 per person, this experience is designed for certified divers who want a quick adrenaline boost on their Madeira trip.

What we love most about this tour is the sense of speed and freedom you get from riding the Underwater Scooter—it’s like having your own personal underwater vehicle. The second highlight is the convenience of a guided experience, with professional staff guiding you safely and sharing insights into the marine surroundings.

A possible consideration is that it’s limited to certified divers only, so if you’re not current with your diving certification, you’ll need to arrange a preliminary shallow dive. But for those who qualify, this adventure packs a punch in a compact time frame, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those looking to add a splash of excitement to their Madeira holiday.

This tour is best suited for adventurous certified divers keen to experience something different, speedy and fun, with the bonus of guided marine life viewing. If you enjoy a fast-paced aquatic adventure and want to explore more ground—er, water—in less time, this is a perfect pick.

Key Points

• Unique Underwater Experience: Ride a battery-powered underwater scooter for a new perspective on marine exploration.
• Certified Diver Requirement: Only for those with recent diving experience (within last 12 months).
• Guided Tour: Led by friendly, experienced staff ensuring safety and enjoyment.
• Short and Sweet: Two-hour experience, ideal for fitting into a busy travel schedule.
• All Equipment Provided: Tank, weights, and scooter included; gear rentals available on-site.
• Accessible and Flexible: Book now, cancel 24 hours ahead for a full refund, with small group sizes for a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Funchal DPV- Scooter Dive Adventure

What Is the Experience Really Like?

This adventure begins with a straightforward check-in at the Madeira Divepoint, conveniently located inside the Pestana Carlton hotel. The process is smooth—after some administrative paperwork, your gear will be checked and prepared. The experience is built around a detailed safety briefing, which is crucial, especially since you’ll be handling an Underwater Scooter (or DPV—Diver Propulsion Vehicle). The guide will explain how the throttle works, safety procedures, and what marine life you might see.

Once equipped and briefed, you’ll head straight into the water at the house reef just steps from the dive center. The real thrill kicks in here: a full throttle ride as you glide across the reef, covering more ground than traditional snorkeling or free swimming. The battery-powered scooter propels you smoothly, letting you focus on the underwater scenery rather than paddling.

The Itinerary: What Can You Expect?

The experience is quite streamlined, aiming to maximize your time underwater. The initial briefing sets the tone—your guide will ensure you’re comfortable and familiar with the equipment. After that, it’s all about the ride.

• Start: Inside the Pestana Carlton hotel, taking the elevator down to the dive center.
• Safety Briefing: Important for understanding how to handle the scooter and safety protocols.
• Underwater Exploration: Riding the scooter over the nearby house reef, where marine life is abundant enough to keep your camera busy.
• Surface and Exit: After your cruise, you’ll surface, return the equipment, and enjoy a hot shower—logbook stamps included to mark your adventure.
• Optional Guided Tour: Some tours incorporate a short marine life viewing or guided tour to enrich the experience further.

What Makes This Special?

The speed and efficiency of riding an underwater scooter mean you see more in less time. For many, this offers a sense of adventure and freedom that traditional diving might lack—no tiring fin kicks required. Plus, the guided format ensures safety and helps even nervous divers feel confident.

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The Price and Value

At $67, this experience offers great value for a two-hour adventure. Included in the price are tank and weights, with options for gear rentals. The fact that insurance and guide services are also included adds to the appeal. You are paying for a safe, guided adventure where the focus is on fun rather than technical dive skills.

What Do the Reviews Say?

One reviewer simply called it “Super!”—a straightforward endorsement of the thrill and enjoyment this experience provides. With 2 reviews giving it a perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear that participants leave satisfied. They appreciate the fun, excitement, and ease of access, especially since the experience is tailored for certified divers who want a quick yet memorable underwater activity.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re a certified diver seeking a novel way to explore Madeira’s underwater world, this is an excellent choice. The small group size (limited to 2 participants) ensures a personalized, safe experience. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but crave a high-energy, unique underwater adventure. Non-certified divers or those without recent experience should look into other options, like a “Try Scuba Diving” experience, as this tour is strictly for certified divers.

Practical Tips for Your Underwater Scooter Dive

• Bring your diving certification along, as proof will be required.
• Arrive early to allow time for gear check and briefing.
• Wear swimwear and bring a towel—gear is included, but you might want to have personal items dry and handy.
• Book in advance especially during peak seasons—small groups fill quickly.
• Prepare for a quick, energetic ride—don’t expect a relaxed drift; it’s more action-packed.

The Sum Up

The Funchal: DPV- Scooter Dive Adventure stands out as a fantastic option for certified divers wanting a quick, exhilarating taste of underwater exploration. It combines the thrill of fast-paced riding with the security of guided instruction and the convenience of a short time commitment. For those with recent diving experience who crave a different kind of underwater adventure, this tour offers a memorable dose of fun—perfect for adding a splash of excitement to your Madeira visit.

While it’s not suited for beginners or non-certified divers, those who qualify will find it a value-packed, adrenaline-fueled highlight. The professional staff, well-organized itinerary, and engaging marine environment make it easy to recommend. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply looking for a unique way to see Madeira’s waters, this adventure delivers a mix of thrill and discovery, wrapped in a safe and efficient package.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-certified divers?
No, this tour is exclusively for certified divers who have dived within the last 12 months. If you’re not certified, you might want to check out other experiences like “Try Scuba Diving.”

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including briefing, riding, and equipment return.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the tank, weights, the underwater scooter (DPV), dive guide, and dive insurance. Gear rentals are available on-site if needed.

Can I cancel this activity?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, and your diving certification. You might also want to bring a waterproof camera if you’d like photos.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is inside the Pestana Carlton hotel at Madeira Divepoint, accessed via the hotel’s elevators down to sea level.

Is the experience suitable for children or nervous swimmers?
This tour is designed for certified divers comfortable with underwater propulsion; it’s not recommended for children or those uneasy in the water without prior experience.

Are the marine life views worth it?
Absolutely! The guided tour often includes marine life viewing opportunities, making the experience both exciting and educational.

What makes this different from regular diving?
Riding a scooter allows you to cover more area, experience underwater speed, and enjoy a more dynamic adventure compared to traditional diving.

Is there a safety concern I should know?
Your safety is taken seriously. The guide provides thorough instructions, and only certified divers are allowed, ensuring you’re in experienced hands.

Ready to feel like a secret agent exploring Madeira’s waters? This quick, fun, and safe adventure might just be the highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: