Double Dive the Fantastic Ocean Revival Park

Exploring the Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park in Lagos, Portugal

If you’re planning a trip to the sunny Algarve and looking to add a splash of adventure to your itinerary, the Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park is a solid choice. Priced at around $162.60 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this experience offers a chance to explore some of Europe’s most intriguing sunken navy vessels. Guided by a team of Portuguese divers, you’ll get to enjoy two wreck dives in a small, intimate group of just six divers—making for a personalized and focused experience.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the accessibility of professional equipment provided on-site removes the hassle of lugging gear around, while the hotel pickup from Portimão helps you conserve energy for what’s important—underwater exploration. Second, the small group size guarantees a more relaxed atmosphere, where your safety and comfort are prioritized.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour is tailored for advanced certified divers with an Open Water Diver certification or higher. If you’re not certified, you might need to look into alternative activities like a supervised “try dive.” Also, the visibility can vary (about 3 meters during some reviews), which could influence your overall experience.

This tour is best suited for wreck diving enthusiasts or adventurous divers eager to explore submerged military history. If you’re comfortable with the ocean and enjoy diving amongst large structures, this trip will likely be a highlight of your Algarve holiday.

Key Points

• Authentic wreck exploration: Visit four sunken navy ships in one of Europe’s top wreck-diving parks.
• Professional, all-in-one equipment: No need to bring your own gear; everything you need is supplied.
• Small, intimate group size: Max of six divers for safer, more personalized attention.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup from Portimão simplifies your planning.
• Weather-dependent: The activity is contingent on good weather; cancellations are possible.
• Certification required: Only advanced open water divers or higher can participate.

A Closer Look at the Ocean Revival Experience

When we think about wreck diving in Portugal, Ocean Revival Park in Lagos naturally comes to mind. It’s acclaimed as one of Europe’s premier wreck sites, with four navy vessels meticulously sunk to create a fascinating underwater playground. For anyone with an advanced open water diver certificate, this is an opportunity to see history beneath the waves, with the added excitement of a double-dive.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup from Portimão, which is an excellent perk—no fuss, no worries about transportation. Upon arrival at the meeting point in Lagos, you’ll meet your small group and dive team. The operation is managed efficiently, with a professional attitude that reassures both beginners and experienced divers alike.

Once you’re suited up with the provided gear—no need to worry about your own equipment—your group will head out on a speedboat. The ride to the wreck site takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on sea conditions. This quick journey means more time underwater and less time in transit.

The first wreck you’ll explore is usually a large navy vessel, sitting upright and accessible for a thorough examination. The second dive takes you to another ship, providing variety and a more comprehensive experience of the site. The wrecks are large and impressive, and you’ll get ample time to observe details, marine life, and the intriguing construction of the ships.

What the Dives Feel Like

Multiple reviewers have described the visibility as variable, with some noting about 3 meters at their visit. While not crystal clear, this still offers enough clarity to appreciate the size and structure of the wrecks. You might see some fish and marine growth, but the real draw is the sense of exploring submerged military machinery.

The group size of six divers means everyone gets more individual attention. We loved the way the team kept things organized and professional, ensuring safety standards are maintained. This is especially important at wreck sites, where hazards can be present if not properly managed.

The Authenticity of the Site

The Ocean Revival was deliberately sunk to attract recreational wreck divers, making it a popular and well-maintained site. The ships’ large structures provide excellent opportunities for photography and exploration. For history buffs, imagining these vessels in action adds a layer of fascination.

Reviews: Real Perspectives

One reviewer remarked, “Very good dive boat, very well maintained equipment. Professional, well-organised setup,” which is reassuring knowing that the operation is meticulous about safety and comfort. Another pointed out that the wrecks are within 20-30 minutes by speedboat, making the journey swift and efficient.

On the flip side, some comments suggest the visibility can be less than ideal, and that the diving experience is “fair” rather than spectacular. That’s a good reminder that wreck diving often depends on weather and sea conditions, which can influence the overall spectacle.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just over $160, this double-dive provides a chance to see some of Europe’s best wrecks in a cozy, well-managed environment. The small group size and professional equipment heighten the value, especially for certified divers seeking quality over quantity.

While the cost might seem steep for some, the quality of experience—guided by safety-conscious professionals, coupled with the opportunity to explore significant wrecks—makes it worthwhile. For those who love wreck exploration and are looking for a memorable underwater adventure, this tour tick all the boxes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for advanced divers comfortable with open water conditions and eager to explore large submerged vessels. If you’re a history enthusiast or simply love the idea of swimming around military ships, you’ll find this a rewarding trip.

It’s also suitable for divers who appreciate small-group settings—the limited group size means more personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, if you’re not certified or uncomfortable with variable visibility, you should consider alternative activities or discuss options like supervised “try dives.”

FAQ about the Ocean Revival Double Dive

Do I need a special certification to participate? Yes, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification is required. If you don’t hold this, you might need to consider a different experience or ask if supervised “try dives” are available.

How long does the entire experience last? The tour takes about 4 hours, including pickup, transportation, equipment setup, and two dives.

What equipment is provided? All diving gear, including tanks, wetsuits, and other essentials, are supplied. You don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer your personal gear.

How many divers are in each group? The maximum group size is six divers, ensuring a more personal experience with safety at the forefront.

Where do the dives take place? The wrecks are located within the Ocean Revival Park in Lagos, approximately 20-30 minutes by boat from the harbor.

What about weather conditions? The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather or rough seas can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if canceled.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that won’t be refunded.

Is this experience suitable for non-divers? No, this tour is strictly for certified advanced divers. Non-divers can consider other local activities like boat trips or kayaking.

What do reviewers think of this experience? While some found the wrecks “fair” and visibility variable, others praised the well-maintained equipment and professional setup. It seems to be a reliable choice for wreck lovers, especially if you’re looking for a small-group adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park offers a genuine chance for advanced divers to see some impressive military wrecks in the Algarve. With professional organization, all equipment provided, and a small group atmosphere, it’s a practical choice for those wanting an authentic and memorable underwater experience.

While visibility can be inconsistent and weather dependent, those who love wreck exploration and are comfortable with the conditions will find it well worth the price. It’s a perfect fit for adventure-minded travelers who want to step beyond the beaches and discover Portugal’s undersea history in a fun, safe environment.

If you’re eager to see large ships and enjoy the camaraderie of a small diving group, this tour will suit you perfectly. Just remember to book in advance—on average, it’s popular about 30 days ahead.

This detailed, balanced review aims to help you decide whether the Ocean Revival double-dive is the right choice for your Algarve trip—highlighting what works, what to consider, and why it can be a real highlight for the right diver.