Sesimbra: Double Dive on a Marine reserve

Sesimbra: Double Dive on a Marine Reserve – A Practical Guide to an Unforgettable Underwater Adventure

If you’re looking for a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and authentic marine life, this Sesimbra double dive tour offers a compelling choice. Priced at $148 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this experience takes you into the Parque Marinho Professor Luiz Saldanha, one of the most celebrated marine reserves in continental Portugal. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy not just two underwater excursions but also scenic boat rides along the dramatic coastlines, often accompanied by playful dolphins if you’re lucky.

What we love about this tour is the diversity of marine life—more than 2,000 species to observe—and the accessible diving options for all certification levels. Plus, the included full gear, safety briefing, and boat transport help make this a hassle-free adventure. However, a quick consideration is that the lack of hotel pickup might require some planning if you’re staying outside Sesimbra town.

This experience is best suited for adventurers and nature lovers who want to see Portugal’s waters from a fresh perspective—whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out. If you enjoy scenic boat rides combined with underwater exploration, this tour offers a balanced dose of both. Families with older children (over 10) and those comfortable with water activities will find it especially rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Marine Diversity: Over 2,000 species of flora and fauna make each dive a new discovery.
• All Levels Welcome: Dives are tailored to different certification levels, making it accessible for beginners and experienced divers alike.
• Scenic Coastal Views: The boat rides along the cliffs offer stunning views of Sesimbra’s coastline.
• Wildlife Encounters: Sometimes you might spot dolphins playing around during the boat trip.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Full gear, towels, water, and even a traditional Portuguese sweet cookie are included.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

A Thorough Look at What to Expect from This Double Dive Tour

Starting Point: Megadive in Sesimbra

Your adventure begins at Megadive, a well-regarded local diving center. The staff here are friendly and organized, setting a reassuring tone for your trip. You’ll meet your guides, who speak multiple languages including English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Safety Briefing and Equipment Check

The 30-minute safety briefing is thorough without being overwhelming. The guides explain what to expect during the dives, basic hand signals, and safety procedures. If you have your own dive log or certification, bring it along to help the guides tailor the experience. The full gear provided includes wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels—everything you need to enjoy the underwater spectacle.

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Scenic Boat Ride to the Dive Sites

Next, you hop onto a speedboat and cruise along the coast for about 20 minutes. During this time, you’ll get sweeping views of Sesimbra’s rugged cliffs and possibly catch a glimpse of dolphins that often join the boat. The boat ride isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the experience, giving you a chance to appreciate the coast from the sea.

First Marine Reserve Stop: Snorkeling at CV7Q+XV

Arriving at your first snorkeling spot, designated as CV7Q+XV, you’ll spend around an hour observing marine life in shallow waters. The guides often point out local creatures, and you’ll probably see schools of fish and vibrant coral formations. The experience is relaxed, perfect for those new to snorkeling or looking to take it slow and soak in the surroundings.

Second Stop: CR6Q+WV for Marine Life Viewing

After another 20-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at your second snorkeling location, CR6Q+WV, where marine biodiversity continues to impress. Expect to see different species and underwater landscapes, making each stop feel like a new chapter in your underwater story.

Return Journey and Reflections

The final 20-minute boat ride back to Megadive allows you to unwind and chat about what you’ve seen. Sometimes, guides share interesting tidbits about local marine conservation efforts or marine species, enriching your appreciation for this protected environment.

End of the Tour: Hot Shower, Towels, and Portuguese Cookies

Back at the center, you’ll enjoy a hot shower and the chance to relax. The tour includes towels, water, and a sweet Portuguese traditional cookie—a small but thoughtful touch that adds to the local flavor.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The all-inclusive nature of this tour makes it appealing—full gear, a safety briefing, boat rides, towels, and water are covered. The extra costs are mainly for optional items like dive computers, surface buoys, torches, or professional photos. Food and hotel transfers are not included, so plan accordingly.

Pricing and Value

While $148 might seem steep for a half-day experience, it covers significant costs: boat transportation, equipment, expert guidance, and access to protected marine sites. Considering the quality of the scenery and biodiversity, many find it excellent value, especially since it caters to all skill levels.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals to divers and snorkelers eager to explore Portugal’s marine life without spending all day on the water. It’s particularly suitable for beginners and families with older children, given the accessible dive options and relaxed pace. If you’re someone who loves scenic boat rides and underwater wildlife, this experience will likely hit the right spot.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The Starting Point at Megadive

The journey begins at a reputable diving center, where staff are well-trained and friendly. They provide equipment and briefings in a clear, calm manner—key for easing first-timers or nervous swimmers. This initial step is crucial because it sets the tone for a safe, enjoyable adventure.

Safety Briefing: A Necessity

In 30 minutes, guides cover basic safety tips, dive signals, and what to do if you get separated or feel uncomfortable. Many reviews note the guides’ knowledgeable and approachable nature, which helps build confidence.

The Boat Ride: Coastal Cliffs and Dolphin Sightings

The 20-minute boat ride is a highlight for many. The local coastline is dramatic, with high cliffs and rugged coves. If you’re lucky, dolphins might join the boat, adding a touch of magic. Even without marine mammals, the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

Snorkeling Spots: CV7Q+XV and CR6Q+WV

The two snorkeling locations are carefully selected to maximize wildlife viewing. Expect schools of fish, colorful corals, and perhaps some sea creatures that spark curiosity. The guides often point out species and explain their significance, turning a simple snorkel into an educational outing.

Return and Relaxation

After the second stop, the return trip allows for reflection and photos. Many guests comment on how peaceful and scenic the ride was, often citing the stunning coastline as a highlight.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback

Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides who are fluent in multiple languages and eager to share their local marine environment. One reviewer shared, “The guides made us feel safe and explained everything clearly. We loved the way the fish followed us—it felt like we were part of the ocean.” Others appreciated the scenic boat rides, calling them “the perfect way to see the coastline from the water.”

Some considerations mentioned include the importance of being comfortable in water—though dives are suitable for all certification levels, non-swimmers or very nervous water visitors should consider their comfort level. Also, transportation from further afield may require extra planning, as hotel pickup isn’t included.

The Sum Up: Who Will Find Value in This Tour?

This double dive experience in Sesimbra offers a well-rounded, affordable way to explore Portugal’s marine life and coastal scenery. It’s particularly suited to beginners, families with older children, and nature lovers who want a manageable, safe, and scenic adventure. The combination of marine biodiversity, scenic boat rides, and friendly guides makes this a memorable outing.

If you’re searching for an experience that balances adventure with comfort, delivers impressive views, and introduces you to Portugal’s marine environment, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s not just about the underwater world—it’s about the sense of wonder as you see a protected and vibrant ecosystem alive with movement and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior diving experience?
No, dives are suitable for all certification levels, and beginners are welcome. The guides tailor the experience to your comfort and skill level.

What is included in the price?
Full gear, safety briefing, boat rides, towels, water, and a traditional Portuguese sweet cookie are included.

Can I see dolphins during this tour?
Sometimes, the boat ride along the coast offers the chance to see dolphins playing nearby, but sightings are not guaranteed.

How long is the entire experience?
It lasts about 4 hours, including safety briefings, boat rides, snorkeling stops, and return.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for kids over 10 years old who are comfortable in water. Pregnant women are advised against participating.

What should I bring?
Bring your dive log, certification, swimwear, and perhaps a towel or camera if you wish. Equipment is provided.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Megadive in Sesimbra.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Whether you’re an ocean enthusiast or just craving a new perspective on Portugal’s coast, this Sesimbra double dive with Mega Dive provides a solid, enjoyable way to connect with the sea. It combines scenic beauty, educational value, and marine wonder, making it an experience worth considering for your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: