Portugal · SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING

15 Diving & Snorkelling Trips in Portugal Worth Booking

32 tours  ·  from $17 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 diving & snorkelling trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour - The paddle toward Lazareto
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira

Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

1.Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 906 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Meet your guide by the Cristiano Ronaldo Statue, learn the basics of kayaking, then paddle about 40 minutes toward Lazareto and Garajau Nature Reserve. Stop at a pebble beach before snorkeling among fish and crabs. Guides including Marco, Hugo, Luis, and Flora are praised for clear safety help and support for mixed skill levels.

“Our trip was really good! We kayaked out to the reserve where Joao showed us where we could jump into the water. İn the reserve there are lods of fish amd crabs everywhere so youre guaranteed to encounter a lot of wildlife. Highly recommended!”

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Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners - The 45-minute briefing makes the difference
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

2.Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 715 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $53

Meet at Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton hotel for a short safety lesson, equipment practice, and pool training before heading to a shallow private reef. PADI instructors speak English, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Choose the ocean option for fish, octopus, starfish, and Atlantic sea life.

“Had a great experience. It was my first time diving and our guide Jorge did an excellent job explaning everything helping me to get comfortable and confident in the water. With Jorge's tips and guidance, everything became easy and enjoyable underwater. Got to see a lot fish and even an octopuss. I highly recommend this activity!”

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São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling - A glass-bottom view of the Azores Sea
Boat Trips in Sao Miguel, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sao Miguel

São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

3.Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, you circle Ilhéu de Vila Franca with a skipper and marine biologist, viewing fish, starfish, sea cucumbers, seabirds, and volcanic rock through the glass-bottom boat. Then you snorkel with a guide nearby. Alex, João, Érica, and Edmundo are among the team members praised for clear explanations and friendly care.

“My wife and I had a fantastic time. Our guide was very informative and personable as was our captain. They both had a deep knowledge of the history of the islands and were more than happy to share.”

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Lisbon: Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure - Getting fitted out at Portinho da Arrábida
Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking Trips in Setubal, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Setubal

Lisbon: Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure

4.Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 538 reviews · 7 hours · from $82

Leave Lisbon Zoo by van for a seven-hour coastal adventure in Arrábida Natural Park. Paddle clear water, enter limestone caves, snorkel near Anicha Rock, and take optional cliff jumps. Guides António and Miguel add local history, safety help, photos, and a cheerful soundtrack. Wetsuits, kayaks, masks, flippers, tea, coffee, and cookies are included.

“this was SO FUN !! antonio was our guide and he was so knowledgeable. it was a nice mix of portuguese history and outdoor activities !!”

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Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira - Fish, crabs, eels, and Madeira’s underwater life
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira

5.Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50Top rated

Learn scuba basics at Azul Diving Madeira, practice in the pool, then descend into Funchal’s sea for up to 45 to 50 minutes at 12 metres. Instructors including Rafa, Rafael, Esme, Guadalupe, and Theo guide small groups of no more than four. Equipment and a recognition certificate are included.

“one of the best experiences i’ve ever done definitely recommend when travelling to madeira our dive instructor esme was great taught us everything we needed to know no messing around and straight into the sea 35 minutes diving time amazing highly recommend”

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Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Snorkeling in São Miguel, Azores - Snorkeling beside the reserve
Boat Trips in Sao Miguel, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sao Miguel

Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Snorkeling in São Miguel, Azores

6.Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Snorkeling in São Miguel, Azores

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 250 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, a skipper and biologist guide you around the volcanic islet by glass-bottom boat, explaining local history, birds, and marine life. You then snorkel beside the reserve with supplied gear. Expect a flexible outing that can last well beyond the advertised two hours.

“Alex was a great navigator and educated us on the history of the land as well as the marine life we were able to see.”

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Snorkeling Tour- Vila Franca do Campo Islet - What happens at Vila Watersports Center
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sao Miguel

Snorkeling Tour- Vila Franca do Campo Islet

7.Snorkeling Tour- Vila Franca do Campo Islet

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 220 reviews · 1 hour · from $31

Join Vila Watersports Center for a small-group snorkel near Vila Franca do Campo Islet. Guides including Carlos, Pedro, Roberto, and Dominik provide gear, safety help, and local insight in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Expect fish, starfish, crabs, eels, and perhaps octopus, followed by a boat tour around the islet.

“very nice trip to the outskirts of the islet... felt like swimming in an aquarium... lots of fish and some starfish too... great guide and support from the captain”

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Diving in the Madeira Aquarium - How the two-and-a-half-hour schedule works
Aquariums, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

8.Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $163

At Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, you receive scuba instruction from guides such as Abílio, Manuel, or Michael before entering the natural pools and the aquarium’s 6-meter main tank. You need no prior experience. Equipment is supplied, groups are limited to four, and the session includes an aquarium and technical-area tour.

“Everything about our dive was as expected. Started on time, clean, safe environment, informative, and fun. Abilio was great, very patient and with a sense of humor.”

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Madeira: Ponta de São Lourenço Snorkeling Boat Trip - The speedboat ride along Baia d’Abra
Boat Trips in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Madeira: Ponta de São Lourenço Snorkeling Boat Trip

9.Ponta de São Lourenço Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 199 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

From Marina da Quinta do Lorde, you ride a speedboat along Baia d’Abra, then snorkel with a guide among clear water, fish, and volcanic rock. Jessie, Hernan, Nico, Esme, Vlad, and Tiago have led recent trips, though the crew may vary. Wetsuits, fins, masks, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“Vlad & Thiago were loads of fun. Great little trip to the east of the island. It was worth hiring a car for.”

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Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium - The three-hour schedule at Aquário da Madeira
Aquariums, Madeira Peaks & Viewpoints, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

10.Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 192 reviews · 3 hours · from $159

At Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, instructor Abílio guides you through a scuba introduction, natural ocean pool practice, and a supervised swim in the main tank with sharks, rays, and mantas. The three-hour, small-group session includes equipment, an aquarium tour, and access to the technical zone. No certification is required.

“Amazing first diving experience with an amazing guide who comforts you very well. From te instruction of diving, to the tour through the aquarium, everything went perfect. We were just with the two of us so we had plenty of time which makes it even more nice. Petted two of the fishes during the dive. Couldn’t be more happy!”

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Sesimbra: Arrábida Beaches & Caves Boat Tour with Snorkeling - Arrábida Natural Park from the water
Arrabida Natural Park Tours, Boat Trips in Setubal, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Setubal

Sesimbra: Arrábida Beaches & Caves Boat Tour with Snorkeling

11.Arrábida Beaches & Caves Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

From Sesimbra, cruise through Arrábida Natural Park toward Cabo Espichel, stopping at Ribeiro do Cavalo, Mijona, Inferno, and Baleeira beaches. You’ll swim and snorkel in clear Atlantic water, hear stories about local fishermen, explore sea caves, and taste a typical Setúbal-region drink. Guides may speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French.

“This activity was amazing- our tour guide Catarina ensured before arrival that we find the meeting point and was helpful at all times. She provided lots of interesting information about the area of Sesimbra and beaches around. It’s a great mixture of fun, swimming and infos. We even were lucky and saw dolphins. We would recommend the tour and do it again once we are back. :)”

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Sesimbra: Secret Bays and Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling - Leaving Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra
Boat Trips in Setubal, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Setubal

Sesimbra: Secret Bays and Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

12.Secret Bays and Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

Spend 2.5 hours cruising Sesimbra’s coast with a small group of up to eight people. Guides such as Marco, Vanessa, Jorge, and Catarina lead you to Ribeiro do Cavalo, Mijona, Inferno, and Baleeira, with snorkeling, swimming, caves, marine life, and a regional drink included.

“Really enjoyed this small boat trip with snorkelling- two lovely guides, very knowledgeable and friendly. Got to get off the boat and swim /snorkel- thoroughly recommend”

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Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling - Swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs
Canyoning & Coasteering, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Algarve

Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling

13.Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $78

Spend four hours hiking, climbing, swimming, snorkeling, and making optional cliff jumps along the Vicentine Coast near Sagres. André and Francisco provide gear, safety guidance, and local nature notes. Pickup is available between Lagos and Sagres, with jumps ranging from half a meter to 10 meters.

“The tour guides were friendly and the overall experience was a blast, they give you all the equipment needed to complete the trip so don’t worry and have fun!”

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Lagos: Guided Scuba Diving Trip for Beginners - A short boat ride along the Algarve coast
Guided, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Algarve

Lagos: Guided Scuba Diving Trip for Beginners

14.Guided Scuba Diving Trip for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 131 reviews · 3 hours · from $135

Meet Atlasdivertido near the Lagos marina for a three-hour beginner scuba session. Guides including Nuno, Melanie, Gui, and Tee provide equipment, insurance, and calm instruction before a short boat ride to the coast. You will spend about 35 minutes underwater, with chances to spot cuttlefish, octopus, squid, sea stars, anemones, and fish.

“Das Team kümmert sich ganz wunderbar um einen. Wir waren nur zwei Teilnehmer und wurden vor, während und nach dem Tauchgang sehr gut betreut. Unser Tauchlehrer Nuno ist mit viel Ruhe auf uns eingegangen. Besonders den ersten Ängste konnte er mit seiner Herangehensweise entgegenwirken. Es lohnt sich sehr, wenn man das Tauchen einmal ausprobieren möchte. Eine große Portion Mut wird allerdings auch benötigt ;-) Wir sind ca 10 Meter tief getaucht und waren so lange unterwegs bis einem kalt wurde. Insgesamt eine unglaubliche Erfahrung! Tolles Team! Preis-Leistung passt vollkommen. Herzlichen Dank für das Erlebnis.”

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Lagos: Algarve Coasteering and Snorkeling Adventure - From Lagos to Ingrina Beach in about 30 minutes
Canyoning & Coasteering, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Lagos

Lagos: Algarve Coasteering and Snorkeling Adventure

15.Algarve Coasteering and Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 4 hours · from $76

Join André, João, or Francisco for a four-hour coasteering trip from Lagos to Ingrina Beach near Sagres. Expect cliff hiking, sea swimming, cave exploration, jumps from 1 to 11 meters, and some snorkeling when visibility is good. Your wetsuit, helmet, boots, guide, safety cover, and jump photos are included.

“This was the highlight of my trip, hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m a huge coward and have never jumped off cliffs before but André was an incredible guide (and also very patient) and he gave me the courage to go through with it. Me and my partner had soooo much fun doing this. We’ll definitely do this again next time we’re in Portugal.”

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New in Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

★ 4.5Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected AreaFrom $4268 reviews
★ 5.03 days Open Water Course | Scuba DivingFrom $52743 reviews
★ 5.0SUP Tour in Algarve Ingrina Caves w/ Snorkeling & Photos IncludedFrom $6344 reviews
★ 4.8Snorkeling around Vila Franca do CampoFrom $8649 reviews
★ 4.3Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour + SnorkelingFrom $4060 reviews
★ 5.0Arrábida – Sesimbra: Eco-Friendly Beginner’s Scuba DivingFrom $11152 reviews
★ 4.7Arrábida Marine Reserve: Kayaking & Snorkeling TourFrom $4564 reviews
★ 4.4Kayak & Snorkeling in Garajau Nature ReserveFrom $3468 reviews
★ 4.8Snorkelling in Sesimbra/Arrábida Natural Park43 reviews
★ 4.9Arrábida Kayak & Wild Beach Snorkeling with PickupFrom $6354 reviews
★ 4.8Arrábida Snorkeling AdventureFrom $9449 reviews

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