Lisbon’s coastal wonders extend far beyond its historic city center. Just a short drive away, the Arrábida Natural Park and Marine Reserve offer a thrilling underwater adventure that shouldn’t be missed. Divers can explore the vibrant ecosystem of Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, home to over 1,000 marine species. With experienced instructors guiding the way, even beginners can safely enjoy this breathtaking world. From colorful anemones to playful octopuses, the diversity of marine life is truly captivating. What awaits beneath the surface is an experience that will leave a lasting impression on visitors to the Lisbon region.
Key Points
- Discover the marine biodiversity of Arrábida Natural Park and Marine Reserve during a thrilling 2-hour scuba diving adventure.
- Explore the vibrant coral gardens, sea stars, and elusive marine life in the renowned Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.
- Experience safe and guided diving with certified instructors, who provide all necessary equipment and transportation options.
- Enjoy a hassle-free experience with free cancellation, liability insurance, and positive customer feedback on the activity.
- Enjoy one of Europe’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, making this a must-try activity for visitors to Lisbon.
Overview of the Activity
Visitors can experience a thrilling dive in the Arrábida Natural Park and Marine Reserve. The 2-hour activity costs from $100.08 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The meeting point is behind Anicha-Bar on the beach, marked by a large blue flag. The dive takes place in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, known for its diverse seabed and unique marine species.
Over 1,000 species inhabit the reef and coral gardens, including anemones, lobsters, and sea horses. The certified instructors provide multilingual guidance and ensure participants’ safety throughout the program, which includes a safety briefing, equipment introduction, and a guided dive.
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Discovering the Marine Park
The Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park is a true underwater paradise, known for its diverse seabed and unique marine species. This protected area boasts over 1,000 different species, including mesmerizing anemones, elegant gorgonians, curious lobsters, playful octopuses, graceful stingrays, delicate sea horses, and vibrant sea stars and urchins. The environment is a stunning tapestry of reef and coral gardens, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in Europe.
Marine Life | Environment |
---|---|
Anemones | Reef |
Gorgonians | Coral gardens |
Lobsters | Diverse seabed |
Octopuses | One of the most biodiverse areas in Europe |
This rich underwater world awaits adventurous divers, ready to enjoy the captivating marine ecosystem of the Arrábida Natural Park.
Diverse Marine Ecosystem
The diverse marine ecosystem of the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park is truly awe-inspiring.
With over 1000 species thriving in this underwater paradise, visitors can expect to encounter a stunning array of marine life. From colorful anemones and gorgonians to elusive lobsters, octopuses, stingrays, and even seahorses, this protected area is a haven for a wide variety of creatures.
The reef and coral gardens create a vibrant, serene environment, making it one of the most diverse marine regions in Europe.
Divers have the unique opportunity to enjoy this rich ecosystem, discovering the wonders that lie beneath the surface.
Experienced Dive Instructors
Certified instructors by CMAS and SSI lead the diving experience, offering multilingual guidance in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.
The program structure includes a thorough safety briefing, an introduction to the equipment, and an adaptation session to get comfortable breathing underwater. This is followed by a guided dive, ensuring participants’ safety and enjoyment.
The instructors’ patience and professionalism have received positive feedback, especially from beginners, who appreciate the personalized attention and support throughout the dive.
With their extensive expertise, the instructors are well-equipped to provide an unforgettable and safe diving adventure in the Arrábida Natural Park and Marine Reserve.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyProgram Structure and Safety
The diving experience begins with a thorough safety briefing, where participants learn about the equipment and get comfortable breathing underwater. The program is structured to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive for all skill levels. Instructors certified by CMAS and SSI provide multilingual guidance in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish, guiding participants through an adaptation session before the dive.
Participation Criteria | Allowed | Not Allowed |
---|---|---|
Age | 10-99 | Under 10 |
Health Conditions | – | Heart/Respiratory Issues, Pregnant Women |
Experience Level | All | – |
The guided dive takes place in the renowned Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, renowned for its diverse marine life and captivating underwater landscapes.
Included Equipment and Gear
The package comes packed with all the necessary diving equipment, including a scuba tank, ballast, and a participation certificate.
Certified instructors provide full scuba diving gear like wetsuits, masks, and fins. Participants also receive water and energy bars to refuel after the dive.
Safety is paramount, with liability insurance and speedboat transfer included. The 12-liter or 15-liter 200-bar tanks ensure ample air supply for the guided dive.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, everything you need for a safe and memorable underwater adventure in Arrábida Natural Park is provided.
Transportation Availability
Transportation is available upon request at an additional cost. Guests can arrange for transportation to and from the dive site, providing a seamless experience. The pricing and details are as follows:
Option | Duration | Price |
---|---|---|
Roundtrip Shuttle | 45 minutes | $20 per person |
Private Transfer | 45 minutes | $80 per vehicle |
The shuttle option is ideal for individual travelers, while the private transfer offers more flexibility and comfort for groups. Regardless of the choice, the transportation service ensures a hassle-free start and end to the diving adventure in Arrábida Natural Park.
Customer Feedback Highlights
Guests who’ve experienced the dive in Arrábida Natural Park consistently praise the professionalism and patience of the instructors.
The dive activity receives an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 15 reviews, with particularly high marks for the transportation (5/5) and value for money (4.8/5).
Reviewers highlight how the instructors’ multilingual guidance and attentive support enhanced the experience, especially for beginners.
The diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes of the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park have also left a lasting impression on participants, making this dive a must-try activity for visitors to Lisbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Scuba Diving Equipment?
Participants can bring their own scuba diving equipment, but the activity provider includes all necessary gear. Using the provider’s equipment is recommended to ensure proper fit and functioning for a safe dive experience.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?
The activity doesn’t specify a minimum or maximum group size. It states the program is suitable for individuals aged 10-99, indicating it’s open to both small and large groups as long as participants meet the age requirement.
Is the Dive Suitable for Experienced Divers as Well?
The dive is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The instructors provide multilingual guidance, and the diverse marine environment offers ample opportunities for experienced divers to explore the vibrant seabed and unique species.
What Is the Depth Range of the Dive?
The dive takes place in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, which has a maximum depth range of around 18-20 meters. The diverse marine environment with over 1000 species makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
Are There Any Restrictions on Diving Time or Number of Dives?
The activity overview doesn’t specify any restrictions on diving time or number of dives. However, it notes the dive is suitable for those aged 10-99, excluding children under 10, pregnant women, and those with heart/respiratory issues.
Recap
Diving in Arrábida Natural Park and Marine Reserve offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world near Lisbon. With certified instructors, diverse marine life, and hassle-free arrangements, it’s an adventure not to be missed. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced diver, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable encounter with the breathtaking beauty of the Arrábida ecosystem.
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