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Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

4.8 · 63 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 97% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Funchal Operated by Madeira Divepoint Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
3h
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
German, Portuguese, English, Spanish
Start & pickup
09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

A first dive with a certified instructor on the dive centre's own private reef, starting with a briefing and pool practice before the sea, with all equipment and insurance included.

A pool only option exists; children under ten cannot dive and pickup is not included. 4.84 from 63 reviews at €45 per person for 3h.

In our comparison: #12 of 20 in Funchal City Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Options and prices

3 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator. Guide languages on every option: German, English, Spanish, Portuguese.

OptionWhat the operator saysFrom, per adult
Pool Only - Discover ScubaThe page priceDuration: 2 hours€45
Scuba Diving with Ocean DiveDuration: 3 hours€95
Sunday Try Dive w/ Ocean Dive€105

Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 2 September 2026.

Included and not included

  • Full Insurance
  • Use of SCUBA equipment
  • Dive in the sea (when Ocean Dive option is selected)
  • Safety and training session
  • PADI Instructor
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Reviews

4.8
63 ratings
Tripadvisor 52 · Viator 11

97% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 61 of 63

Star breakdown of all 63 ratings

5 stars
58 · 92%
4 stars
3 · 5%
3 stars
0 · 0%
2 stars
1 · 2%
1 star
1 · 2%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise patient teaching and marine life; nervous beginners can still find the move from pool to sea daunting.

Praised

  • Detailed equipment briefings and pool practice before the sea dive
  • Patient instructors help nervous beginners build confidence
  • Close supervision and personal attention during the dive
  • Fish, octopus and other marine life seen on introductory dives

Complaints

  • Some feel ready after pool practice, while others still find the sea dive daunting

Written by Guidekin from the 45 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (24 July 2021 to 3 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
The dive center is inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel. Use the 2 elevators to go down to sea level to reach it. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Madeira Divepoint; booking and payment are completed on Viator

About this tour, from the operator

Start the experience at the Madeira Divepoint, which boasts its own private reef. Following an introduction and safety briefing, practice breathing and floating in a pool to get familiar with the equipment.

To finish, head out to the reef to explore an incredible underwater world. Come face to face with colorful fish and striking coral as you enjoy the thrill of your first dive.

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions

Children

  • Children under 10 years

Accessibility

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Age 10+ Children under 10 years

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Funchal City Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #12 of 20€453h4.84 (63)shared
Madeira Private Sunset Boat Tour from Funchal€3102h 30m4.99 (98)private
Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal€704h5.0 (82)shared
Private Tuk Tuk Tour to Old Town + Monte in Funchal€4050 min4.94 (131)private

Ranked #12 of 20 in Funchal City Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €16 to €310, median €45; typical length 2h 45m. 10 of 20 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 20 Funchal City Tours

From €45 per adult · Pool Only - Discover Scuba