Eco – Try Dive

The seabed becomes your classroom. Anthia in Sesimbra offers a gentle first step into scuba, paired with a practical conservation task in the Arrábida region and Luíz Saldanha Marine Reserve. You can explore underwater without signing up for a full certification course, and the program includes equipment, instruction, and a Mission Deep Blue certificate.

I like the unusually strong instructor-to-participant ratio, with one instructor assigned to every two people in the water. I also like the clean purpose of the eco program: you are not only looking at marine life, but helping remove debris from the seabed. The main consideration is that this is a four-hour activity starting at 2:30 pm, so you should allow most of the afternoon and expect to manage basic physical demands in the water.

The experience costs $103.18 per person, which is fair if you value instruction, equipment, a small in-water ratio, and the conservation element. It is less attractive if you want a long, advanced underwater session or a complete certification course. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat before or after.

Key points to know before booking

• One instructor for every two people in the water: This is the clearest safety advantage for first-time participants.
• Seabed cleanup included: The eco focus gives your first scuba session a useful purpose beyond sightseeing.
• Set in the Luíz Saldanha Marine Reserve: The Arrábida region is known for more than 1,500 species.
• About four hours from a 2:30 pm start: Set aside the afternoon, not just a quick hour at the harbor.
• Suitable for beginners: You can try scuba without committing to a longer certification program.
• Mission Deep Blue certificate: You receive recognition for taking part in the conservation activity.

What makes this Sesimbra experience different

Many introductory scuba programs focus only on equipment, breathing, and a short look below the surface. This one adds a simple conservation mission. You have the chance to help clean the seabed, then receive a Mission Deep Blue certificate at the end.

That small change matters. A first scuba session can feel like a passive activity, especially if you spend much of the time learning basic skills. Here, the cleanup gives you a practical task and connects the experience to the protection of the marine environment.

The setting also adds value. Sesimbra sits in Portugal’s Setubal District, near the Arrábida region and the Luíz Saldanha Marine Reserve. The reserve has more than 1,500 different species, so the appeal is not only the novelty of breathing underwater. You might find a broad range of marine life in a protected coastal setting, though the exact conditions and sightings can vary.

I would think of this as an introduction, not a full underwater expedition. You get a taste of scuba, some time in the water, and an eco activity. If you already hold a qualification or have extensive experience, the session may feel basic.

Arriving at Anthia in Sesimbra

The meeting point is Anthia Diving Center, Porto de Abrigo, Loja 1, 2970-152 Sesimbra, Portugal. The activity begins at 2:30 pm and ends back at the same location.

Because the meeting point is at the port, you should allow enough time to find the shop, get organized, and avoid arriving at the last minute. The exact preparation schedule is not specified, so do not assume you can walk in just before the start and be ready immediately.

The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in Sesimbra without a car. Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation is sent at the time of booking. Keep the ticket easy to access on your phone.

There is no lunch included. Since the program takes about four hours and begins midafternoon, eating beforehand is sensible. You may also want a snack for afterward, though the supplied details do not specify food arrangements at the center.

The first briefing: getting comfortable before entering the water

For a first scuba session, the briefing can make or break the day. You need clear explanations of the equipment, breathing, underwater signals, and what to do if you feel uneasy. Anthia places strong emphasis on safety and says its instructors receive ongoing training.

The most useful feature is the staffing ratio. One instructor for every two people in the water gives you much more personal attention than a large beginner group. If you struggle with a mask, need a reminder about breathing, or simply feel nervous, an instructor should be close by.

You should still expect to take responsibility for listening carefully. Scuba equipment can feel strange at first, and the water can make ordinary movements seem less natural. A calm start is more important than rushing to see marine life.

The program accepts beginners without requiring a full certification course. That makes it a good way to test your interest before paying for a longer training program. It also means the session is built around basic confidence and safe participation, rather than advanced skills.

Equipment and the first underwater session

Use of scuba equipment is included in the price. The information does not list each item, so you should confirm any personal equipment needs directly with Anthia before arrival.

Once prepared, you can expect the underwater portion to introduce you to breathing through the regulator, moving with the equipment, and communicating with your instructor. The session may take place in confined water or open water, depending on the program and conditions.

That flexibility is helpful for beginners. Confined water can make the first steps feel more controlled, while open water gives you the real coastal setting that makes the experience special. The exact format is not guaranteed in advance, so weather and local conditions may influence the plan.

The center’s safety approach is especially reassuring for people who are uncertain about trying scuba. Several participants described the staff as professional, kind, attentive, and serious about safety. Families also found the instructors able to balance careful supervision with a sense of fun.

The experience has worked well for young participants, including children aged 12 and 15 who had never tried scuba before. Another account describes a 12-year-old enjoying the session even with a language barrier. That suggests the staff can adapt their explanations and pay attention to individual needs, though the supplied details do not state a formal minimum age.

Cleaning the seabed in the marine reserve

The eco element is the heart of the program. Rather than simply observing the seabed, you have the opportunity to help remove rubbish from it. This gives your session a clear purpose and turns a recreational activity into a small act of marine care.

You should not expect a major scientific survey or a large-scale cleanup operation. The supplied information describes a chance to help clean the bottom of the sea, not a technical conservation course. Still, even a modest collection of debris can change how you look at the underwater environment.

This is also a good reason to choose the experience if you are bringing children or teenagers. The certificate offers a tangible reminder of the day, while the cleanup helps connect marine life with personal responsibility. It is a stronger educational experience than simply posing for photos underwater.

The Luíz Saldanha Marine Reserve adds context. With more than 1,500 species in the wider region, the seabed is part of a living environment rather than an empty backdrop. You might see clear water and plentiful marine life, but visibility is never something you should treat as guaranteed. Sea conditions can affect what you see and how comfortable the session feels.

Safety, comfort, and physical demands

You need a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity involves handling scuba equipment and spending time in the water, so it is not designed as a completely passive outing.

You do not need to be a certified scuba participant, but you should be comfortable following instructions and telling the staff if you feel uncomfortable. First-time participants often worry about breathing underwater. A strong instructor ratio helps, but confidence still builds gradually.

The center’s safety culture receives the strongest praise. People describe the staff as professional, careful, supportive, and attentive from beginning to end. That matters more here than fancy extras. For a beginner, a patient instructor is worth far more than a large equipment list or a long session.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The information does not specify changing facilities, storage, towels, or shower access, so check those details with the provider if they affect your plans.

The program requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. This is sensible for a coastal activity, but you should leave some flexibility in your schedule if possible.

How the $103.18 price measures up

At $103.18 per person, the cost is not bargain-basement, but it includes several elements that make the price easier to justify. You receive the scuba equipment, instruction, a small in-water ratio, the eco activity, and a certificate.

The price is strongest for someone trying scuba for the first time. You are paying for supervision and access to equipment as much as for the underwater time itself. The one-instructor-for-two-participants setup is a meaningful benefit, especially if you are nervous or want close guidance.

The value is also good for families who want a shared activity with an environmental angle. The certificate gives children and teenagers something to take home, and the cleanup adds a memorable purpose.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a long session focused entirely on marine life. This is an introductory program lasting about four hours in total, not a full certification course or a specialist wildlife outing. Lunch is not included, and there is no stated promise of a particular animal sighting.

The activity is booked, on average, 12 days ahead. That is a useful planning clue, especially if you are visiting Sesimbra during a busy period. I would reserve ahead rather than assume a last-minute place will be available.

Who should choose this experience?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time scuba participants who want a controlled introduction
• Families with older children or teenagers interested in trying something new
• People who care about marine conservation
• Visitors staying in or near Sesimbra
• Anyone who prefers a small, closely supervised group
• Participants who want an activity with a certificate and a clear sense of purpose

It may not suit you if you dislike being in open water, want a relaxed boat ride with no physical effort, or already have advanced scuba experience. You should also think twice if your schedule cannot handle a possible weather change.

The language barrier does not appear to be a major problem. Staff have been attentive to participants who did not speak the same language, using care and patience to keep the experience comfortable. Still, if you have a medical concern or need detailed communication support, contact Anthia before booking.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

The start time is 2:30 pm, and the activity lasts about four hours. Since the end time is approximate, avoid booking a tight evening reservation immediately afterward.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

Weather is the key exception. If poor conditions cause Anthia to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This policy protects you from losing money when the sea is not suitable, but it also means you should avoid building an important connecting plan around the session.

Bring a charged phone for the mobile ticket, arrive with time to spare, and plan food separately. Most importantly, tell the instructors if you feel anxious or need extra help. The program is designed for beginners, and the close staffing ratio is there to support you.

Should you book the Eco Try Scuba?

I would book this experience if you want a careful first introduction to scuba and like the idea of helping clean the seabed. The marine reserve setting, small in-water ratio, trained staff, and Mission Deep Blue certificate give it more substance than a standard first-time session.

The strongest reason to choose it is the balance between safety and purpose. You get personal guidance without committing to a certification course, and the cleanup gives the afternoon a clear environmental point.

I would skip it if you want advanced scuba, a guaranteed list of sea animals, or a full day on the water. For everyone else, especially families and beginners, Anthia offers a thoughtful way to meet Sesimbra’s underwater world while leaving it a little better than you found it.

FAQ

How long does the Eco Try Scuba experience last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the experience start?

The scheduled start time is 2:30 pm.

Where does the activity begin and end?

It begins and ends at Anthia Diving Center, Porto de Abrigo, Loja 1, 2970-152 Sesimbra, Portugal.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. Use of scuba equipment is included in the price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should arrange food separately.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.