Terceira Azores: Scuba-Double dive Trip(certified Divers)

Terceira rewards divers who go prepared. This four-hour outing gives certified divers two planned underwater sessions around the island, with a safety briefing, guide support, and a surface break between them. I like the personal scale, with groups capped at 10, and I like the chance to visit different sites, including the Lidador wreck or Goat Island when conditions allow.

The staff also seem to put real care into the small things. Zeferino, André, and Ana are named as especially warm and attentive members of the team, while equipment care and clear planning receive repeated praise. The main consideration is weather: ocean conditions can cancel or alter the trip, and the boat ride to Goat Island may be choppy.

Key things to know before booking

• Two underwater sessions in about four hours: You get a full half-day on the water rather than a quick single outing.
• Possible sites include the Lidador wreck and Goat Island: Site choice depends on conditions and the day’s plan.
• Safety comes first: You receive equipment guidance, site planning, and supervision from an instructor or guide.
• Small group size: The maximum is 10 people, which should allow more direct attention than a large boat operation.
• Equipment care is part of the service: Staff have helped store and dry gear so customers could start the next outing without trouble.
• Bring your own lunch, snacks, towel, and swimwear: These are not included in the price.

Starting at Angra’s marina

The meeting point is Scubazores Divers at the Marina Store, at Marina de Angra do Heroísmo, postal code 9700-154. That central marina location is useful if you are staying in town, and it keeps the start simple: meet the team, sort the gear, and prepare for the boat.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer, which matters after two sessions in the water, when you may be tired, damp, and ready for a hot shower.

The scheduled length is about four hours. That includes preparation, the boat outing, two underwater sessions, a surface interval, and the return to the marina. It is not a rushed splash-and-go trip. Still, allow extra time around the stated duration if you have a dinner reservation or another fixed plan.

I would arrive ready rather than trying to shop for missing items at the last minute. Lunch, snacks, a towel, and swimwear are not included. The experience is offered in English, and a mobile ticket makes the meeting process straightforward.

Planning the two sessions before you leave

Before heading out, the guide discusses the planned sites, expected underwater conditions, goals for the outing, and safety points. This planning stage is more useful than it may sound. Conditions can shape where you go, what you see, and how much time you spend at a particular site.

You also receive a detailed equipment briefing. The aim is to make sure you are comfortable with the gear and familiar with the safety procedures before entering the water. For a certified diver, this is a good chance to check how the operator works and to raise any concerns before the boat leaves.

I particularly like that the plan is not presented as a fixed sightseeing script. The first session may use one of Terceira’s better sites, while the second can take place somewhere different. That approach gives you more variety and lets the guide respond to the sea rather than forcing the day into a rigid schedule.

The information does not promise a specific site on every departure. You should treat the Lidador wreck, Goat Island, and other named locations as possible destinations, not guaranteed stops.

What the first underwater session may offer

The first session can focus on underwater rock formations, marine life, and the natural features found around Terceira. The guide or instructor stays present to supervise and help you follow the planned route.

This is where the small group limit matters. With no more than 10 participants, the guide should have a better chance of keeping the group together and noticing when someone needs help. It does not mean you receive private instruction, but it is a more manageable setup than a large boat filled with several dozen people.

The area can also produce memorable surprises. A nearby school of dolphins was spotted during one outing, and another trip included sightings of colorful fish, octopuses, manta rays, and fish of different sizes. None of these animals can be promised, of course. That is the nature of open-water wildlife. The value is in having a guide who knows how to make the most of the conditions.

The language used in the trip description is careful, and you should be careful too. Do not book this expecting an aquarium-style display or guaranteed animal encounters. You are going into a changing marine environment, where visibility, current, weather, and site selection all shape the experience.

The surface interval and the second session

After the first session, you return to the boat for a surface break. This is time to rest, compare observations, and make any needed adjustments before the next entry.

That pause has practical value. You can check your equipment, talk through how the first session felt, and listen to any changes in the plan. If your weight setup, mask, or other gear needs attention, the break gives the crew a chance to help before the second session.

The second session may use a different site, offering another type of underwater setting. Possibilities include a wreck, shoals of fish, or unusual rock formations. Again, the exact choice depends on conditions and the guide’s plan for the day.

The Lidador wreck is described as being across the bay, making it a potentially convenient site from Angra. Goat Island is farther out, with a reported RIB ride of about 20 minutes. That ride can be choppy, so you should be comfortable with a fast boat and hold on when the sea is rough.

A second session also makes the cost easier to assess. You are not paying for a single short swim. You get a planned pair of underwater outings, a surface break, boat time, equipment guidance, and supervision over roughly four hours.

Possible sites: the Lidador wreck and Goat Island

The Lidador wreck is one of the most specific site possibilities connected with this experience. Its location across the bay can keep the boat journey relatively short, leaving more of the outing for preparation and time underwater.

A wreck site adds a different kind of interest from natural rock. You may be looking at structure, shape, and the way marine life uses the site. The available information does not give the wreck’s exact depth, condition, or permitted route, so you should ask the guide about those points during the pre-trip briefing.

Goat Island offers a different setting. The reported RIB trip takes about 20 minutes and may be choppy. That ride is part of the outing, not just a transfer, so it will appeal most to people who enjoy a more active boat trip and are comfortable on open water.

Do not choose the more distant site simply because it sounds more exciting. The best site on a given day is the one that fits the weather, sea state, group, and safety plan. A shorter run to a good local site can be a smarter choice than a rough ride to a distant location.

Guides, gear, and the human side of the trip

The strongest part of this experience appears to be the staff. Zeferino is singled out for professional and friendly guidance, while André is praised for being attentive, fun, and passionate about the sport. Ana is noted for explaining the experience with enthusiasm, helping customers feel confident in their choice.

That personal attention shows up in practical ways. Equipment has been kept and dried for later use, helping customers start the next outing without avoidable problems. This is not a flashy feature, but it is exactly the sort of service that makes a water-based activity easier.

The included insurance is another useful safeguard. A guide is also included. You should still read the booking conditions carefully and make sure your certification and personal fitness match the requirements of a two-session ocean outing.

The operation appears suitable for most participants who meet the certified-diver requirement, but the description does not provide a full list of certification levels, medical rules, or equipment brands. If any of those details matter to you, ask Scubazores Divers before booking.

Is $132.17 a fair price?

At $132.17 per person, the cost is reasonable if you want a proper half-day on the water rather than a short introductory activity. The price covers the guide and insurance, and the schedule includes two planned underwater sessions, a boat trip, a surface interval, and a return to the marina.

The value is strongest for divers who would otherwise need to arrange gear, a boat, site planning, and safety support separately. You also benefit from local site selection, which can save you from guessing where conditions are best.

The value is weaker if you are comparing it with a simple shore swim or a single short session. Lunch, snacks, towels, and swimwear are extra, so add those costs if you are planning a full day around the marina.

The smaller group cap also helps justify the price. Ten is not a private group, but it is limited enough to make questions and adjustments easier. The crew’s care with equipment and the positive feedback about service add further value, especially if you are new to this operator.

Who will enjoy this best?

This outing suits certified divers who want two sessions in one morning or afternoon and who enjoy leaving the exact site choice to local conditions. It is particularly appealing if you want a mix of natural rock, marine life, and the possibility of a wreck or island site.

It should also work well for divers who care about staff support. The planning talk, equipment briefing, surface break, and post-outing discussion create a more guided experience than simply being dropped at a site.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike boat rides, need a guaranteed site, or have little flexibility in your schedule. Goat Island can involve a choppy 20-minute RIB ride, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a refund.

The trip is listed for certified divers, so you should not assume it is a general sightseeing swim. One account describes a first underwater experience with an especially attentive instructor, but the official format is presented for certified participants. Confirm your qualifications with the operator before paying.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

Sea conditions matter here. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels the activity.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times use local time in Terceira.

This policy is fairly flexible, but I would not schedule your two-tank outing on the final morning of your holiday. Give yourself another day in case weather changes the plan. That is especially wise if you have a flight, ferry, or long drive soon afterward.

Bring swimwear and a towel, plus food if you need it. The experience includes insurance and a guide, but not lunch or snacks. Service animals are allowed, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Final verdict: should you book it?

I would book this if you are a certified diver looking for a guided, small-group outing with two sessions and a good chance of site variety. The possible Lidador wreck, Goat Island run, friendly staff, and reports of dolphins, manta rays, octopuses, and colorful fish give the trip real appeal without pretending wildlife is guaranteed.

I would pause if you need a fixed itinerary or dislike rough boat travel. Ask about the day’s planned sites, sea conditions, equipment, and certification requirements before you commit.

For the right diver, $132.17 is a fair price for four hours of planning, boat time, guidance, insurance, and two sessions around Terceira. Pack your own towel and snacks, leave room for weather changes, and let the local team choose the safest worthwhile site.

FAQ

Where does the scuba trip start?

It starts at Scubazores Divers, Marina Store, Marina de Angra do Heroísmo, 9700-154, Portugal.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Scubazores Divers.

How long does the activity last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

The experience includes two planned underwater sessions with a surface break between them.

Is this trip for certified divers?

Yes. The experience is described as a two-session trip for certified divers.

What is included in the price?

Insurance and a guide are included.

Are lunch, snacks, towels, and swimwear included?

No. Lunch, snacks, a towel, and swimwear are not included, so you should bring what you need.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.