Double Dive the Fantastic Ocean Revival Park

If you’re looking to add a splash of adventure to your Algarve holiday, the Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park offers a compelling option. This organized tour, run by Portugal Dive, provides an exciting opportunity to explore four sunken navy vessels, renowned as some of Europe’s top wreck sites. While it’s not for beginners, it’s perfect for certified advanced divers eager to see history beneath the waves.

What we love about this experience is the focus on small group intimacy—just six divers per trip—ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup in Portimão means you can save energy for the actual exploration rather than navigating busy streets. On the flip side, some reviews suggest that safety standards could be higher, so keep that in mind if safety is a top priority for you.

This tour suits certified advanced divers who want to witness impressive wrecks in a well-organized setting. If you’re a newer diver or not certified, this won’t be the right fit—but don’t worry, there are other options in the area. For those ready to get under the surface and see some remarkable shipwrecks, this is likely to be a highlight of your trip to Lagos.

Key Points

• Ideal for Certified Advanced Divers: You need an Advanced Open Water Diver certification to participate.
• Small Group Size: Just six divers per trip for a more personalized experience.
• Convenient Pickup: Portimão hotel pickup available, saving you time and effort.
• All Equipment Provided: Leave your gear at home and enjoy hassle-free diving with supplied equipment.
• Multiple Wrecks: Explore four sunken navy vessels, known for their appeal to wreck enthusiasts.
• Weather and Safety: Tours are weather-dependent, with a full refund if canceled; safety standards might vary according to some reviews.

Exploring the Ocean Revival Park: An In-Depth Look

The Ocean Revival Park is truly a highlight for wreck fans. Created specifically to attract recreational divers, this site hosts four large, well-preserved navy ships that have been intentionally sunk to serve as artificial reefs. These wrecks, positioned within 20-30 minutes by speedboat, are the main attraction for this tour. But what exactly can you expect?

The Itinerary and What Makes Each Wreck Special

The departure point is at Passeio dos Descobrimentos in Lagos, from where the boat sets out early morning or during the day, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, briefing, and the two dives.

As you arrive at the site, you’ll appreciate the professional setup of Portugal Dive, which emphasizes safety and equipment reliability. The group size of six divers helps ensure everyone gets attention and space in the water. You’ll be fitted with modern, well-maintained equipment, so gear issues are unlikely, and you can focus on enjoying the underwater sights.

The first wreck is often the most striking—massive, rusted ships resting on the seabed, with fish weaving through the wreckage. Visibility tends to vary but can be around 3 meters, which is typical for wreck diving in this region. The wrecks are overgrown with marine life, making for fascinating viewing. The second dive usually involves exploring a different vessel or another part of the same wreck, adding variety and a deeper appreciation for these historical ships.

What Makes Wreck Diving in Lagos Special?

Lagos’s wreck sites are renowned for their accessibility and the interesting history behind the ships, which are preserved as underwater monuments. However, reviews suggest that safety standards might be an area for improvement, with one reviewer noting the need for higher safety standards. Still, the professional setup and well-maintained equipment seem to mitigate many concerns, especially since your dive is supervised and organized.

Authentic Feedback from Divers

One reviewer described the experience as “fair” with “several large wrecks within 20-30 min” and noted that “visibility varies” but was around 3 meters during their visit. They found the diving “ok” but not spectacular, highlighting that conditions can fluctuate, and wrecks may not always be visually perfect.

Another diver praised the “very good dive boat” and “well maintained equipment,” emphasizing the professional organization and planning. They said they would definitely return, which speaks to the overall positive impression for those who value reliable logistics.

Why This Tour is a Good Deal

At $162.60 per person, this experience offers two dives on remarkable wrecks, equipment provision, and expert organization, all within a manageable 4-hour window. Considering that many similar wreck adventures in Europe can cost significantly more, this tour strikes a reasonable balance between quality and affordability.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Getting to the tour start point is straightforward, with hotel pickup offered in Portimão, which simplifies logistics. The tour runs daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing flexibility for planning your day.

The group limit of six ensures you aren’t lost in a crowd, but it also means spots fill up about 30 days in advance, so booking early is wise if you’re set on this experience.

You’ll need to show your Advanced Open Water Diver certification—a step up from Open Water, but necessary for the depth and complexity of wreck diving. If you’re not certified, there’s an option for a “try dive,” where you’ll be supervised by an instructor, giving novices a taste of wreck diving under close guidance.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Since wreck diving is weather-dependent, cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t safe. The good news: full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Participants

While reviews are limited, those available point to a generally positive experience with some caveats. One diver described the overall wreck diving as “fair” but acknowledged that conditions like visibility can vary. Another praised the professional boat and well-maintained equipment, emphasizing the setup’s reliability.

Some critics mention that safety standards could be higher, reminding potential participants to verify safety measures and ensure comfort, especially in more challenging conditions.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This tour is a fantastic choice for seasoned wreck divers looking to explore some of Europe’s best artificial reefs. The small-group setting and well-organized logistics provide a comfortable, personalized experience, especially if you appreciate the history and complexity of wrecks.

If you’re an advanced diver eager to see impressive ships and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free day on the water, this is a worthy addition to your Algarve adventures. Just remember that visibility can vary, and safety standards are worth considering—so ensure you’re comfortable with the conditions and your certification.

For less experienced divers or non-certified explorers, this particular tour isn’t suitable, but nearby options or try-dives may be available. It’s best suited for those who want a specialized wreck experience rather than casual snorkeling or beach lounging.

FAQs

What is the required certification for this tour?
You need an Advanced Open Water Diver certification to participate, as it involves diving at considerable depths.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup in Portimão, which simplifies your logistics and allows you to focus on the experience.

What equipment do I need to bring?
You are provided with all necessary gear, so you don’t need to bring anything except your certification and perhaps a towel or dry clothes for after.

Can non-divers participate?
No, this is a certified diver activity; if you’re not certified, there are supervised “try dive” options available elsewhere.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions are unsafe, your booking can be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How many people are in each group?
Each dive group is limited to just six divers, providing a more relaxed and personalized experience.

In summary, the Double Dive at Ocean Revival Park is a well-organized, small-group wreck diving adventure that offers a memorable glimpse of Portugal’s maritime history beneath the waves. It’s best suited for certified advanced divers eager to explore some of Europe’s top wreck sites and who value quality logistics and equipment. If conditions are right, you’ll find it to be a rewarding and authentic underwater experience that will add a special chapter to your Algarve trip.