Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners
By Madeira Divepoint · listed in scuba diving and snorkelling trips in Madeira
For a first reef dive near the Pestana Carlton Hotel, I'd choose this centre. The dive centre is inside the hotel at sea level. It has its own reef.
A PADI instructor gives you a safety briefing. You practise breathing and floating in the pool before an Ocean Dive option takes you to the reef. Scuba equipment and insurance are included.
The lowest price covers the pool session. Choose Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive for the reef. Sunday Try Dive w/ Ocean Dive has a separate price. Food and transport are excluded.
- Trip type
- Shared activity
- Departure
- FunchalMeeting point and check-in below
- Duration
- 3 hours2 hours for the pool-only option.
- Listed group limit
- up to 8 people
- Price
- from €45 per adultPool only, the reef dive option from €95, or €105 on Sundays.Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
- Rating
- 4.84/5 from 63 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.6 from 11 reviews
- Languages
- German, Portuguese, English, Spanish
- Details as of
- 13 September 2026
Before you book
- The pool-only option starts at €45 per adult. Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive starts at €95, the Sunday option at €105.
- Allow 2 hours for Pool Only - Discover Scuba. Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive takes 3 hours.
- Ages 10 to 75. Ask the centre about pool sessions for children aged 8 or 9 before booking.
- Leave 12 hours after diving before you fly.
- Contact the centre about any pre-existing medical condition before booking.
- The centre is inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel, two lifts down to sea level. Arrange your own transport.
- Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
- Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
- No hotel pickup. You meet at the start point.
- Up to 6 people per booking.
Options
Pick the option on the booking page. Prices are the lowest for each option.
| Option | What it is | From | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Only - Discover Scuba | Duration: 2 hours | €45 per adult | English, Spanish, German, Portuguese |
| Sunday Try Dive w/ Ocean Dive | €105 per adult | English, Spanish, German, Portuguese | |
| Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive | Duration: 3 hours | €95 per adult | English, Spanish, German, Portuguese |
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Programme
- Introduction and safety briefing at the centre
- Pool session: breathing and floating with the gear
- Reef dive from the centre with the instructor, on the sea options
Photos
Photos from the tour listing on Viator.
Included
- Full Insurance
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- Dive in the sea (when Ocean Dive option is selected)
- Safety and training session
- PADI Instructor
Paid separately
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Meeting point, pickup and return
Meet at the centre in the Pestana Carlton Hotel, Funchal.
The dive center is inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel. Use the 2 elevators to go down to sea level to reach it. Show in Google Maps
You come back to the same place.
Schedule and confirmation
Usual timetable: daily, at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00. Check your date when you book.
Instant confirmation. Book at least 8 hours ahead. Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
Cancellation, weather and limits
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund when cancelled 1 day or more before
- 0% refund when cancelled less than 1 day before
Bad weather can cancel the trip.
The operator's conditions, as written
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
- Children under 10 years
- Adult rate: ages 10 to 75
Ratings by source
4.84/5 from 63 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 4.6 from 11 reviews.
| Source | Average | Reviews | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viator | 4.6 | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Tripadvisor | 4.9 | 52 | 48 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Counts and averages as shown on Viator on 13 September 2026. We don't have the review texts.
From the operator
In Madeira Divepoint's own words, from the Viator listing.
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.
Alternatives in the same collection
- Diving in the Madeira Aquarium€90 dearer · 30 minutes shorter · 4 people at most · from €135 per adult
- 3 days Open Water Course | Scuba Diving€394 dearer · 5 people at most · from €439 per adult
- First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure€3 cheaper · 30 minutes shorter · 4 people at most · from €42 per adult
Who checked this
Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Trip details come from the operator's own listing on Viator, as of 13 September 2026. One detail is ours: the listing doesn't say where the aquarium is, and it's in Porto Moniz.
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