Discovery week: PADI certification and exploration of the marine reserve
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationPortugal / Barge
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AgeFrom 10 - 60 years
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CO₂-Emissions151.19 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
In a few words
Dive into the heart of the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve 🌊, off the coast of Peniche, for a week-long introductory scuba diving experience that's as enriching as it is unforgettable. This trip is ideal for beginners wishing to obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification 🤿, an internationally recognized qualification. You'll complete six ocean dives in clear , calm , and protected waters teeming with marine biodiversity 🐠.
Between training sessions, let yourself be captivated by the authentic charm of the Portuguese coast 🇵🇹: explore historic alleyways and savor local cuisine (grilled fish 🐟, pastéis de nata 🥧, wine, and Ginjinha 🍷). This trip combines learning , adventure , and relaxation in an exceptional natural setting.
Leave with much more than a diploma: a deep connection with the ocean , intense memories and a taste for exploring the seabed in all corners of the world.
The highlights
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Get your PADI certification and dive anywhere in the world, with complete freedom.
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Explore the Berlengas Marine Reserve, a wild gem listed by UNESCO
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Stay in Baleal, in a friendly guest house just steps from the waves and the ocean
Photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
The expert's opinion
Whether you're discovering scuba diving for the first time or looking to learn in a safe and friendly environment, PADI beginner courses are accessible to everyone. Led by certified instructors, they teach the essential basics of scuba diving: equipment use, breathing techniques, underwater communication, and safety rules.
The sessions alternate between theory and practice so that you can progress at your own pace and quickly gain confidence.
The PADI beginner course is ideal for taking your first steps into the world of diving and obtaining an internationally recognized certification.
In figures
Diving
- 2 average daily practices
- Maximum depth: 18 m
Management
English
Portuguese
Spanish
The instruction is provided by certified and experienced instructors, passionate about the ocean and sharing their knowledge. Skilled educators, attentive and responsive, they guide each participant with care to ensure a progressive, safe learning experience tailored to each individual's level.
The owners of the Guest House will be there to oversee your stay and are always available to assist you throughout your experience. Although they don't live on the premises, they coordinate the arrangements, regularly visit the house to chat with guests, and are always reachable online to advise you on activities, local recommendations, or excursions in the area. For diving, the instruction is provided by a team of passionate, certified, and experienced professionals who ensure high-quality instruction and optimal safety on every dive.
Program
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Arrival at the Guest House
- Transportation Car - 01h15 - 98km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On arrival day, you can check in from 3 pm and access your room freely via a private entrance, allowing you to arrive at your leisure, whatever your schedule. Transfers are included in your package, and the driver will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation. Once settled in, you'll find a presentation of the week's program, with all the practical information about upcoming dives and activities. A welcome booklet is also provided to help you explore the surrounding area: insider tips, restaurants, walks, and advice to make the most of your stay in Peniche.
Day 1 -
PADI training
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 10kmper day
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 18 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The first day is dedicated to our facilities: you'll have a quick theoretical review before moving on to confined water dives. The following two days will be entirely devoted to open water dives. Days generally start at 8:30 am and end around 4:00 pm, with a short break for lunch (please bring a light snack). At the end of each session, you can enjoy a hot shower in our changing rooms. During sea dives around the Berlengas archipelago, surface periods are spent comfortably on our spacious boats, in one of the many sheltered bays surrounding the islands.
Days 2 to 4 -
Free day to rest and explore
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After your PADI course, you'll have a free day to relax or fully enjoy the region. You can stroll through the medieval streets of Óbidos, explore the coastal villages, or try other water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or hiking along the cliffs. It's also the perfect time to take a breather, soak up the local atmosphere, and plan your next underwater adventures.
Day 5 -
Dive into the Berlengas reserve
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 18 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day is entirely dedicated to exploring the seabed of the Berlengas Reserve, with two dives at two different sites carefully selected according to the day's conditions. You will discover spectacular underwater landscapes: caves, rocky arches, and kelp forests teeming with marine life. With a bit of luck, you might encounter the impressive sunfish or the majestic basking shark, emblematic of the area. Between dives, you'll have surface intervals on board the boat, in a sheltered bay where you can relax before diving again in this exceptional setting, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Day 6 -
Free day to rest and explore
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This free day is the perfect opportunity to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. You can take advantage of it to surf the famous waves of Peniche, explore the coast by bike, or simply stroll through the nearby villages. For the more adventurous, it's also possible to extend the underwater adventure with a second exploration dive around the Berlengas Islands, or even head south of Lisbon (approximately a 1 hour 45 minute drive) to discover new and spectacular dive sites. A day of freedom, combining adventure and relaxation, in the heart of the Portuguese coast.
Day 7 -
Departure day
- Transportation Car - 01h15 - 98km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On the day of departure, check-out is at 11:00 AM, but there's no rush: you can stay a little longer at the guesthouse to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, chat with other travelers, or simply savor your last moments in Peniche before your return home. Airport transfer is included: your driver will pick you up approximately 3.5 hours before your flight's departure time, ensuring a stress-free and comfortable journey home.
Day 8
Note
International digital certification PADI Open Water Diver (from age 15) or PADI Junior Open Water Diver (ages 10 to 14).
Accommodation
Located in a peaceful and friendly setting, the Guest House offers an ideal environment for fully enjoying an ocean-focused experience, diving, surfing, and relaxation. Designed to accommodate solo travelers, groups, and couples alike, it combines comfort, simplicity, and a warm atmosphere.
Access
You can arrive from 3pm onwards, which allows you to settle in comfortably and get your bearings in the accommodation.
Go to the starting point
The airport is approximately a 1-hour drive from the accommodation, or nearly 90 km, with easy and direct access via the motorway. This proximity makes it easy to reach the accommodation upon arrival, whether you are travelling by rental car, private transfer or taxi.
Numerous free parking spaces are available near the accommodation, allowing you to park easily and peacefully during your stay.
Price details
The price includes
Airport transfers from Lisbon
Accommodation for 7 nights in a shared room in a Guest House (private option available)
The 3-day PADI course (1 day of theory in the pool + 2 days x 2 dives)
A day of exploration: Diving in the Berlengas (2 dives)
Transport between the Guest House and the port of Peniche
Boat transport to the diving sites
Diving equipment
Towels and bed linen
Two fully equipped kitchens and a barbecue
A protected and welcoming garden
High-speed Wi-Fi connection
Our team of local experts is at your service.
The price does not include
Plane tickets
Insurance
Meals
Options
- Snorkeling south of Lisbon : CHF50.31 / person
- 1-hour massage : CHF68.61 / person
- Surf lessons : CHF32.02 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
No technical equipment is required: all necessary gear is provided on site. Wetsuit, mask, fins, buoyancy compensator, and regulator are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your skill level.
All you need to do is bring your personal belongings and clothes suitable for life by the sea.
Clothing to bring
Most of your time will be spent enjoying water activities, relaxing, and enjoying life by the sea, so it's essential to travel light but be well-equipped. Pack several swimsuits so you can alternate between swimming and relaxing. Lightweight clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and breathable outfits will be ideal for daytime. For evenings or cooler weather, a sweatshirt or light jacket is recommended, as well as a windbreaker in case of wind or changeable weather.
For footwear, sandals or flip-flops are perfect for everyday wear, complemented by a pair of comfortable sneakers for getting around. Don't forget the seaside essentials: sunglasses, a cap or hat, and sunscreen that's safe for marine environments.
