Exploring the Double Diving Experience in Sal Island: An Honest Review
If you’re a certified diver seeking a memorable half-day adventure in Cape Verde, the Double Diving in Sal Island tour offers a rewarding way to explore the island’s stunning marine environments. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. This experience seems especially suited for those craving personalized service, vibrant underwater life, and well-organized logistics.
What truly stands out are the small group sizes—limited to seven divers or fewer—which promise a more intimate, safer, and tailored experience. Plus, the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the variety of dive sites promise a rich underwater journey. The only consideration might be the cost, which at $104.68 per person, is quite reasonable given the included gear, tanks, and hassle-free pickup. This tour looks ideal for certified divers wanting a quality, hassle-free experience in Sal’s crystal-clear waters.
Key Points
- Small group size ensures personalized guidance and safety
- All equipment included, simplifying your planning
- Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics effortless
- Diverse dive sites offer encounters with turtles, wrecks, and schools of fish
- Weather-dependent cancellations are fully refundable if conditions are poor
- Booking in advance is recommended, with an average of 25 days ahead
Looking for more options in Sal? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What Makes This Tour Special?
Sal Island is renowned for its spectacular marine scenery, and this tour maximizes your underwater time with two professionally led dives in just four hours. The small group size—maximum seven divers—means you won’t be just another face on a crowded boat. From the start, the Santa Maria Dive Center emphasizes personalized attention, ensuring each diver gets the most out of their experience.
The price point offers good value when you consider the inclusion of tanks, weights, and belts, plus the convenience of hotel transportation. While you’ll need to rent gear separately if you require additional equipment, the core essentials are covered, making the trip straightforward and stress-free.
The Itinerary in Detail
Pickup and Start Time
Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup at 8:10 am, arranged seamlessly through the dive center, located in Santa Maria. This early start is perfect for maximizing diving time while avoiding midday heat and sea conditions that can get rougher later in the day.
The Dive Sites
Once aboard the boat—described as comfortable and well-equipped—the guides provide detailed explanations of the day’s dives. According to multiple reviewers, the dives typically include visits to popular sites on Sal, with clear water visibility ranging from 10 to 40 meters (33 to 131 feet). Such clarity offers excellent chances of spotting vibrant coral, tropical fish, and even turtles—something several reviewers highlighted as a highlight.
One reviewer mentioned seeing “all the fish and turtles,” describing the guides as helpful and informative. The wreck site, in particular, is praised for its unique nature, with hundreds of pufferfish in schools that create a lively spectacle.
Underwater Experience
Under the guidance of professional dive instructors, you’ll explore marked dive spots—24 in total—each offering different sights. Reviewers have described the underwater environment as full of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to observe turtles, large schools of fish, and diverse coral formations.
Many divers appreciated the helpful explanations of what they saw underwater, especially for those who haven’t been diving in a while. One reviewer shared, “they helped me refresh a bit,” emphasizing the guides’ patience and friendliness. The focus on safety and education appears genuine, making it suitable even for those revisiting their diving skills.
Post-Dive and Return
The tour wraps up with a return to the Santa Maria Dive Center, with a typical end time around 12:30 pm. The hotel drop-off service makes getting back to your accommodation effortless, leaving you free to relax or explore more of Sal Island.
Value and Practical Considerations
At $104.68 per person, including tanks, weights, and professional guidance, this experience offers good value, especially given the small group size and personalized service. The additional gear rental (15 euros per dive) is an optional expense if you need extra equipment, but most essentials are covered, reducing stress and logistical worries.
The tour’s flexibility and transparency—free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—adds to its appeal. It’s also worth noting that most travelers find this experience suitable, whether they’re seasoned divers or returning to the sport after a break.
However, weather conditions can affect the trip; cancellations are fully refundable, but if seas are rough, your dive might be postponed or canceled. This is typical of ocean activities but is worth keeping in mind.
Authentic Experiences from Real Divers
The reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. For example, one guest remarked, “The people were super nice and helped with all the gear,” highlighting the friendly atmosphere. Another shared, “The instructor showed all the fish and we also saw turtles,” emphasizing the educational and visual richness of the dives.
A recurring theme is the knowledgeable guides—reviewers mention helpful, friendly, and professional staff who prioritize safety and fun. Several also appreciated the small group setting, which fosters better communication and a more relaxed experience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for certified divers looking for a short but high-quality marine adventure. If you’re eager to explore Sal’s underwater beauty without long hours or crowded boats, this tour ticks all the boxes.
It’s ideal for those who value personalized attention, well-organized logistics, and diverse dive sites. If you’re traveling with family or friends who are uncertified or want a different experience, this tour isn’t suitable, but the dive center offers other options.
Final Thoughts
The Double Diving in Sal Island tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free option for certified divers eager to see the vibrant underwater world of Cape Verde. The small group sizes, expert guides, and included gear make it a practical choice for those wanting a safe, intimate, and memorable diving outing.
You’ll love the variety of marine life, the professional approach, and the convenience of hotel pickup. The only thing to consider is the cost, but with the included essentials and small-group care, it feels justified for the quality of experience offered.
This tour is perfect for experienced divers wanting to make the most of their time on Sal. If you’re after authentic encounters with turtles, schools of colorful fish, and a knowledgeable team in a stunning setting, then this trip deserves a spot on your Cape Verde itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, this is strictly for certified divers. If you want to try diving for the first time, they recommend their other product, the First Diving Experience Try Dive.
What is included in the price?
The price covers two dives, tanks (12 or 15 liters), weights, and belts, plus hotel pickup and drop-off. Guides are provided to lead each dive.
Can I rent additional gear?
Yes, gear rental costs 15 euros per dive if needed, for extra equipment beyond tanks, weights, and belts.
What is the maximum group size?
The group is limited to seven divers or fewer to ensure personalized attention and safety.
When should I book?
Booking in advance is recommended, as most trips are booked around 25 days prior to the activity.
What is the water visibility like?
Visibility varies between 33 and 131 feet (10 to 40 meters), providing excellent opportunities to see marine life clearly.
What should I bring?
Most gear is provided, but it’s wise to bring your certification card, waterproof sunscreen, a towel, and possibly a light snack if you wish.
What if the weather turns bad?
The activity is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the main requirement is that you are a certified diver.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, with two dives and time for logistics and boat transfer.
This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way for certified divers to see Sal’s underwater highlights with expert guidance and minimal hassle. It’s a smart choice for those wanting quality and intimate experiences in one of Africa’s top diving destinations.