Santa Maria: Discover Scuba Diving

Imagine slipping into warm, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by colorful fish, curious turtles, and maybe even a graceful stingray or two. That’s what this Discover Scuba Diving tour in Santa Maria promises—it’s the perfect introduction to the underwater world of Cape Verde without needing any prior certification.

What we love about this experience? It’s beginner-friendly with well-organized sessions, led by knowledgeable guides who focus on safety and fun. The marine life is spectacular, with chances to see everything from coral reefs and wrecks to turtles and sharks. Plus, the included equipment and hotel pickup make it easy and stress-free.

However, it’s worth noting that participants need to be decent swimmers and in good health—so this isn’t ideal for non-swimmers or pregnant women. If you’re seeking an authentic, safe, and memorable underwater adventure, this tour is a fantastic fit. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to try scuba for the first time, enjoy engaging guides, and experience Cape Verde’s marine beauty firsthand.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly with no certification needed
• Includes hotel pickup and equipment for convenience
• Marine wildlife includes turtles, sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish
• Two-part experience: theory in the morning, ocean dive in the afternoon
• Flexible and well-reviewed with a 4.9/5 rating based on 56 reviews
• Ideal for first-timers who want a safe, fun introduction to scuba diving

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Santa Maria Discover Scuba Diving Tour?

This tour offers a chance to explore Cape Verde’s underwater cosmos without the need for prior certification. It combines a quick theoretical lesson with a pool session, followed by an ocean dive that usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. The entire experience is designed to be accessible, fun, and safe for beginners, with professional instructors guiding you through every step.

The main goal? To give you a taste of what it’s like to breathe underwater and see marine life up close. With experienced guides like Santi and Kush, you’ll be in very safe hands, as confirmed by multiple reviewers who emphasize their professionalism and patience.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step

Morning Session: Theory and Pool Practice (8:30 – 11:30)
Your day begins with a brief, straightforward theory class that covers the basics of scuba safety and protocols. This is followed by a pool or confined water session at Bikini Beach, where you’ll get comfortable with your gear. Reviewers praise the clarity of instructions and the friendly, patient guides—”second to none” was a phrase used by one happy guest. During this part, you’ll learn to breathe, clear your mask, and manage your equipment — all essential skills that make the ocean dive smoother and more enjoyable.

Afternoon Ocean Dive (14:00 – 16:30)
After a relaxing lunch break, you’ll head out on a boat for your ocean adventure. The boat ride lasts roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the day’s conditions. Once in the water, you’ll start your guided dive, exploring the vibrant marine environment. Expect to spot reef fish, moray eels, turtles, and maybe even sharks, according to the season. Reviewers describe feeling very safe and well-supported, even when initial nerves kicked in. Guides like Xanti, George, and Leo make a point to support and reassure everyone, turning what might be a first-time nervousness into pure joy.

The Marine Environment and Wildlife

Cape Verde’s underwater landscape is a real treat. Our sources highlight the presence of caves, wrecks, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. As one reviewer noted, “You might find stingrays hovering around wrecks or shoals of fish sheltering in coral reefs.” Turtles are common, especially during summer months (June to November), and whale sightings are possible in winter (January-March).

The guides are experienced in pointing out these creatures and making sure everyone gets a good view. The underwater scenery is often described as colorful and lively, with plenty of photo opportunities, especially if you opt for the photo/video package praised by guests like Abbey.

The Equipment and Safety

The tour includes all necessary equipment, which means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear. The wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks are all provided, and we’ve heard from many reviewers how well-maintained and comfortable the kit is.

Safety is clearly a top priority, with guides like Kush and George praised for their professionalism. The tour requires participants to be good swimmers and in good health, with the option to provide a medical certificate if needed. No intoxication, alcohol, or drugs are allowed, which helps ensure everyone’s safety.

The small group sizes and attentive guides create a reassuring environment, especially for those nervous about their first underwater experience. Many reviewers mention feeling very supported during the entire process, from pool practice to the ocean.

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What You Need to Know Before Booking

• Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen—the eco-friendly choice is encouraged.
• Participants must be at least 10 years old and non-pregnant.
• Good swimming skills are essential, no non-swimmers allowed.
• In case of medical concerns, a doctor’s certificate may be required.
• The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or non-swimmers.
• Book in advance—you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Guests rave about the guides’ professionalism and patience, with particular praise for instructors like Xanti, Kush, and Leo. One guest shared, “Xanti was very patient and calm, and made me feel at ease,” which underscores how important the guides are in making the experience memorable and safe.

Many reviewers appreciated the well-organized schedule and felt that the tour offered exceptional value for the price of $135 per person. The inclusion of hotel pickup and equipment reduces hassle and adds to the overall convenience.

Several mentions of the photo/video package highlight how capturing underwater moments can be a worthwhile investment. As Abbey put it, “The photos were well worth it,” helping preserve those first underwater moments long after your trip ends.

The Experience’s Strengths

Knowledgeable Guides: From Santi to Kush, guides make safety a priority but also keep the atmosphere light and fun. Their patience and professionalism help even nervous first-timers feel comfortable.

Marine Wildlife: Expect to see a variety of species, from turtles and sharks to stingrays and shoals of colorful fish. The environment’s vibrant and lively, perfect for underwater photography.

Value for Money: For $135, you get comprehensive instruction, equipment, transportation, and a memorable ocean dive—an excellent deal for those wanting a safe intro without certification.

Authentic Experience: No gimmicks here; the focus is on genuine interaction with nature and learning new skills in a supportive environment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is best suited for first-time divers, adventurous travelers wanting a safe introduction to scuba, and anyone interested in exploring Cape Verde’s marine life without committing to certification. It’s especially appealing to those who value professional guides and good value for money.

It’s not ideal if you’re uncomfortable in the water, pregnant, or have mobility issues. Also, given the physical nature and swimming requirement, non-swimmers should look elsewhere. But for anyone seeking a fun, safe, and immersive experience, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Do I need to be certified to join?
No, this is a Discover Scuba tour designed for beginners with no certification required.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, participants must be at least 10 years old.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Wetsuits and equipment are provided.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I’m nervous about diving?
Guides are trained to support beginners, and many reviews mention how reassuring and patient the instructors are.

Are there sharks?
While sharks are part of the marine environment, sightings are not guaranteed. The focus is on the diverse marine life including turtles and colorful fish.

What is the duration of the activity?
The full experience typically lasts about 4 hours, with the morning theory and pool session, plus the afternoon ocean dive.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package.

What if I have medical concerns?
Participants need to be in good health or provide a medical certificate from a doctor.

Can I take photos or videos?
Yes, there is an optional photo/video package that guests highly recommend for capturing memories.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a safe, well-organized way to experience the underwater beauty of Cape Verde, this Discover Scuba Diving tour ticks all the boxes. From engaging guides to lively marine life and hassle-free logistics, it offers genuine value for newcomers eager to explore beneath the waves.

Ideal for first-timers, those with a sense of adventure, and travelers who want to add a memorable highlight to their holiday, this experience promises both fun and safety. Just make sure to come prepared, listen carefully, and enjoy every moment of your undersea adventure.

Whether you’re snapping photos of turtles or just floating serenely among schools of fish, this tour could be one of the most memorable parts of your Cape Verde journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: