Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. You can join our Try Scuba, Scuba Diver, or Open Water Diver programs.
No previous diving experience is required for these programs.

Yes. Certified divers can join our guided fun dives, including daily double dives and multi-dive packages.
You can also continue your training with Advanced, Specialty, or Professional-level programs.

Pura Vida runs courses primarily with SSI, but we are also fully accredited to issue PADI certifications upon request.

To participate in our fun dives, all certified divers must:

• Present a valid certification from a recognized training agency
• Provide proof of experience, including:
  • Total number of logged dives
  • Date of the last logged dive

Recent diving experience is required:

• Divers with up to 25 logged dives: last dive must be within the last 12 months
• Divers with more than 25 logged dives: last dive must be within the last 18 months
• Divers with more than 50 logged dives: last dive may be within the last 24 months

If these conditions are not met, a Scuba Skills Update is required before joining fun dives.

Yes. A Scuba Skills Update includes a dive in the sea.

The program consists of:

• A theoretical and practical review on land, covering equipment setup and core diving knowledge
• A confined water session, focusing on essential skills and buoyancy control
• A guided reef dive, where buoyancy, trim, and comfort are fine-tuned while enjoying the dive

This refresher ensures safety, confidence, and comfort before joining regular fun dives.

Yes. All divers must be comfortable in the water and able to swim short distances.
For safety reasons, diving is not suitable for non-swimmers.

The minimum age depends on the program.

• For programs that include open water dives, the minimum age is 10 years old.
• For pool-based programs only (such as Scuba Explorers), the minimum age is 8 years old.

Youth courses and camps have specific age ranges, which are always clearly stated on each program page.

Dive site selection is made daily by our dive team, based on:

• Sea and weather conditions
• Safety considerations
• The average experience level of the group

We always aim to choose the best possible dive sites for the day, including the most popular and “most wanted” sites.

Sagres offers access to over 30 dive sites, with depths typically between 5 and 30 meters. Conditions are generally calm with little to no current. Water temperatures range from 14°C in winter to 24°C in summer, and visibility varies throughout the year — often at its best during winter.

Conditions can change depending on weather and swell, and dive site selection is always adapted to ensure safety and the best possible experience.

We keep groups small to ensure safety, comfort, and quality instruction.
Group sizes vary depending on the activity but always follow international training standards.

Dive prices include:

• Tanks and weights
• Certified guide or instructor
• Dive briefings
• Use of dive center facilities
• Transport to dive sites when required

Full equipment rental is included in beginner programs and courses, and available as an option for certified divers.

No. Fun dive packages are personal and non-transferable.
They are valid only for the named diver and cannot be shared.

No. All fun dive packages include daily double dives only.
Single or standalone dives are not included.

Yes. Pura Vida is a fully licensed dive center.
All activities are conducted by certified professionals with appropriate insurance, following international diving industry standards.

Yes. Participants in training programs and courses are required to complete a standard medical questionnaire.
If any answers require clarification, a doctor’s clearance is needed before diving.

All divers should be in good general health, feel comfortable in the water, and be able to swim. Certain medical conditions, recent surgeries, pregnancy, or respiratory and heart conditions may require medical approval or may temporarily prevent diving.

The nearest hyperbaric chamber is at Hospital Particular do Algarve (HPA) in Alvor / Portimão, about 85 km from Sagres (approximately 1 hour by car).
In an emergency, local services coordinate all transfers.

Fixed arrival dates help create a strong group experience where everyone starts, dives, and progresses together.
This builds cohesion, simplified logistics, and ensures smooth organization and the best possible experience.

Yes. Teen participants are supervised throughout the day, including meals, activities, and free time at the Divehouse.

Our instructors speak fluent English and Portuguese and Spanish.
Courses are conducted in English.

Yes. Three meals per day are included during teen dive camps.

If you have allergies, food intolerances, or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, please inform us during booking.
Breakfast, snacks during activities, dinner at the dive center, and a final Portuguese BBQ are included.

We have:

• Two dorm rooms in the main Divehouse (maximum 4 beds per room)
• Two private garden studios (one for up to 3 people, one for up to 4 people)

Accommodation includes:

• Bed linen and towels
• Free Wi-Fi
• Kitchen access
• Hot showers
• Common living room
• Verandas with hammocks
• BBQ and garden dining areas
• LCD TV, cable TV, and DVD in rooms

Laundry service is available at an extra cost.

Yes. We maintain a relaxed and respectful atmosphere.
Quiet hours apply at night so everyone can rest properly, especially before diving days.

• Check-in: 15:00 – 20:00
• Check-out: before 11:00

Yes, upon request and subject to availability.

Check-ins outside 15:00 – 20:00 are subject to an additional fee of €5 per extra hour.
Please inform us in advance if you expect to arrive late.

Sorry — no pets are allowed.

We do not have a card terminal on site.
Payments can be made via cash, PayPal, or bank transfer.

Some courses, programs, and camps require a deposit to secure the booking.
This will always be clearly indicated during the booking process.

• More than 48 hours before the activity: full refund or free rescheduling
• 24–48 hours before the activity: partial refund or rescheduling, subject to availability
• Less than 24 hours or no-show: no refund

If you cannot dive due to a medical issue, we may offer a partial refund or rescheduling, depending on how much of the course has been completed.
A doctor’s note is required. Each case is assessed individually.

Safety always comes first.
We will reschedule activities whenever possible. If rescheduling isn’t possible within your stay, unused services will be refunded.

Most guests fly into Faro Airport. Sagres is about 115 km away (1h30–1h45 by car).
You can also travel by train or bus to Lagos, then take a local bus to Sagres, or arrange a private transfer.

Winter (Nov–Mar): warm clothes, windbreaker, closed shoes, towel. Water is 14–16°C.
Summer (May–Oct): swimwear, light clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel. Water is 18–24°C.

Having your own mask and dive computer is always recommended.
If unsure, just ask — we’re happy to help you pack right.

Sagres offers many restaurants and cafés within a 5–10 minute walk.
Supermarkets are also nearby, and guests are welcome to use our shared kitchen.

Surfing, hiking, cycling, SUP, paragliding, cliff walks, sunset bars, and exploring the Fortaleza de Sagres.