Double Dive Baptism on Berlenga Island

Enjoyed a wonderful experience with my husband and two teenage boys (17 and 19). For each dive we each had a dedicated instructor who not only kept a close eye on us but also directed us to see all the wonderful highlights - octopus, plaice, starfish etc Lovely atmosphere on the boat with the staff and a custom tour of the coastal highlights of the island before our return. Would definitely recommend this experience - none of us had diving experience, I was quite nervous, but we all agreed this was the highlight of our holiday - we all loved it, mostly due to the reassuring, relaxed and professional treatment by the staff!!!

Bottom line up top: I would definitely use this surf centre. It's been hard to write this review as I really want to express how wonderful this organisation, their set up and the people that work for them are. I did a solo trip which was fine. The Portuguese in this area are genuine and friendly particularly if you at least try to say hello and a little more in their language! That said everyone at the centre spoke a good degree of English and other languages. Anyway, I met some great guides/ instructors. Rita is fab. Full of energy and a great instructor who I had for a Reactvate course day. Another day I had a guide called Beatriz who proved to be very calm under pressure as an inexperience diver was getting stressed underwater. She took control and managed the situation well. Lastly, another guide, Constança. Probably the most caring person I've met for a long time. We hit it off, particularly as she liked Pearl Jam, but on the boat rides back and forth to the dive spots she was attentive and looked after everyone. I dare say she was 'Alive' and transmitted it to others. It's not just praise for these three though. The staff try to help you at all times in and out of the water and back at the centre. The Captain José was the sort of person you'd trust to be out at sea with. Very professional. The centre is a reflection of the manger Bruno who is great. Friendly. Professional. The office staff are friendly too and happy to help. Andrea comes to mind 'nudging' me to the importance of my course theory work and helping organise transport. It's a nice long walk back into Peniche centre but not so great if it's cold/windy. There's usually someone going that way and she was usually the one that knew who. So, there's probably other good dive centres in the area but I am recommending this one as I've experienced it. I've also experience dive centres of various standards around the world. I rate this place as right up there as one of the best. I will go back! Happy diving. David