Funchal: DPV- Scooter Dive Adventure

Exciting Underwater Scooter Adventure in Funchal for Certified Divers

The Funchal: DPV- Scooter Dive Adventure offers a unique way for certified divers to explore Madeira’s underwater world. Priced at $67 per person and lasting 2 hours, this tour combines speed, fun, and marine life viewing all in one package. It departs from Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel, located inside the Pestana Carlton hotel, making it easy to access for travelers staying in Funchal. The experience is designed for those with recent diving activity—divers must have completed a dive within the last 12 months—ensuring safety and confidence during this fast-paced adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of Underwater DPVs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles), which let you cover more ground with less effort. The battery-powered scooters propel you through the water, providing a sense of secret-agent style excitement while allowing for ample marine life viewing. After a quick briefing and gear check, the dive takes place on the house-reef, just steps away from the dive center, making it a convenient yet thrilling outing.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $67 per person, 2 hours total, including briefing, dive, and post-dive shower.
• Exclusive for Certified Divers: Participants must have dived in the last 12 months; non-certified divers can try a shore dive beforehand.
• Unique Feature: Use of Underwater Scooters (DPVs) for a fast, guided cruise underwater.
• Convenient Location: Start and finish at Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel inside the Pestana Carlton hotel.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 2 participants for personalized attention.
• Includes: Tank, weights, dive guide, dive insurance, and DPV.

Starting Point at Madeira Divepoint Inside Pestana Carlton Hotel

The adventure begins at Madeira Divepoint, located inside the Pestana Carlton hotel. This central spot simplifies logistics, whether you’re arriving by hotel or nearby accommodations. The facility is equipped with two elevators that take you down to sea level, where the friendly staff prepares your gear and arranges the safety briefing. The location’s proximity to the house-reef makes it effortless to transition from gear check to underwater exploration.

The check-in process is straightforward, and gear is ready after a brief review. Full equipment is available on-site for an extra fee, but the main focus is on the DPV underwater scooter, which is provided for the dive. The tour’s convenience and clear organization make it suitable for those who prefer a hassle-free start.

The Safety Briefing and Gear Preparation in Funchal

Before hitting the water, you’ll have a comprehensive safety briefing led by an experienced dive guide. This session covers the operation of the Underwater Scooter, safety protocols, hand signals, and what to expect during the ride. The guides are multilingual, speaking English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Following the briefing, gear is checked and prepared, with options to rent additional equipment if needed. The focus here is on safety and confidence, so even those less familiar with underwater scooters will feel comfortable. The entire process is efficient, often taking just a short time before heading into the water for the guided ride.

Underwater Scooter (DPV) Experience on the House-Reef

The core of this tour is the use of the brand-new Underwater DPVs, which power your movement underwater. You will enjoy a throttle-full cruise, feeling the adrenaline rush as you glide over the reef. This fast-paced ride provides a secret-agent sensation, with the added bonus of covering larger areas than traditional snorkeling or free-diving.

The house-reef just outside the dive center offers a vibrant environment with plenty of marine life to observe. The marine viewing includes glimpses of local fish and underwater formations, all accessible through the guided use of the scooter. The experience is guided by an experienced staff member, ensuring safety and maximizing fun.

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Post-Dive Amenities: Shower and Logbook Stamps

Once the underwater adventure concludes, divers surface and return their equipment. A hot shower is available on-site, allowing you to rinse off salt and sand comfortably. This is especially appreciated after the high-speed ride on the DPV.

The dive center also provides stamps for your logbook, making it easy to record the experience. This thoughtful touch helps maintain your personal diving records and adds a satisfying conclusion to the activity.

Who Can Participate and Safety Considerations

This tour is suited exclusively for certified divers, requiring proof of recent diving activity—divers must have completed a dive within the last 12 months. For those without current certification, the center offers an easy shore dive option to refresh skills before joining the more demanding DPV adventure.

The emphasis on safety means that participants should be comfortable with diving basics and familiar with the use of underwater equipment. The guides are attentive and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all.

Equipment and Additional Costs

Included in the price are tank and weights, along with the dive guide, dive insurance, and the DPV itself. If you need additional diving equipment, it is available on-site for a fee. Be aware that a mandatory dive computer is required by law, so bring your own or rent one if needed.

The National Park Entrance Fee is not included in the price, so check if your dive takes you into protected areas where additional fees may apply.

Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking is flexible, with a “Reserve now & pay later” option allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment. The activity can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind when planning your Madeira trip.

Since the tour lasts just 2 hours and has multiple starting times, it fits easily into most itineraries, whether you want a quick adventure or a highlight of your day.

How This Tour Compares to Other Madeira Activities

While Madeira offers numerous water-based experiences like snorkeling, parasailing, or more advanced scuba dives, this DPV scooter dive provides a more adrenaline-fueled, fast-paced underwater ride. Its small group size—limited to 2 participants—ensures personalized attention and a more exclusive feel.

This adventure complements other diving experiences listed in Madeira, such as guided scuba dives or snorkeling tours, but stands out for its speed and the secret-agent vibe provided by the underwater scooter.

Ideal Participants and Recommendations

This activity is perfect for certified divers looking for a fun, speed-focused underwater experience in Madeira. It’s less suitable for non-divers or those without recent diving activity due to safety regulations.

Travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and marine exploration will find this tour offers a thrilling alternative to traditional dives, with a unique perspective on Madeira’s underwater scenery.

The Sum Up: A Rapid, Exciting Underwater Ride in Funchal

The Funchal: DPV- Scooter Dive Adventure offers a compact, high-energy underwater experience that combines the excitement of underwater propulsion with the opportunity to see marine life close-up. Its affordable price, convenient location, and small group setting make it an attractive choice for certified divers seeking a memorable thrill.

While the activity is fast and exhilarating, it remains safe and guided, ensuring confidence for those familiar with diving. The 2-hour duration makes it easy to slot into a busy Madeira itinerary, especially for travelers wanting a quick yet intense underwater adventure.

This tour is an excellent pick for divers eager to add a secret-agent style experience to their Madeira holiday, especially if they enjoy high-speed water activities and marine exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver to participate?
Yes, this activity is exclusively for certified divers with proof of recent diving activity within the last 12 months.

Can non-certified divers join this tour?
No, but the center offers an easy shore dive for non-certified divers who want to try a basic dive before joining this adventure.

What is included in the price?
The price covers tank and weights, a dive guide, dive insurance, and the Underwater DPV. Additional equipment is available for rent if needed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and finishes at Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton hotel. The location is easy to access and close to the water.

How long is the activity?
The total experience lasts 2 hours, including briefing, the dive, and post-dive amenities like the shower.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning for Madeira visitors.

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