Deep dives, photo safaris and a famously clever octopus off the Ponta da Piedade cliffs

LAGOS SCUBA FIELD GUIDE

Deep dives, photo safaris and a famously clever octopus off the Ponta da Piedade cliffs

A three-day PADI Advanced Open Water course run by Lagos Divers that builds navigation and deep-diving skills, includes five open-water dives and three specialty dives of your choice.

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Deep dives, photo safaris and a famously clever octopus off the Ponta da Piedade cliffs.

Duration
3 days
Location
Lagos
Operator
Lagos Divers
Category
Scuba
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Over three days, the PADI Advanced Open Water course in Lagos is designed to push your comfort zone beneath the Algarve’s sunlit surface: practice navigation, go deeper, and sample three specialty dives while exploring rich reefs and the dramatic Ponta da Piedade cliffs.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WILDLIFE

Meet the local super-intelligent octopus

One of the standout moments described by the operator is an encounter with a notably clever local octopus during dives in the area — a memorable example of the marine life divers are likely to encounter.

THE SCENERY

Dives beneath the Ponta da Piedade cliffs

The course runs dives that take in the striking coastal scenery around the Ponta da Piedade cliffs, combining dramatic above‑water geology with rich underwater habitats.

THE SKILL BUILD

Navigation, deep diving and three specialty dives

The Advanced Open Water curriculum focuses on underwater navigation and deep diving, and lets you pick three specialty dives from options such as Digital Underwater Imaging, Enriched Air Nitrox, Wreck, Night and more.

What the day feels like

What the course feels like

Expect a mix of in‑water skills practice with your instructor followed by five open‑water dives spread over three days: sessions focus on navigation, deep diving and three chosen specialty dives, with an emphasis on gaining experience rather than testing via an exam.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course is for — and who needs a brief refresher first.

1
Certified divers seeking progressionDivers with recent experience who want to expand skills in navigation, deeper diving and specialty areas will find this course tailored to that progression.
2
Divers needing a refresherIf you haven’t dived in over six months with fewer than 30 dives, or over a year with fewer than 60 dives, you must complete a review prior to the course.
3
Underwater photographers and hobbyistsThose interested in underwater imaging can choose Digital Underwater Imaging as one of their specialty dives and will have ample opportunity to photograph marine life and corals.
4
Marine-life enthusiastsIf encounters with local creatures — including a notably intelligent octopus — are a priority, the local sites visited during the course are a strong match.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The course runs over three days.

Meeting point & operator

Start and check in at Lagos Divers.

What to bring

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Course structure

The program includes skill practice with an instructor and five open-water dives, plus three specialty dives of your choosing; there is no formal exam for this course.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the Advanced Open Water course take?

The course lasts three days.

Where do I meet for the course?

Meet at Lagos Divers for briefings, equipment checks and the course start.

How many open-water dives are included?

The course includes five open-water dives following initial skill practice with your instructor.

Are there written exams for this course?

There is no exam; the course emphasizes practical experience and skill development.

Can the specialty dives count toward PADI specialty certifications?

Yes — for every specialty dive you complete during the course, you can earn credit toward corresponding PADI specialty certifications.

What if I haven’t been diving recently?

If you haven’t been diving for longer than six months and have fewer than 30 dives, or it’s been more than one year and you have fewer than 60 dives, a review is required before starting the course; contact the operator to schedule it.