Who can participate in the Refresh Dive?

Certified divers who haven’t dived in over one year and want to refresh their skills are welcome.

What certification do I need?

An internationally recognized scuba certification is required to join this experience.

Is the dive suitable for beginners?

This program is designed for those with previous certification, not novice divers.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Divers often encounter parrotfish, wrasse, and octopus near the natural reserve’s shipwrecks.

What is included in the Refresh Dive package?

The package includes a dive guide, scuba tank, weights, and liability insurance coverage.

How long does the Refresh Dive last?

Each session lasts about three hours, including briefing, dive, and equipment handling.

Refresh Dive at Azores Sub: Vila Franca do Campo Natural Reserve | Snorkel | Water Activities

Located off the southern coast of São Miguel Island, the Vila Franca do Campo Natural Reserve stands as a striking volcanic islet encircling a sheltered lagoon. This protected marine area offers certified scuba divers an extraordinary chance to reconnect with their underwater skills amid some of the Azores’ most compelling seascapes. Azores Sub, Lda’s Refresh Dive program delivers an accessible yet immersive half-day experience designed specifically for certified divers who haven’t dived in over a year but want to regain confidence beneath the waves.

The dive takes place around the 16th-century shipwrecks scattered near the islet’s perimeter. These historic relics provide a remarkable backdrop, veiled in thick kelp forests and flourishing with the vibrant marine life typical of the Azores archipelago—colorful parrotfish, bream, and the occasional shy octopus. Divers will methodically sharpen essential abilities such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, hand signaling, and buoyancy control under the eye of expert local guides committed to safety and skill development.

Azores Sub offers this dive in a carefully managed natural reserve, abiding by strict conservation practices to ensure minimal ecological impact and maximum protection of both fauna and flora. The islet’s volcanic cliffs rising abruptly from the Atlantic create sheltered conditions that ease beginners’ nerves, positioning this site uniquely among Atlantic diving destinations.

Half-day sessions run either mornings or afternoons, adapting to divers' schedules. Beyond technique refresher drills, participants enjoy glimpses of underwater volcanic formations and thriving endemic species. Azores Sub emerges as an integral component of Vila Franca do Campo’s outdoor scene—not only delivering technical dive support but fostering environmental appreciation and respect among visiting divers. For anyone ready to step back beneath the surface in a setting rich with history and natural wonder, the Refresh Dive invites a focused yet unforgettable reentry into scuba diving.

About Azores Sub, Lda

Azores Sub, Lda is a dive center based in Vila Franca Do Campo on São Miguel Island in the Açores. The company offers guided dives, certification courses, specialty training, snorkeling, and conservation-focused e-learning. Courses and experiences listed include Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Night Diver, Marine Ecology & Coral ID, Science of Diving, Underwater Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy and a wide range of additional specialties and dive packages. Several programs include international certification and online training options.

Azores Sub, Lda operates daily guided dive departures from October to June and runs shore and boat activities along the island's southern coast, including trips to the Vila Franca do Campo Natural Reserve and local dive sites such as Manta Blue Spot and Formigas & Dollabarat. Equipment is provided for many activities, and briefings, safety training, and individualized instruction are emphasized across courses. Training ranges from introductory pool baptisms and Scuba Diver experiences to professional-level Divemaster and Rescue Diver specialties.

Safety-focused offerings include First Aid & O2, Primeiros Socorros & RCP, Enriched Air Nitrox and Deep Diver training. Educational courses emphasize marine ecology, coral identification, and the science of diving with online modules and certifications. Azores Sub, Lda caters to individual learners and small groups, offering flexible scheduling and personalized attention. The combination of certified instructors, equipment services, and recognized international certifications positions Azores Sub, Lda as a reliable operator for divers and ocean learners visiting the Açores. Bookings and course details are available by contacting Azores Sub, Lda directly for scheduling and information now.