
Crowne Plaza Porto by IHG
★★★★★
Google 4.6/5 (4,145 reviews)
2.1 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Porto · Portugal
4.461 Google reviewsA CMAS-affiliated centre in Porto with over three decades of experience and a specialised focus on adaptive diving.

Located in Porto, the Escola de Mergulho CCD Porto has been a fixture of the local diving community since March 1990. As a CMAS-affiliated centre, it provides a structured and professional environment for divers looking to progress through formal certification pathways.
The centre operates from an autonomous building that houses dedicated theoretical classroom facilities and a logistical zone. This setup allows for a seamless transition from classroom learning to practical application, with initial training stages conducted in a swimming pool before moving into open water.
The technical team is comprised of 12 experienced instructors, including José Roças, Delfim Trancoso, Antonio Proença, Joaquim Gois, Jorge Leitão, Eduardo Veiga, Francisco Malafaya, Armando Ferreira, Pedro Leite, S. Pacheco, João Carlos, and Filipe Barbosa. This depth of staff ensures a high level of supervision and a wide range of expertise for students.
Beyond standard recreational training, the centre is notable for its commitment to adaptive diving (Mergulho Adaptado). They employ a qualified team and specialised equipment to ensure that divers with various physical limitations can safely experience the underwater environment.
The school also fosters a strong sense of community through social events and organised diving trips. These expeditions take divers beyond local waters to destinations such as Galicia, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Egypt, Mozambique, the Maldives, Thailand, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and French Polynesia.
The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum following CMAS standards, covering every stage from the initial Open Water Diver (OWD) qualification through to Advanced Instructor levels. This allows divers to build a continuous and recognised progression of skills within a single institution.
Specialised training is also available for those looking to expand their technical repertoire or safety skills. This includes Nitrox certification, Rescue Diver training, underwater navigation, and night diving. For those interested in non-recreational disciplines, the school also provides instruction in freediving (Apnée).
The shore-based facilities include a dedicated logistical area equipped with two compressors to support daily diving operations. The centre is a Nitrox-capable facility, allowing divers to extend their bottom times through enriched air.
Training is structured to ensure safety and competence, starting with pool sessions to master buoyancy and skill execution before heading to the sea. The on-site infrastructure is designed to support both the technical requirements of course training and the logistical needs of group excursions.
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Ratings and reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.