Anthia Diving Center, The most charismatic Diving in Portugal! The best

Located in the historic fishing village of Sesimbra, Anthia Diving Center sits at the gateway to the Arrábida Natural Park. This position allows you to dive within the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, an area renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and complex underwater topography.

Since its founding in 2004, the centre has built a reputation for rigour and professionalism. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are a technical diver seeking Extended Range training, the centre provides a structured and safe environment for exploration.

The team operates with a focus on high-level instruction and strict safety protocols. They provide training through the SSI framework, covering everything from basic skills to complex gas blending.

Instruction is available in both English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for international divers. The centre maintains a professional atmosphere that balances technical expertise with a welcoming, family-oriented approach.

The training programme is comprehensive, following the SSI curriculum from the very beginning. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can move through Advanced Adventurer, Deep Diving, and Navigation.

For technical divers, the centre offers an extensive Extended Range (XR) suite. This includes Extended Range Foundations, Extended Range Nitrox Diving, and Decompression Diving. They also provide specialised training in Dry Suit Diving, Search & Recovery, and Marine Ecology.

Professional development is a core part of their offering, with courses available for those aiming to become a Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, or pursuing full Instructor Training.

The centre operates a fleet of three semi-rigid boats to reach the various sites around the coast. These vessels are powered by a range of engines, including Suzuki 250hp, Yamaha V8 350hp, and a Volvo 270hp inboard.

The 12.5m boat is equipped with onboard toilet facilities for your convenience. All vessels carry mandatory safety kits, including buoys, knives, and whistles, to ensure standard safety during every trip.

A full range of rental equipment is available on-site for divers who do not wish to bring their own kit. This includes everything required for a complete dive setup.

The centre is well-equipped for technical divers, offering Nitrox and Trimix services. They also provide training and support for gas blending, including Nitrox and Trimix combinations.

The marine life in this region is remarkably diverse, with approximately 1,350 species recorded in the surrounding marine park. You will encounter a wide variety of marine species across the different habitats, from the reef flats to the deeper walls.

The underwater scenery is shaped by the complex topography of the cliffs and the abundance of life clinging to the rock faces. The biodiversity here is considered some of the most exceptional in Europe.

Macro life and varied species inhabit the crevices and sandy patches, providing plenty of interest for those with a keen eye for detail.

The diving environment is characterised by the rugged coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park. The topography includes steep drop-offs and various underwater structures like caves and wrecks.

Local conditions vary depending on the specific site being visited, but the proximity to the marine park ensures a rich and protected environment for diving.