The 12 Best Scuba Diving Experiences in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria isn’t just about sunbathing on its golden beaches or sampling local tapas; it’s a top destination for those eager to explore underwater. Thanks to its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and accessible dive sites, it’s easy to see why scuba diving is growing in popularity here. We particularly like the Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria for its small-group approach and personalized attention—perfect for first-timers who want safety and fun in equal measure.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, Gran Canaria offers a variety of options. From introductory experiences to full certification courses, you’ll find something that suits your comfort level and curiosity. Below, we review 12 of the best scuba experiences on the island, highlighting what makes each unique and helping you pick the right one.
1. Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria
This popular scuba diving experience for beginners is designed with first-timers in mind, offering small groups of just four students per instructor. With a focus on safety and enjoyment, it’s ideal if you want a relaxed, personalized introduction to diving. The tour lasts about 3 hours, during which you’ll see incredible marine life and learn the basics of breathing underwater. All equipment, insurance, and pickup from southern Gran Canaria are included, making it both convenient and comprehensive.
What sets this tour apart is its highly positive reviews—many visitors mention feeling at ease thanks to Veronica’s excellent instruction and the group’s friendly vibe. For about $103, you get a safe, well-structured experience with the added bonus of flexible pacing. It’s especially suited for nervous beginners or those who want a guided, intimate taste of the underwater world.
Bottom Line: Excellent for first-timers seeking personalized attention and a safe, enjoyable introduction to scuba diving.
2. Beginners Scuba Diving Experience in Gran Canaria
This introductory scuba experience offers a quick, two-hour adventure perfect for dipping your toes into the water. It includes a lesson in a pool to learn essential tools and techniques, followed by a dive at a Puerto Rico site, guided by professional instructors. The focus here is on building confidence and understanding whether PADI certification is right for you.
The highlight is its affordability—just over $104—and the fact that you get all gear included. Guests rave about the professionalism of the staff and the safe environment, with many noting the support they received even if they were nervous. The short but sweet format makes it a great choice for travelers with limited time or those trying diving for the first time.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, safe introduction that can spark a lifelong interest in scuba diving.
3. Gran Canaria: Try Scuba Diving for Beginners
At around $101, this try scuba diving experience is well-suited for guests seeking a relaxed, beginner-friendly adventure. Starting with a safety briefing and basic skills in Playa de Amadores, you’ll then venture into the water for approximately an hour of guided exploration. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, which many reviewers praise for making newcomers feel comfortable.
The itinerary includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with multiple departure points around Gran Canaria. The focus here is on learning the basics of underwater breathing and marine life discovery, making it ideal for families or solo travelers new to diving. Many comments highlight the helpfulness of the instructors and the memorable experience of seeing volcanic formations and marine fauna up close.
Bottom Line: An excellent, accessible entry-level tour, especially for families or first-timers with a few hours to spare.
4. Discover Scuba diving in Gran Canaria with Hotel Pick-up
This Discover Scuba experience is a solid choice for those wanting a full, approximately 3-hour guided adventure. It’s suitable for all levels, including complete beginners, with the chance to see gentle Angel Sharks and colorful fish. The trip takes you into prime diving waters, with all equipment provided and a focus on safe, fun exploration.
One reviewer mentioned how the instructor Veronica made everyone feel confident, which is key for newcomers. The inclusion of a safety briefing, gear, and transportation makes this a good value at about $103.72. Its main strength is its balance of professionalism and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those eager to try diving without any prior experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded beginner experience that combines safety, comfort, and marine life encounters.
5. Discover Scuba Dive in Gran Canaria
For around $98, this Discover Scuba Dive offers a half-day immersion into the underwater world, suitable for families and first-timers. You’ll learn about marine life, practice basic skills, and then go on an open-water dive with your instructor. The focus is on building confidence and understanding.
Top reviews mention the patient, friendly guides and the chance to see parrotfish, barracuda, starfish, and corals. The experience is designed to be relaxed and educational, with all equipment included. It’s an ideal choice if you want to combine some land-based instruction with a practical, fun dive.
Bottom Line: Great for beginners wanting a complete, safe introduction with plenty of marine wildlife.
6. Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving – Free Transfers
This Discover Scuba tour is ideal for those staying in Maspalomas, with the convenience of free hotel pickup. It lasts about 4 hours and promises an exciting experience in Tufia, where you’ll see rays, octopus, and possibly angel sharks. Its small group size and no-hidden-fees policy make it appealing.
Many reviewers rave about the professionalism of the instructors, especially noting how they eased first-timers into the activity. The flexible itinerary and inclusion of snacks make it a comfortable, hassle-free option for new divers who want a comprehensive experience with added convenience.
Bottom Line: A perfect option for visitors looking for a straightforward, all-inclusive dive experience without extra costs.
7. Gran Canaria: Scuba Diving for Beginners
This scuba diving for beginners offers a short, two-hour session in Puerto Rico, guided by a PADI instructor. It emphasizes learning the basics of breathing and movement underwater, with plenty of support for nervous beginners. The reviews highlight the guide Harry, who explained everything clearly and looked after the group well.
Priced around $102, this tour is suitable for those with limited time or who want a quick, safe taste of diving. It’s a straightforward, no-frills introduction that still delivers a memorable experience of marine life and underwater terrain.
Bottom Line: Compact and beginner-friendly, ideal if you’re looking for a quick intro with quality guidance.
8. Las Canteras Scuba Diving
Situated on one of the best urban beaches in the world, this Las Canteras scuba tour provides a 3-hour experience for around $68. It’s perfect for the city-based traveler who wants a quick, local dive without traveling far. The instructor Carlos is praised for making newcomers feel comfortable and informed.
Diving at Las Canteras means exploring a rich marine environment with fish, octopus, and sometimes octopus. Many reviewers mention the helpfulness of the instructor and the good value for money. It’s a flexible option for those staying in Gran Canaria and looking for a city-based dive experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent urban dive that combines convenience, affordability, and marine life.
9. Open Water Diver Scuba Diving Course in Puerto de Mogan
For those ready to commit to a full certification, this Open Water Diver course offers three days of instruction. Priced at about $520, it includes theory, practical lessons, and four open-water dives, culminating in a globally recognized PADI certificate.
Guests mention the expertise of instructors like Peter and the beautiful setting of Puerto de Mogan. It’s best suited for travelers planning to spend several days diving or those serious about becoming certified. The course offers a comprehensive education, with the flexibility of hotel pickup.
Bottom Line: A complete certification dive course, perfect for travelers who want to dive confidently at any destination worldwide.
10. Gran Canaria: Discover Scuba Diving Beginner Program
This program is a practical 4-hour experience that combines theory, shallow water practice, and an open-water dive. It’s designed to help newcomers learn the basics of diving and see marine life like starfish, fish, and corals firsthand. Suitable for all ages, it’s a relaxed way to test out if scuba is for you.
The reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff and the chance to marvel at the Atlantic Ocean’s beauty. It’s ideal if you want a thorough, beginner-focused experience that builds your skills step-by-step.
Bottom Line: A well-structured, beginner course that combines education with fun underwater exploration.
11. PADI Advanced Diving Course in Gran Canaria
For seasoned divers, this advanced course offers five dives over two days. It includes deep dives, night dives, and specialty topics, perfect for sharpening skills and exploring new environments. The course is led by a PADI-certified instructor, and equipment, insurance, and study materials are included.
Guests mention the professionalism of instructors and how this course elevates their diving experience. It’s suited for experienced open-water divers eager to expand their capabilities and dive in different conditions. The main downside is the cost, but many find it worthwhile for the skill enhancement.
Bottom Line: Ideal for experienced divers wanting to improve their skills and explore new depths or conditions.
12. Discover Scuba Diving in Puerto de Mogan
This Discover Scuba Dive in Puerto de Mogan offers a full introduction to diving, complete with theory, pool practice, and an open water dive. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly instructors and the opportunity to see marine life like fish and flora in a safe environment. The price of about $103 makes it a solid value, especially with hotel pickup included.
Perfect for complete beginners, this tour provides all equipment and guidance needed to get comfortable underwater. It’s a straightforward choice if you want a hassle-free, memorable first experience.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive beginner experience with the convenience of hotel pickup, perfect for trying diving on vacation.
How to Choose the Right Scuba Diving Experience in Gran Canaria
Choosing between these options depends on your budget, time, and what you want from your underwater adventure. If you’re new and want a gentle, supportive introduction, tours like Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners or Discover Scuba Diving in Puerto de Mogan are perfect. For those ready to commit to certification, the Open Water Diver Course offers a comprehensive path, while advanced divers should consider the PADI Advanced Course for skill refinement.
Budget travelers might prefer the lower-priced Las Canteras Scuba Diving or Discover Scuba Program, while those with more time or serious diving ambitions can opt for full certification or specialty courses.
Timing-wise, the best months are generally from spring to early fall, when visibility and weather are optimal. Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Gran Canaria offers a broad spectrum of scuba experiences, from quick introductory dives to full certification courses. Whether you’re a nervous beginner, a family wanting a fun activity, or an experienced diver seeking new skills, the island has something for you.
We recommend starting with a beginner-friendly tour like the Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners, which balances safety and enjoyment, or progressing to a certification if you fall in love with the underwater world. Remember, the earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging your preferred date, especially in busy months. Dive in—Gran Canaria’s waters await!