Gran Canaria: Try Scuba Diving for Beginners

Starting at just $101 per person, this 3-hour scuba experience in Gran Canaria offers a safe, guided introduction to exploring the underwater world. Whether you’re staying in the south or meeting directly at Playa de Amadores, this tour promises a professional approach for newcomers eager to see what’s beneath the surface.

What we love most is how experienced instructors make you feel safe and confident, and the small group setting ensures a personalized, relaxed vibe. Plus, the opportunity to witness marine life in its natural habitat makes this an unforgettable first step into diving.

A potential drawback? The tour’s duration can vary depending on whether you’re picked up from your hotel or meeting directly at the beach—if you’re pressed for time, meeting at Playa de Amadores might be the better choice.

This experience suits anyone curious about diving, especially those who want a gentle, guided introduction without the need for prior experience or swimming skills, as long as you’re comfortable in water and meet health requirements.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: Perfect for first-timers with no prior experience needed.
• Professional Guidance: Instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and speak multiple languages.
• Marine Encounters: Explore vibrant marine life in clear waters, including fish, rays, and possibly octopus.
• Flexible Options: Includes hotel pickup or the option to meet directly at Playa de Amadores.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants for personalized attention.
• Value for Money: All equipment, safety, and insurance included for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We found this tour to be a well-organized, approachable way to try scuba diving, especially for those wary of the water or new to the sport. The cost includes all necessary equipment and insurance, removing the typical worries about hidden charges. The instructors’ multilingual skills (English, Spanish, Italian, French) help make all participants feel comfortable, no matter their language background.

The tour begins with a pick-up service from multiple southern towns, or you can meet directly at Playa de Amadores. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re already exploring the area or prefer to skip the transfer. The detailed safety briefing ensures that everyone understands what to expect, which is crucial for first-timers.

We also loved the small group setting—limiting participants to 8 means fewer distractions and more individual attention. Many reviews praise the guides’ patience and professionalism, often highlighting how they make nervous participants feel at ease while exploring the underwater environment.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

Depending on your choice, you will be picked up from one of eight locations in the south, including Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, and Patalavaca, among others. The transfer takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and chat with your instructor before the main event.

Arrival at Playa de Amadores

Once at the beach, you’ll receive a 45-minute safety briefing. During this time, your instructor will explain the basics of scuba diving, underwater breathing techniques, and safety protocols. Many reviewers, like Hester, mention how patient and helpful the guides are, especially when easing nervous divers or kids into the experience.

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Underwater Exploration

After the briefing, you’ll have roughly 1 hour to practice breathing and get comfortable in the water, which is often described as crystal clear—a perfect setting for beginners. Then, guided by your instructor, you’ll descend into the water, exploring Gran Canaria’s vibrant marine life. Expect to see fish, rays, and maybe even an octopus, as several reviews note seeing diverse wildlife.

Return Transfer

Post-dive, you’ll return to your original pickup point, with some tours including time for photos—many travelers have shared their excitement about GoPro footage capturing their underwater moments. The whole experience wraps up in about 2 to 2.5 hours if you meet directly at the beach, or closer to 3 hours with pickup and drop-off included.

What Visitors Say: Authentic Insights

Reviewers repeatedly highlight how safe and well-organized the experience is. Safae noted how she and her companion felt comfortable and secure despite being first-timers. Jenny appreciated the friendly and organized atmosphere, and many mention how patient the guides are, even when participants struggle or feel nervous. Several mention that guides are fluent in multiple languages, which helps international travelers feel more at ease.

The marine encounters are frequently described as stunning. Adrienne called it a “great introduction to diving,” emphasizing how affordable yet professional the experience is, especially considering the included equipment and insurance. Tomasz was especially grateful for the photos taken during the activity, which many agree is a nice bonus.

A common theme among reviews is how this tour builds confidence, with several reviewers saying they felt comfortable enough to consider further diving or snorkeling adventures later. For example, Ben, a first-timer, called it an “excellent starter course” that left him eager to pursue diving as a hobby.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing:
The activity lasts about 3 hours, but if you meet directly at Playa de Amadores, expect closer to 2 hours of actual diving time. Availability varies, with pickups scheduled at 8:30 am or noon, making it adaptable to your plans.

Price and Value:
At $101 per person, this includes all diving equipment, insurance, and guided instruction. The value lies in the professional guidance and the opportunity to see marine life without any prior experience or equipment costs. You might find similar introductory experiences more expensive or less inclusive elsewhere.

Transportation:
The included hotel pickup service is a significant convenience, especially in a spread-out resort area. If you’re not staying in the southern towns, you’ll need to meet at Playa de Amadores, which is easy to reach.

Health and Safety:
A medical questionnaire is required. Those with certain conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, or heart issues need to obtain permission from a doctor beforehand, a process that can be arranged locally. Participants must also wait 12 hours after diving before flying, and 18 hours if doing multiple dives, aligning with safety standards.

What to Bring:
– Passport or ID
– Swimwear
– Towel and change of clothes

Restrictions:
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 10, or travelers with specific health concerns like back problems, respiratory issues, or recent surgeries.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for first-time divers or those curious about trying scuba in a safe, controlled environment. It’s especially suited for families with kids over 10, couples looking for a unique shared experience, or solo travelers eager to tick off a bucket list item. Reviewers consistently praise knowledgeable guides, beautiful underwater scenery, and the confidence boost the experience provides.

If you’re looking for a low-pressure introduction with flexible options and positive reviews, this is a solid choice. It’s also great if you want a cost-effective way to see the marine world without committing to a full certification course.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting Gran Canaria and wanting to try something new, this Beginner Scuba Experience offers a safe, well-organized, and enjoyable introduction to underwater exploration. The combination of professional guides, clear waters, and marine life sightings makes it a worthwhile addition to your trip. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which is key when trying something potentially intimidating like being underwater for the first time.

While it’s not the longest or most intensive activity, it’s perfect for sparking curiosity or building confidence for future diving adventures. The all-inclusive price covers equipment, insurance, and personalized guidance, making it an excellent value for travelers who want to make the most of their time in the Canary Islands.

This tour suits those who prefer gentle, guided experiences, are comfortable in water, and are eager to discover the aquatic world in a friendly, supportive environment. If you’re seeking a memorable, beginner-friendly adventure that’s as safe as it is fun, this is a highly recommended option.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners with no prior diving experience required. The guides are experienced in helping nervous divers feel comfortable.

What’s included in the price?
All diving equipment, safety briefing, instructor guidance, and diving accident insurance are included.

Can I meet directly at the beach instead of being picked up?
Yes, you can choose to meet at Playa de Amadores, which might reduce the overall time if you’re not staying in the southern towns.

How long is the actual diving experience?
If you meet directly at the beach, about 2 hours of diving; with pickup, the total activity lasts around 3 hours.

What languages do the instructors speak?
Guides speak English, Spanish, Italian, and French to accommodate diverse travelers.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, participants with certain medical conditions need to get permission from a doctor. A medical questionnaire is required.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children over 10 are generally welcomed, but younger children or those with medical issues should check restrictions.

What should I bring?
Passport or ID, swimwear, towel, change of clothes, and perhaps some cash if you wish to rent a GoPro camera.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least a few days ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your scheduled activity.

Whether you’re craving a new adventure or simply curious about what’s underwater, this beginner’s scuba experience in Gran Canaria offers a safe, fun, and visually stunning introduction to the marine world. It’s a fantastic way to add a memorable highlight to your Canary Islands trip without overcommitting or requiring prior experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: