PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

An In-Depth Look at the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course in Gran Canaria

Imagine spending three days exploring beneath the waves of Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s most striking islands. For certified divers looking to elevate their skills, the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course offers a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and spectacular sights. With a price of $397 per person, this program promises a well-rounded experience with five dives over three days, guided by experienced 5-star PADI instructors who bring over 20 years of underwater teaching expertise.

Two aspects stand out immediately: the flexibility in choosing specialty dives tailored to your interests—whether it’s fish identification, wreck exploration, or night diving—and the comprehensive support including theory sessions, dive equipment, insurance, and hotel transfers. We especially appreciate the multilingual instruction, making this accessible for travelers from various backgrounds.

However, a potential consideration is the need for certified open water divers to participate, and the inclusion of extra costs such as the manual ($87) and a personal mouthpiece ($4). While this course offers excellent value for those eager to deepen their diving knowledge, it’s best suited for confident, certified divers who want to expand their underwater repertoire—be it navigation, buoyancy, or exploring new depths.

If you’re a certified diver aged 12 or older with an eye on progressing your skills in stunning Canary waters, this course could be a fantastic choice. Now, let’s explore what makes it worth considering—and what to expect during your three days of underwater discovery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Skill Advancement: Focused on improving navigation, buoyancy, and deep diving skills.
• Flexible Learning: You select three additional specialties based on your interests.
• Professional Guides: Led by highly experienced instructors committed to safety.
• All-Inclusive: Costs cover theory, equipment, insurance, and transfers.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Language Options: Instruction available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and more.

The Practicality and Value of the Course

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about genuinely improving your diving confidence and competence. For travelers, the cost of $397 might seem steep initially, but when you factor in five dives, professional instruction, equipment, and transport, the value becomes clearer. This isn’t a “try it once” experience; it’s a dedicated investment in your diving future.

Gran Canaria offers a unique backdrop—crystal-clear waters, fascinating marine life, and intriguing wrecks—that make the dives especially rewarding. The two required dives, Deep and Underwater Navigation, lay the foundation for safer, more enjoyable diving at any location. The choice of specialties—such as night dives, wreck exploration, or fish identification—lets you customize your experience to match your curiosity and goals.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: The journey begins with an introduction to the course principles during a theory session, which could be in your preferred language. Afterward, you’ll head out for your first ocean dive, likely focusing on Underwater Navigation. Here, you’ll learn to refine your compass and landmark skills—crucial for independent exploration. The small group setting ensures you get plenty of personalized feedback, making this a comfortable way to build skills.

Day 2: The second day usually involves the Deep Dive, where you’ll learn about the physiological effects of deeper diving and how to plan dives safely at greater depths. These dives are often the most exhilarating, offering sights of larger marine creatures and impressive underwater topography. You might also choose a specialty like fish identification, deepening your understanding of underwater ecosystems.

Day 3: The final day allows you to select three additional adventure dives based on your interests. This could include wreck exploration, night diving, or drift diving. Not only do these dives add excitement, but they also significantly boost your confidence and versatility as a diver. The course wraps up with a review, and if all goes well, you’ll receive your certification.

What We Love About This Course

One standout feature is the flexibility in choosing your specialty dives. This means you can tailor your experience—whether you’re fascinated by marine life, wrecks, or night dives—making each day uniquely rewarding. The instructors’ 20 years of expertise shines through in their professional approach, safety emphasis, and ability to make novices feel at ease.

Another highlight is the inclusion of hotel transfers, which simplifies logistics and lets you focus on your dives. The fact that instruction is available in multiple languages broadens accessibility and makes the learning environment inclusive and comfortable.

Plus, the small group size—limited to just 10 participants—ensures you get ample attention, personalized guidance, and a more relaxed atmosphere. This can be especially valuable if you’re new to certain skills or nervous about your progress.

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The Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While the course offers excellent value, there are some factors to keep in mind. First, the cost of the PADI manual ($87) and a personal mouthpiece ($4) are extra expenses. Since these are not included, budget accordingly.

Secondly, as the course is designed for certified open water divers, beginners who haven’t completed their initial certification will need to complete that first. Also, because the dives are conducted in open water, consistent weather and sea conditions are essential for a smooth experience—delays or cancellations can happen due to weather.

Lastly, the three-day schedule requires a certain level of flexibility; if you’re on a tight timetable, check the availability and starting times carefully. The maximum group size of 10 is a plus for personalized attention but might mean early booking to secure your spot.

Who Is This Course Best For?

This program is ideal for certified divers aged 12 and above who are ready to take the next step in their diving journey. It’s especially well-suited for those eager to learn new skills like navigation, deep diving, or exploring wrecks and night environments. If you’re curious about diving more comfortably at depth or want to expand your underwater repertoire, this course offers excellent value and expertise.

It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy personalized experiences and want a blend of structured learning and adventure. If you like the idea of small groups, multilingual instructors, and the flexibility to customize your dives, this course is a smart choice.

The Sum Up

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Gran Canaria provides a well-rounded, practical opportunity to sharpen your diving skills amid stunning underwater scenery. With professional guidance, a supportive small group environment, and the chance to select specialty dives aligned with your interests, this experience transforms a basic certification into a more confident, capable diver.

While the extra costs for manuals and equipment, along with weather-dependent scheduling, are considerations, the overall value is high when you weigh the quality of instruction and the memorable dives you’ll get to enjoy. This course suits adventurous, curious divers who want to push their boundaries safely and enjoyably.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the underwater world while enjoying the scenic beauty of Gran Canaria, this program offers a rewarding, enriching experience—one that could open up new levels of enjoyment and exploration beneath the waves.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this course?
Yes, you must have your Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to participate. The course is designed to build on your existing skills.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers theory sessions, five ocean dives, dive equipment, dive insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The manual and personal mouthpiece are additional.

How many dives will I do?
You will complete a total of five dives: two required (Deep and Underwater Navigation) and three additional specialty dives based on your interests.

Are the courses offered in multiple languages?
Yes, instruction is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and German, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a “reserve now & pay later” option.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel and beachwear. Make sure you have your dive certification, logbook, passport/ID, and any relevant medical certifications if needed.

This course offers a balanced mix of learning and adventure—perfect for confident divers eager to expand their horizons in the inviting waters of Gran Canaria.

You can check availability for your dates here: