First-Time Scuba Diving in San Andres: Beginner’s Guided Dive

Summary

Beginner Scuba Experience in San Andres: Pool & Ocean Dive

You’ll get your first taste of scuba diving in San Andres—no experience needed—with hands-on guidance from a local instructor. Learn key skills in the pool before heading out for a real ocean dive where you’ll float weightless among colorful fish and coral. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater or just want to try something new on vacation, this is your chance.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick with salt as we stepped out of the van near the dive shop—San Andres mornings are always warm, even at 8am. After signing a quick form and chatting with our instructor (he’d been teaching here for years), we squeezed into wetsuits that smelled faintly of neoprene and sunscreen. The first part was easy: a short intro about the gear and some basics. I remember fiddling with my mask strap while our guide explained how to clear water from it—little things you don’t think about until you’re underwater.

In the pool, everything slowed down. Breathing through the regulator felt odd at first—like sipping air through a straw—but after a few minutes, it became almost calming. We practiced simple moves: clearing our masks, checking our gauges, getting used to floating weightless. The instructor kept an eye on us the whole time, cracking jokes to keep everyone relaxed.

The real thrill hit once we boarded the small boat and motored out past the docks. You could see straight down through 30 meters of clear water; even from above, flashes of fish darted over coral patches. Slipping into the sea was surreal—the world went quiet except for my own bubbles. We drifted along slowly, never deeper than 10 meters, spotting bright parrotfish and tiny crabs tucked into rocks. It was peaceful down there—just slow movements and soft light filtering through blue water. After about 40 minutes, we surfaced grinning like kids.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover Scuba Diving Experience

• Hotel pickup at 8:00 am or 2:00 pm
• Complete and sign medical questionnaire
• Receive diving equipment
• Theoretical diving lesson
• Pool practice with basic exercises
• Open sea dive (35-40 minutes)

Top questions

Do I need any previous diving experience?

Nope! This beginner session is designed for people who’ve never tried scuba before.

How long does the whole activity take?

Plan on about three hours total—from pickup to drop-off—including instruction, pool practice, and your ocean dive.

Is it safe? Who leads the dive?

Your dive is led by a certified PADI instructor who’ll be with you every step of the way—from pool training to ocean swim.

What should I bring?

Just bring swimwear, a towel, and maybe some sunscreen—the rest (gear and transport) is covered.

I have ear problems/medical conditions—can I join?

If you have recurring ear issues or certain health concerns (like heart or breathing problems), it’s best to check with your doctor first.

What’s included

You’ll get round-trip transport from your hotel or lodging spot, all scuba equipment provided (mask, fins, wetsuit), plus full instruction and support from a certified PADI instructor throughout your pool session and open-water dive.