Discover Scuba Diving in Pula: Beginner Dives with Instructor

Breathe underwater for the first time, guided through shallow reefs

Discover Scuba Diving is a beginner program in Pula where you try scuba with an instructor before committing to certification. You start with equipment basics and confined water practice at Orca Diving Centre, then make two open water dives (one to 7 meters and one to 10 meters) on the house reef in the Istrian Peninsula. All gear is included, groups stay very small, and the experience can be credited toward PADI or SSI certification for up to 12 months if you decide to continue.

The experience

You meet at Orca Diving Centre under Hotel Park Plaza Histria at 11:00 am. After a short orientation, your instructor covers the basics of scuba equipment and safe diving practices in a confined water session before you enter the open water. This shallow-water setup exists because the center prioritizes your comfort and confidence. You practice the skills that matter in a controlled space first, so the reef dives themselves feel natural instead of rushed.

The two open water dives happen on the house reef: the first reaches 7 meters, the second 10 meters. You're surrounded by the underwater landscape of the Istrian Peninsula: the turquoise water and the hidden wildlife are what you came for, and the small group size means your instructor stays focused on you. All equipment rental is included, so you arrive with nothing but your swimsuit and your willingness to try.

The whole program runs about five hours. If you find you love it, you can book additional dives the same day, or take the experience as credit toward a full PADI or SSI Open Water certification course: valid for up to 12 months after this dive. Children as young as 8 can join with an adult. The minimum age for this program is 10.

What’s included

• Introduction to scuba equipment and safe diving practices.
• confined water skills session for comfort and safety.
• two open water dives on the house reef, one to 7 meters and one to 10 meters.
• all scuba equipment rental including tank, wetsuit, weights, mask, fins and regulator.
• experienced instructor and very small group size.
• option to add extra dives the same day.
• credit toward PADI or SSI Open Water certification valid for 12 months.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 9 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (23 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (14 to 22 years) · Child (8 to 13 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Orca diving centre

Is this one for you?Book this if you're trying scuba for the first time and want to know whether you'll enjoy it before investing in a full certification course. The confined water practice means you build confidence on land before the open water dives, and the small group keeps your instructor's attention on you.

Traveler reviews

4.72★★★★★★★★★★

18 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian and Croatian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 22 years); Child (8 to 13 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I learn before I get in the water?

Your instructor covers scuba equipment basics and safe diving practices on land, then walks you through the skills you'll need in the confined water session. This preparation means you enter the open water already comfortable with the fundamentals.

How deep do the two dives go?

The first open water dive reaches 7 meters. The second goes to 10 meters. Both happen on the house reef, so you're exploring the same underwater landscape at slightly different depths.

What's included in the price?

All scuba equipment rental is included: tank, wetsuit, weights, mask, fins and regulator. You bring only your swimsuit and any personal items you need on land.

Can I credit this toward a certification if I want to continue?

Yes. The Discover Scuba experience counts toward a PADI or SSI Open Water certification course for up to 12 months after your dive, so you can pick up training later if the underwater world hooks you.