Scuba Diving in Gran Canaria: PADI lessons for beginners

Your first dive: shallow-water skills, then the open ocean with parrotfish and stingrays

A half-day scuba diving class in Gran Canaria for beginners, starting with hotel pickup and a briefing on basic skills, then a guided dive in shallow water and open ocean with a PADI instructor. Small groups keep the focus on you. All gear, insurance and tuition are included. A medical questionnaire is required before booking, and a minimum age of 10 applies.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, followed by a drive to whichever dive site offers the best conditions that day: the instructor chooses based on sea state and weather rather than a fixed location. Once you arrive, a PADI-certified instructor walks you through a briefing covering basic scuba skills, what to expect underwater, and the safety essentials. Then you gear up (all equipment is provided) and wade into shallow water to practice a few simple techniques before moving into the open ocean.

Your guided dive takes you among parrotfish, trumpetfish, stingrays and barracuda in the clear water off Gran Canaria. The instructor stays with you throughout, moving at your pace and offering support without pressure. Small group sizes mean you get personal attention instead of being one of many. The whole experience runs about three hours from pickup to drop-off.

Before you book, you'll receive a medical questionnaire to complete: some conditions (asthma, heart issues, diabetes, recent surgery, sinus or ear problems, high blood pressure) require a doctor's clearance. Minimum age is 10. If you're planning to fly after diving, allow at least 12 hours between your dive and departure.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from coastal towns in the south of Gran Canaria.
• scenic drive to the day's best dive site.
• full scuba equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, mask, fins and buoyancy control device).
• PADI instructor for the entire experience.
• insurance coverage.
• a medical questionnaire prior to diving to ensure your safety.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

AgesAdult (10 to 75 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “If you have not selected pickup the meeting point of this activity is either at our dive centre or directly at the dive site. We will send you a link with the exact meeting spot and time.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Puerto Rico Diving Gran Canaria

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a calm, unhurried introduction to scuba with an instructor who teaches at your pace rather than moving a large group through a set routine. Small groups and three hours total mean you get personal attention and time to build confidence in shallow water before exploring deeper. If you have any pre-existing health conditions (asthma, heart or lung issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, recent surgery, or sinus or ear problems), you'll need a doctor's clearance before booking, so check the medical questionnaire early.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

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 24h before the start.

What happens in the shallow-water practice before the real dive?

The instructor teaches you basic scuba skills in shallow water (how to breathe through the regulator, clear your mask, and move underwater), so you're comfortable with the equipment before exploring deeper. This practice phase is part of the half-day experience and happens at the same site where you'll do your guided dive.

Can I choose which dive site we go to, or is it fixed?

The dive site is chosen on the day based on sea conditions and weather, not set in advance. Your instructor picks the spot that offers the best experience and safest conditions for beginners that particular day.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit or diving gear?

No, all necessary equipment is included and provided by Puerto Rico Diving. You just need to bring a swimsuit and towel.

What marine life will I see underwater?

Gran Canaria's waters are home to parrotfish, trumpetfish, stingrays, barracuda and other colorful species. Exactly what you encounter depends on the site and season, but the instructor will guide you to the best spots for wildlife.

How long after diving can I fly home?

You must wait at least 12 hours between your dive and any flight. Plan your departure accordingly if you're flying the same day.