Gran Canaria: Beginner Scuba Dive & Small Group Pickup

Summary

First scuba dive gran canaria with patient guides and calm sea

You’ll start your beginner scuba dive in Gran Canaria with a friendly local guide and a small group for extra attention. Learn basic skills in shallow water before heading out to see colorful fish and maybe even stingrays. Hotel pickup is included so you don’t have to stress about logistics — just focus on breathing underwater for the first time.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway into our wetsuits when I realized how salty the air tasted near Puerto Rico — not just the usual sea breeze, but something sharper, almost metallic. Our guide, Marta, grinned at my clumsy attempt to zip up (she said it happens to everyone). The van ride from our hotel was quick, maybe 20 minutes tops, and she’d picked the spot that morning based on the currents. I didn’t expect to feel so looked after before we even got wet.

The briefing was actually fun — not like those safety talks where you tune out. Marta showed us how to clear our masks and what hand signals meant “okay” or “I need help.” She joked about her own first dive panic (which helped, honestly), and then we practiced in water shallow enough that my knees kept bumping sand. The mask felt weird at first — tight and plasticky — but after a few breaths underwater, I stopped noticing everything except the sound of my own bubbles.

When we finally went deeper, I caught sight of a parrotfish darting past and nearly forgot to keep kicking. The light was different down there — softer somehow, greenish-blue. There was this moment when a stingray glided underneath us and Marta tapped her tank gently so we’d look without flailing around. I probably looked ridiculous trying to wave at a trumpetfish (do fish even see that?), but nobody cared. Afterward, back on shore, Marta handed out biscuits and we all laughed about who panicked most putting on fins. My hair still smelled like salt hours later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beginner scuba diving experience

• Hotel pickup
• Drive to dive site
• Briefing with PADI instructor
• Learn basic scuba skills
• Gear up for dive
• Practice skills in shallow water
• Guided underwater dive
• Explore marine life

Top questions

Is this scuba diving experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners with no prior experience needed.

How long does the beginner scuba diving activity take?

The whole experience takes about half a day from pickup to drop-off.

Are hotel pickups included in southern Gran Canaria?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from accommodation in southern coastal towns is included.

What kind of marine life might I see during the dive?

You may see parrotfish, trumpetfish, stingrays, barracuda, and other colorful species.

Is equipment provided for the Gran Canaria scuba dive?

All necessary equipment is provided as part of your booking.

Is there an age limit for this beginner scuba diving tour?

The minimum age is 10 years old.

Do I need medical clearance before participating?

Certain health conditions require doctor clearance; all participants complete a health questionnaire before diving.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in southern Gran Canaria coastal towns, all required scuba gear, guidance from an experienced PADI instructor in a small group setting, insurance coverage throughout the activity, plus plenty of encouragement (and post-dive snacks) before you’re dropped back at your accommodation.