Gran Canaria: Try Scuba Diving for Beginners

Key Points

• Affordable and accessible: Priced at $101 per person for a 3-hour introduction to scuba diving
• Ideal for beginners: No prior experience needed, with thorough safety briefings and patient instructors
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants for personalized attention and comfort
• Flexible options: Includes hotel pickup from southern towns or meeting directly at Playa de Amadores
• Rich marine life: Explore vibrant fish, rays, and other sea creatures in Gran Canaria’s clear waters
• Highly rated: Overall score of 4.9/5 from 294 reviews, reflecting consistent quality and safety

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Gran Canaria: Try Scuba Diving for Beginners at a Glance

This scuba diving tour in Gran Canaria offers a safe, beginner-friendly experience with experienced instructors guiding small groups. Priced at $101, it lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect choice for those eager to try diving without a full certification. The tour departs from southern coastal towns or meets directly at Playa de Amadores—a popular beach known for its calm, clear waters.

The activity includes diving equipment, insurance, and a comprehensive safety briefing. It’s well-suited for first-timers, with reviews highlighting friendly guides and stunning underwater sights. The only consideration is that if you opt to meet at Playa de Amadores, the actual activity might be shorter—around 2 hours—due to transfer times. This tour is particularly attractive for those who want a stress-free introduction to scuba in a beautiful setting.

From Hotel Pickup to Playa de Amadores

This experience begins with hotel pickup from eight southern towns, including Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín. The pickup window for the 8:30 AM session is between 8:15 and 9:00, while the 12:00 PM session pickup is between 11:15 and 12:00. The tour provider contacts guests via email the day before the activity to confirm exact times.

Travelers who choose to meet directly at Playa de Amadores should be prepared for a shorter experience—about 2 hours—since this option excludes transfer time. The beach location offers a smooth entry into the water and a relaxed environment for practicing breathing techniques. The small group size ensures that everyone receives individual attention, making this a comfortable way to learn the basics of scuba diving.

Exploring the Itinerary and Water Activities

The tour features a detailed safety briefing lasting 45 minutes before going into the water. Afterward, participants enter the sea from the beach to practice breathing and buoyancy in shallow conditions. Once feeling confident, the group is led on a guided underwater exploration lasting about 1 hour, allowing for close-up views of marine life.

The underwater landscape includes a variety of fish and other sea creatures, with some reviews noting encounters with octopuses, cuttlefish, and rays. The activity concludes with a 30-minute van transfer back to the starting point, and then guests are dropped off at their original locations.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from southern Gran Canaria coastal towns, diving equipment, and diving accident insurance. Guests need to bring passport or ID, swimwear, change of clothes, and towel. The tour advises against alcohol or drugs before diving and requires a medical questionnaire to be completed beforehand.

For those considering GoPro rentals, note there’s an additional cost of €15 per camera. The equipment provided is of good quality, and guides are known for their patience and professional instruction. The experience is suitable for non-swimmers, but people with medical conditions such as asthma, heart issues, or respiratory problems should seek permission from a doctor before participating.

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The Role of Guides and Staff

The guides are praised consistently for their helpfulness, patience, and knowledge. They explain everything clearly and prioritize safety, which is especially reassuring for first-time divers. Multiple reviews mention friendly instructors who speak several languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French.

One review highlights a guide’s calm demeanor when handling nervous divers, and several mention photos taken with GoPro, which guests appreciated. The personalized attention from guides helps ensure that beginners feel confident and comfortable throughout the activity.

Marine Life Encounters in Gran Canaria

The marine environment of Gran Canaria offers an abundance of colorful fish and interesting sea creatures. Guests often see octopuses, cuttlefish, and rays, making each underwater session visually captivating. The water is described as crystal clear, allowing excellent visibility and close encounters with marine wildlife.

The guided nature of the activity ensures that participants can focus on the sights without worries, thanks to the experienced instructors managing safety and navigation. The underwater scenery is a major highlight, with many reviews expressing delight at the variety of marine species observed.

Timing, Pacing, and Duration

Each dive session lasts around 1 hour, with the entire experience including safety briefings and transfers taking approximately 3 hours if pickup is included. Guests opting to meet at Playa de Amadores should plan for about 2 hours on-site. The pacing is relaxed, designed to accommodate beginners, with plenty of time to practice breathing and adjust underwater.

The scheduled times are flexible, with morning and midday options** available. It’s advisable to reserve in advance and confirm the exact pickup times via email the day before.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, non-swimmers, or those with respiratory issues or epilepsy. Participants need to complete a medical questionnaire and possibly obtain medical approval if they have certain health conditions. Children must be at least 10 years old to join, and the activity is designed to be accessible for beginners.

Guests should be prepared for easy swimming in shallow water and comfortable in water with basic swimming ability. The equipment provided is suitable for novices, and guides are experienced in assisting first-timers.

How This Tour Differs from Other Experiences

Compared to other scuba activities, this try dive emphasizes safety, personalized attention, and marine wildlife encounters. The small group size limits participants to 8, which enhances the learning environment. The multiple language options and professional guides make it accessible for international visitors.

Plus, the flexible pickup options and price point make this tour a cost-effective way to have a guided underwater experience in Gran Canaria. It’s especially suited for those who want a low-pressure introduction with plenty of support.

Final Thoughts on Gran Canaria’s Try Scuba Experience

This scuba diving tour offers a well-organized, safe, and enjoyable introduction to underwater exploration. The expert guides and beautiful marine environment create a memorable activity suitable for beginners and families alike. The affordable price and small group setting add to its appeal.

While the duration might be slightly shorter if meeting directly at Playa de Amadores, the overall experience remains comprehensive and rewarding. It’s a perfect choice for those interested in trying scuba for the first time or seeking a fun, safe water activity during their stay in Gran Canaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants must be at least 10 years old.

Do I need prior experience to join?
No, this activity is designed specifically for beginners with no prior experience required.

What should I bring for the activity?
Guests should bring passport or ID, swimwear, change of clothes, and towel.

How long does the entire experience last?
Including safety briefings and transfers, it lasts around 3 hours, but if meeting at Playa de Amadores, expect about 2 hours.

Are there any medical restrictions?
Yes, individuals with asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, respiratory issues, or high blood pressure should obtain medical permission before participating.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, Italian, and French.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from eight designated southern towns.

Can I rent a GoPro?
Yes, for an additional €15, a GoPro camera can be rented to capture underwater moments.

What marine life might I see?
Guests often encounter fish, octopuses, cuttlefish, and rays in clear waters.

Is this activity suitable for non-swimmers?
It is not recommended for non-swimmers; basic water comfort is required.

How can I book this experience?
Reservations are available with the option to reserve and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

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