Gran Canaria: Try Scuba Diving for Beginners

If you’re dreaming of finally trying something adventurous while on holiday—like swimming alongside fish or floating over underwater landscapes—then the “Try Scuba Diving for Beginners” tour in Gran Canaria might just be your ticket. Offered by Puerto Rico Diving, this experience promises a safe, guided introduction to the underwater world, perfect for first-timers. With small groups, expert instructors, and beautiful marine habitats, it’s designed to make newbies feel comfortable and excited.

One of the things we love most about this experience is how personalized it feels. With a limit of just 8 participants per group, you’ll never feel lost in a crowd. The guides—who speak English, Spanish, Italian, and French—are praised for their patience and knowledge, making beginners feel at ease. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re not staying in the southern towns of Gran Canaria, you’ll need to arrange your own transport, which could add some planning.

This tour suits anyone curious about exploring beneath the waves with minimal fuss—no previous diving experience required. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy small-group activities, value safety, and want to get a genuine taste of underwater life without committing to full certification.

Key Points

• Perfect for Beginners: No prior experience needed; guided by patient, multilingual instructors.
• Safety First: The program includes a thorough safety briefing, diving accident insurance, and a detailed medical questionnaire.
• Flexible Options: Includes hotel pickup from several southern towns or meeting directly at Playa de Amadores.
• Beautiful Marine Environment: Expect to see vibrant fish, rays, and other marine life in crystal-clear waters.
• Affordable & Value-Packed: At around $101, it offers a well-organized introduction at a competitive price.
• Memorable Experience: Small group setting ensures plenty of individual attention, making it an enjoyable, relaxing introduction to diving.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Overview

This three-hour adventure isn’t just a quick splash—it’s a thoughtfully curated introduction to scuba diving that caters to absolute beginners. Starting with a safety briefing, the activity emphasizes confidence and comfort, ensuring even the most nervous can relax. The guides, like Veronica and Miguel, are frequently praised for their professionalism and kindness—key factors that turn initial jitters into smiles.

What makes this experience stand out? Primarily, the focus on safety and personalized guidance. Several reviewers mention how helpful and patient guides are, especially if someone struggles with ear clearing or feeling anxious underwater. As one reviewer put it, “Veronica was a great guide. It was my first time diving and she explained everything great. I felt very safe and both me and my partner really enjoyed the dive, it was the highlight of the holiday!”

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Pickup and Transfer (Stop 1 & 2)

Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll be picked up from one of eight locations in the south—places like Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, or Arguineguín. The transfer by van typically lasts about 30 minutes, offering a chance to relax before the main event. The convenience of hotel pickup is highly valued, with reviews praising the punctuality and friendliness of drivers.

2. Arrival at Playa de Amadores & Safety Briefing (Stop 3 & 4)

Once at Playa de Amadores, you’ll receive a 45-minute safety briefing from your instructor. This part is crucial, covering everything from breathing techniques to hand signals—making sure you’re clear and confident before entering the water. Several reviews mention how thorough and calming the briefings are, with some like Michel stating, “All people involved in business was 10/10. Came back for a second day after!”

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3. The Underwater Exploration (Stop 5)

Now it’s time to get into the water. From the beach, you’ll practice breathing and equalization techniques, gradually gaining confidence. Once ready, you’ll embark on a guided 1-hour underwater journey. Expect to see a variety of marine life, with many reviewers mentioning encounters with colorful fish, rays, and even octopuses. The water clarity at Playa de Amadores makes for great viewing, and the shallow depth ensures safety and ease for beginners.

4. Return & Drop-off (Stops 5 & 6)

After the dive, you’ll spend some time relaxing and chatting about the experience before heading back to your accommodation or meeting point. The entire journey, including transfers, lasts approximately 2-3 hours depending on your pickup location.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off from the southern coast, diving equipment, and diving accident insurance—a reassuring package for first-timers. For an additional €15, you can rent a GoPro to capture your underwater moments, which many reviewers loved.

Not included is the GoPro rental itself. If you’d like to take photos or videos of your underwater adventure, it’s worth budgeting for that extra.

The Safety and Medical Considerations

The activity emphasizes safety with a thorough pre-dive briefing and insurance coverage. A key point is the medical questionnaire—if you have conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, or high blood pressure, you’ll need a doctor’s approval to participate, which can be arranged at least 24 hours prior.

Reviewers have shared that guides like Veronica and Miguel are attentive to individual needs, making nervous first-timers feel cared for. One reviewer, Dominika, said, “Safe, patient, thought-through, friendly, unforgettable!”

Group Size and Languages

Limited to 8 participants, the small-group format helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Guides speak multiple languages, making this accessible for international travelers. The multilingual staff is consistently praised for their clear instructions and patience, which is especially important for those new to breathing underwater.

Timing, Duration, and Flexibility

The experience lasts around 2 hours if meeting directly at Playa de Amadores, or up to 3 hours with hotel pick-up and transport included. Two main time slots are available—8:30 AM and 12:00 PM—with pickup times communicated the day before. This flexibility allows you to fit the activity into your schedule easily.

This experience offers a safe, beginner-friendly way to explore underwater life, with professional guides who genuinely care about your comfort. The value for money is excellent, considering the inclusion of equipment, insurance, and transfers. If you’re someone who loves small-group activities and personalized attention, this tour is all about making your first underwater experience memorable and stress-free.

The marine environment around Gran Canaria is stunning, and many reviewers note the visibility and variety of fishes, rays, and even octopuses. It’s a fantastic way to gain confidence in scuba diving, perhaps even sparking a lifelong hobby.

If you’re after a stress-free, well-organized introduction to scuba diving, this tour ticks all the boxes. The combination of expert guides, small groups, and the chance to see vibrant marine life makes it ideal for first-timers who want an authentic, immersive experience without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great value—offering a safe, memorable taste of underwater exploration at a reasonable price.

Perfect for travelers who prioritize safety, personal attention, and authentic encounters, this tour is a wonderful way to add a splash of adventure to your Gran Canaria holiday. Whether you’re seeking a fun activity for a family, a solo adventure, or a romantic outing, it will leave you with stories to tell and maybe even a new hobby.

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it’s specifically designed for those with no prior diving experience. The safety briefing and guidance ensure you feel confident before entering the water.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off from the southern towns, diving equipment, and diving accident insurance. You can also rent a GoPro for €15 if you want photos or videos.

How long does the whole activity last?
The full experience lasts about 3 hours with pickup and transfer included. If you meet directly at Playa de Amadores, expect it to take around 2 hours.

Can I participate if I have medical conditions?
You will need to fill out a medical questionnaire, and if you have conditions like asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure, you’ll need to get approval from a doctor beforehand. Arrangements can be made in Gran Canaria at least 24 hours before.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, Italian, and French, making communication easy for most travelers.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, participants must be at least 10 years old. This activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back issues, respiratory problems, or certain medical conditions.

This beginner scuba tour in Gran Canaria offers a caring, professional approach to exploring the underwater world. With excellent reviews praising guides like Veronica and Miguel, stunning marine life, and flexible options, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to dip their toes into diving without a huge commitment. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it promises a safe, fun, and memorable experience that might just turn you into a lifelong diver.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby