PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

Thinking about leveling up your scuba skills? The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Gran Canaria offers a fantastic way to boost your confidence beneath the waves. With a focus on honing navigation, buoyancy, and deep diving skills, this three-day program is perfect for certified divers eager to explore more challenging and rewarding underwater environments. What really sets this experience apart is the chance to customize your dives—choosing from a long list of specialty options—to match your personal interests, whether that’s wreck exploration, night diving, or fish identification.

One thing we love about this course is the professionalism of the instructors, backed by over 20 years of experience. Their dedication to safety and personalized guidance means you’re in capable hands, whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first steps into more advanced territory. However, a potential consideration is the cost—at $397 per person, it’s an investment, but one that offers comprehensive training, multiple dives, and all equipment and insurance included, making it a good value for serious underwater enthusiasts.

This course suits certified open water divers aged 12 and over who want to expand their skills in a relaxed, scenic setting. If you’re looking for a way to make your diving more interesting and varied, this program will definitely appeal. But if you’re new to diving or seeking a quick, casual experience, this might feel like more than you need.

Key Points

• Comprehensive program with five dives, including deep and navigation dives, plus three customizable specialty dives
• Expert instructors with over 20 years of experience, ensuring safety and professionalism
• Multilingual support in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish
• All-inclusive price ($397) covers theory, equipment, insurance, and hotel pickup/drop-off
• Small group size (up to 10 participants) for personalized attention
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

What to Expect from the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course

The structure of this course is designed for both learning and adventure. Over the three days, you’ll spend your mornings in theory sessions—covering key concepts like dive physiology, planning, and safety—before heading out to the ocean for your practical dives. The first two mandatory dives focus on Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation.

Deep Diving isn’t just about seeing the biggest fish; it’s about understanding how diving at greater depths affects your body. You’ll learn how to plan for these dives, manage physiological challenges, and stay within safe limits. One reviewer mentioned that “the instructor took the time to explain all the physiological effects, which helped me feel more confident about deeper dives.” This detailed guidance makes a significant difference, especially for those new to advanced diving.

The Underwater Navigation dive helps refine your ability to find your way using your compass, kick cycles, visual landmarks, and time. A common perk here is the improvement in confidence—reviewers noted they felt more comfortable navigating the reefs and wrecks after this lesson.

Beyond the mandatory dives, you choose three additional specialty dives based on your interests. Options include wreck exploration, night dives, fish identification, photography, buoyancy control, drift dives, and more. This flexibility is a real bonus—many reviewers appreciated tailoring their experience. One diver raved about their night dive, saying, “It was surreal to see the reef come alive after dark, and the instructor’s tips made it safe and exciting.”

The Dives and the Experience

Each dive typically begins with a briefing at the dive shop, followed by a short boat transfer to the dive site. The ocean dives are performed in small groups, often with just a handful of other divers, ensuring personalized attention from instructors. The local dive sites in Gran Canaria are known for their clear waters and abundant marine life, giving you plenty to see and learn from.

The equipment provided is high quality and well-maintained, including everything from wetsuits to tanks and regulators. Reviewers consistently mention that the gear felt comfortable and reliable, which is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

One notable aspect of this course is the hotel pick-up and drop-off, which simplifies logistics—no need to worry about transportation to the dive shop. To make the most of the experience, you’ll want to bring a towel and beachwear for after dives, as well as your dive certification, logbook, and ID.

The Value of the Course

At $397, this course is a solid investment for those serious about expanding their diving skills. When you consider that it includes five ocean dives, all equipment, insurance, and transportation, the value becomes clear—especially since many other courses charge extra per dive or for equipment. The inclusion of theory sessions also ensures you’re well-prepared for your underwater adventures.

While the cost is higher than some introductory programs, many reviewers feel that the depth of instruction and the variety of dives offered justify the price. Plus, the small group setting enhances safety and learning, making it more than just a certification—it’s an experience.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for certified open water divers aged 12 and over who want to progress further. Whether you’re looking to improve your navigation skills, explore wrecks, or simply feel more comfortable at depth, you’ll find this course tailored to your ambitions. It’s especially suitable if you’re planning to do more diving in Gran Canaria or elsewhere, as the skills gained are universally valuable.

However, if you’re completely new to diving or only interested in casual, one-time dives, this may be more than you need. It’s also worth noting that participants should be healthy and fit, with a medical certificate if necessary, to ensure safe participation.

Practical Details & Tips

The course spans three days, with some flexibility in start times depending on availability. You’ll be picked up from popular locations like Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, and San Augustin, but it’s best to confirm your pickup with the dive center beforehand.

Booking can be flexible—you can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is handy if you’re finalizing your travel plans. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start date, providing peace of mind.

Since the course involves multiple dives, bring your certification card, logbook, and ID. You should also be in good health, and if you have any medical conditions, check with your doctor beforehand.

Summary & Final Thoughts

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Gran Canaria offers a comprehensive, well-structured way to elevate your scuba skills in a beautiful setting. With experienced instructors, a variety of specialty options, and all-inclusive pricing, it provides good value for serious divers ready to explore beyond the basics. The small group size and flexible scheduling make it a practical choice for travelers seeking a personalized experience.

Whether you want to refine navigation, explore wrecks, or simply feel more confident at depth, this course can be tailored to suit your goals. The fact that it’s designed for divers aged 12 and over makes it accessible for families or younger enthusiasts eager to progress.

This program strikes a balance between professionalism, adventure, and flexibility, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to deepen their underwater journey in Gran Canaria. It’s best suited for certified divers who are eager to take the next step, and who value safety, skilled instruction, and a variety of diving experiences.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to do this course?
Yes, you must have an open water certification or equivalent to participate, as the course builds on those skills.

How long is the course?
It lasts three days, with starting times depending on availability.

Are all dives included in the price?
Yes, the five ocean dives, equipment, insurance, and hotel pickup/drop-off are included in the $397 fee.

Can I choose which specialty dives I want?
Yes, after the two required dives, you get to select three additional specialty dives based on your interests.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup from several popular locations like Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, and San Augustin is included; just confirm your hotel and start date.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, your certification card, logbook, and ID. Medical certification may be needed if applicable.

Is the course suitable for beginners?
No, it’s designed for certified open water divers looking to advance their skills.

What languages are available?
Instruction is offered in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and German.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your booked start date.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you’re dreaming of navigating coral reefs, exploring wrecks, or just gaining confidence at greater depths, this course offers a balanced mix of instruction and adventure. It’s perfect for divers eager to grow and explore more of what Gran Canaria’s waters have to offer.