La Palma: SSI Try Scuba Program

Trying something new always carries a dash of excitement, and when it comes to discovering the ocean’s secrets, the La Palma: SSI Try Scuba Program offers an inviting first step. This 3-hour experience is perfect for those curious about the ocean, even without prior diving knowledge. It’s a balanced mix of instruction and fun, designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to breathe underwater and explore a vibrant marine world—all under the watchful eye of professional guides.

What we really love about this experience is how it manages to be accessible and safe for everyone, from families to solo travelers. The small group size—limited to just four participants—means you’ll receive personalized attention, making it much more than just a touristy quick thrill. The opportunity to glide alongside colorful fish, octopuses, and starfish in the calm waters of La Palma’s protected bays is genuinely special.

One thing to consider is that this tour does not include transfers or meals, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. It’s also not suitable for children under 10 or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or who isn’t comfortable in the water. But if you’re looking for a manageable, well-organized introduction to scuba diving, this tour hits the right notes for a memorable and educational outing.

Whether you’re a family seeking a new shared experience, a beginner wanting to see if diving suits you, or someone who just loves marine life, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s crafted to provide genuine immersion in a safe environment, perfect for first-timers and adventure-seekers alike.

Key Points

• Complete beginner-friendly: No prior diving skills are needed.
• Small groups: Limited to just four participants, ensuring personal guidance.
• Full equipment provided: You won’t need to bring anything but swimwear.
• Learn from experienced guides: Support in multiple languages (German, English, Spanish).
• Beautiful surroundings: Dive in a protected bay with a vibrant sea life.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later.

An In-Depth Look at the La Palma SSI Try Scuba Program

What’s Included and How It All Works

Priced at $85 per person, this experience offers good value given the personalized attention and the quality of instruction. You’ll start your adventure at the dive center at 10 am (or at 1 pm if you prefer a later start), where you’ll meet your instructor—most reviews mention Angela and his colleagues as approachable, professional, and knowledgeable.

The program begins with a thorough introduction on land, where you’ll learn about the equipment, safety procedures, and basic techniques. This dry run is ideal for building confidence and understanding what’s involved, even if you’ve never worn a wetsuit or tried breathing through a regulator before.

Afterward, you’ll head to a nearby calm, protected bay. This is a crucial part of the experience, as it allows you to get comfortable with the gear without the pressure of open water. Here, you’ll do some simple exercises to get used to breathing underwater and equalizing your ears if needed, all supported by your instructor.

The Underwater Experience

Once you’re ready, it’s time to dive into the water—a gentle, supervised descent where you’ll start to explore the vibrant marine life. According to reviewer Avery, the guides were “so helpful and made us feel safe and comfortable enough to ask questions,” which is exactly what you want in a beginner-focused tour.

The underwater world of La Palma’s protected bays is teeming with parrotfish, wrasse, starfish, trumpet fish, scorpion fish, octopuses, and more. Many reviewers have noted that the visual spectacle is stunning, with the added thrill of spotting creatures you might never see from the surface. Most participants remark on how quickly they start feeling at home, often saying that they started to “feel like one of the fish” as they glided through the water.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

One winning aspect is the personalized instruction. With only four participants per group, everyone gets one-on-one attention, which is critical for first-timers. This setup also means that questions are welcomed and answered thoroughly—reviewer Mostapha appreciated having “3 professionals with us,” which made the day feel VIP-like.

Another highlight is the friendly, approachable nature of the guides. They’re fluent in multiple languages and clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge. Annick appreciated the patience shown during her initiation, noting she saw “many things,” thanks to the attentive guidance.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts around three hours, making it a manageable adventure for most travelers. The equipment—full dive gear—is included, so you’re ready to go from the moment you arrive. Just bring your swimwear, and you’re set.

Transport to the meeting point isn’t included, so plan to arrive at the dive center or beach on your own. The meeting point for the morning session is at the dive center, while the afternoon session meets directly at the beach, offering flexibility depending on your plans.

Participants are asked to fill out a self-evaluation of their medical condition. If any issues arise, a certificate of fitness from your doctor might be necessary—so it’s worth checking your health beforehand.

Weather and Safety

In case of bad weather, the tour operator will contact you to reschedule, ensuring safety is prioritized. The calm water conditions in the protected bays are generally ideal for beginners, but it’s good to stay flexible if weather turns adverse.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

Looking at the reviews and the structure of the experience, it’s clear this tour offers genuine value. The full equipment, professional guidance, and manageable group size create a safe, comfortable environment perfect for first-time divers. Participants consistently mention feeling well-supported, with many saying they would love to repeat the experience.

The chance to see a variety of sea creatures in a protected setting makes this more than just a lesson—it’s a memorable peek into a hidden world that you might never forget. It’s an ideal outing for families, solo travelers, and anyone eager to see if they have a new passion for underwater exploring.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for beginners aged 10 and up, with no prior diving experience necessary. It’s perfect if you’re curious but unsure about whether you’ll enjoy diving, or if you simply want a safe, guided introduction to marine exploration. Those with pre-existing medical conditions, non-swimmers, or very young children should look for alternative activities.

It’s also a great choice for travelers who value personalized attention and a relaxed pace, given the small group size and professional instructors. If you’re on a budget but want a quality, beginner-friendly diving introduction, this experience delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

The Sum Up

The La Palma SSI Try Scuba Program offers an excellent, approachable way to dip your toes—and your head—into the underwater world. It’s well-organized, safe, and supported by guides who genuinely care about your experience. The chance to see colorful marine life in calm, protected waters makes this a memorable outing, especially for those new to diving or looking for a family-friendly adventure.

If you’re seeking a hassle-free, enjoyable introduction to scuba, with knowledgeable guides and a stunning natural environment, this tour checks all the right boxes. It provides a solid foundation for future dives or simply a fun, unforgettable day exploring La Palma’s underwater treasures.

This experience is best suited for curious beginners, families, and travelers who appreciate small-group attention and safety. It’s a wonderful way to add a unique story to your La Palma holiday, with plenty of opportunities for photos, smiles, and maybe even a new hobby.

FAQs

Is prior diving experience required? No, this experience is designed for beginners with no prior diving skills. You will receive full instruction before your water activities.

Can children participate? The minimum age for this tour is 10 years old, making it suitable for older children who are comfortable in the water.

Are transfers included? No, you need to arrange your own transport to the dive center or the meeting point at the beach.

What should I bring? Just bring swimwear, and you’ll be provided with all necessary diving equipment.

What if the weather is bad? In cases of bad weather, the local tour operator will contact you to reschedule your dive for a safer day.

How long does the experience last? The tour lasts approximately three hours, including instruction and underwater exploration time.

Embark on this gentle, guided adventure in La Palma’s calm waters and discover the magic of underwater life—an experience worth trying whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious newcomer.