Reviewed · PUERTO RICO GRAN CANARIA BOAT TRIPS

2 Day PADI Scuba Diver Course in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

5.0 · 7 reviews 2 days (approx.) From $390 Operated by Blue Water Diving · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The most useful part of this two-day PADI scuba course is its simple progression: learn the basic skills in confined water on day one, then use them at a local beach on day two. With groups limited to six, you get a more personal lesson than you would from a large resort class. I also like that equipment, instruction, and two open-water sessions are included in the price.

The main drawback is the short format. This is a compact introduction rather than the full PADI Open Water Diver course, so you should not book it expecting full certification in two days. The early start, health screening, and strict no-flying window also require some planning.

Key points at a glance

  • Two clear stages: Spend the first day learning skills in confined water, then put them to use during two local beach sessions.
  • Small groups: A maximum of six people allows the instructor to watch your technique and help if you feel nervous.
  • Equipment included: You do not need to arrange your own mask, tank, or other standard scuba gear.
  • Instructor-led from start to finish: Professional guidance is provided throughout the course, with instructors including Chris, Kate, Lily, Eileen, Carolyn, and Caytlin associated with the Blue Water Diving team.
  • Hotel transfers may save hassle: Pickup and return are included from selected hotels, but not every accommodation is covered.
  • Plan around flying: You should not fly within 18 hours after the course, and a health questionnaire is required before entering the water.

What this two-day course actually teaches

2 Day PADI Scuba Diver Course in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria - What this two-day course actually teaches

This experience is designed for people who want a serious first taste of scuba without committing immediately to a longer certification program. You will learn basic underwater skills, practise them under supervision, and complete two open-water sessions on the second day.

That distinction matters. The name includes PADI Scuba Diver, but the supplied schedule describes two days of training rather than the full PADI Open Water Diver qualification. If you want an internationally recognized certification that lets you rent equipment and plan independent recreational trips, confirm with Blue Water Diving exactly what credential this booking provides before paying.

For a first experience, though, the structure makes sense. You are not thrown straight from a classroom into the sea. Day one gives you time to get used to breathing through the regulator, handling the equipment, and staying calm underwater. Day two then asks you to repeat those skills in the open water.

I like that practical order. New scuba users often need time to adjust to the odd feeling of breathing underwater. A controlled first day gives you room to sort out that feeling before the setting becomes more open and less predictable.

More boats leaving Puerto Rico harbour:

Day one: building comfort in confined water

2 Day PADI Scuba Diver Course in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria - Day one: building comfort in confined water

The course begins at about 8:30 a.m. at Blue Water Diving on Calle Olímpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, in Gran Canaria. The training sessions run roughly from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., so you should allow most of the morning and early afternoon for the course.

Day one takes place in confined water. The supplied details do not list every exercise, so I would not promise a precise lesson plan. You can expect the instructor to focus on the basic skills needed for safe recreational scuba and to give you time to repeat them until they feel more natural.

This is where the small group limit matters most. Six people is still a group, but it is small enough for an instructor to spot problems with breathing, buoyancy, or equipment use. The course is not just a quick look at the sea followed by a few photographs. You are learning skills that you will need again the next day.

Several instructors connected with Blue Water Diving are praised for being patient, friendly, and attentive. Eileen is specifically noted for careful coaching, while Chris, Kate, Lily, Carolyn, and Caytlin are also associated with the team. The useful point for you is that the teaching style appears flexible rather than rigid. One student who became anxious underwater received direct help with breathing and safety skills and was able to continue the session.

That kind of support can make or break a first scuba experience. You should still expect to take responsibility for following instructions and managing your nerves. A friendly instructor cannot remove every challenge, but good guidance can keep a brief panic from becoming the end of the course.

Bring food and drinks for the day because they are not included. You should also arrive ready to complete the required health questionnaire. Some medical conditions, including asthma and heart problems, may prevent you from taking part, so consult your doctor before booking if you have any concern.

Day two: two open-water sessions from a local beach

On the second day, the course moves from confined water to one of Gran Canaria’s local beaches. The exact beach is not specified, so the setting and marine life can vary with local conditions and the instructor’s choice of site.

The plan is to complete two open-water sessions. These are not described as a race through a long route. The purpose is to help you relax, gain confidence, and repeat the skills from day one while you are surrounded by the real underwater environment.

That makes this part especially useful for beginners. You will need to manage your breathing, stay aware of your equipment, and respond to the instructor while dealing with a less controlled setting. The two-session format gives you a chance to settle after the first outing and apply what you learned before heading back into the water.

The underwater sights can include marine life and, depending on the site, wrecks. Do not book this as a guaranteed wildlife or wreck tour, since no specific animals, wreck, or beach is promised. The appeal is the chance to see what Gran Canaria’s coastal waters offer while learning basic technique.

The equipment is included and has been described as being in very good condition and well adjusted. That is valuable for a beginner. Poorly fitting gear can distract you from the lesson, while equipment that fits correctly lets you focus on breathing and staying calm.

Photography is not listed as part of the package. If having underwater pictures matters to you, ask the center before the course if photographs are available at an additional cost. It is not something you should assume is included.

Why the small six-person limit matters

A maximum of six participants is one of the strongest practical features of this booking. Scuba instruction depends on close observation. The instructor needs to see whether you are comfortable, whether you are following safety steps, and whether you are ready to move from confined water to the beach session.

A small group also helps if ability levels differ. One person may be relaxed almost at once, while another needs extra practice with breathing or equipment. The available feedback suggests the team adjusts its teaching to the individual rather than forcing everyone through the same routine at the same speed.

You should not read the small group limit as a promise of private instruction. Six people still means time is shared. But it is a reasonable group size for a first course and considerably more reassuring than being one face in a large class.

More dive trips off Gran Canaria:

Price and what you receive for $390.52

At $390.52 per person, this is not a casual, low-cost beach activity. It is priced as a short training course, and the value depends on how seriously you want to try scuba.

The package includes a professional guide, standard equipment, two open-water sessions, and hotel pickup and return from selected hotels. Those inclusions reduce the extra costs and planning that can come with arranging instruction, gear, and transport separately.

Food and drinks are not included. The course lasts about five hours each day, so you should budget for your own refreshments. You also need to check whether your hotel qualifies for pickup rather than assuming every accommodation in Puerto Rico or elsewhere on Gran Canaria is covered.

I see the price as reasonable if you want structured instruction from a small team and the reassurance of equipment being supplied. It is less attractive if you only want a brief supervised underwater experience and do not need the training element. Before booking, compare the course with a shorter introductory session or the full PADI Open Water course if certification is your real goal.

Getting to Blue Water Diving in Puerto Rico

The meeting point is Blue Water Diving, Calle Olímpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The stated start time is 8:30 a.m., while the practical sessions begin at about 9 a.m.

Selected hotel transfers are included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Because pickup is limited to certain hotels, check this detail in advance. If your hotel is not included, you will need to make your own way to the center.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which gives you another option if a transfer is unavailable. The booking is provided as a mobile ticket, so keep the confirmation available on your phone.

Allow extra time on the first morning. Scuba gear needs to be fitted, paperwork needs to be completed, and the instructor needs to go through the health questions before the training begins.

Safety, health, and flying after the course

2 Day PADI Scuba Diver Course in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria - Safety, health, and flying after the course

Every participant must complete a health questionnaire before taking part. Certain pre-existing conditions, including asthma and heart conditions, may prevent you from scuba training. If you have a medical issue, speak with your doctor before booking rather than waiting until the morning of the course.

You should not fly within 18 hours after scuba activity. This rule affects your departure plans from Gran Canaria. Do not schedule the course on the last possible day before a flight, especially if your airline departure is early the next morning.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, but the supplied information does not give details about access requirements for every part of the course. If you need specific assistance, contact Blue Water Diving before booking.

The safety focus is one reason the two-day structure is useful. You have time to learn the basics before the open-water sessions, and the instructor remains with you while you practise. Still, you need to be honest on the medical form and willing to stop if you feel unwell or overwhelmed.

Who will get the most from this experience

This course suits a first-time scuba user who wants more than a quick demonstration. You will get the most from it if you are curious about underwater activity, willing to learn safety skills, and comfortable giving two mornings to the process.

It also suits people who prefer a small class. The instructors have experience helping nervous beginners, and the course offers enough time to build confidence rather than rushing straight to the open water.

It may not suit you if you want a full qualification in two days, dislike early starts, or have only one day available. It is also a poor fit if you plan to fly home soon after the activity, since the 18-hour restriction needs to be respected.

The course can also be a useful first step toward a longer PADI program. One beginner who completed this experience planned to return for the three-day Open Water course. That is a sensible way to view this booking: a structured introduction that can help you decide if you want to continue.

What makes Blue Water Diving appealing

The strongest feature is the human side of the instruction. The team is described as friendly, encouraging, and professional, with particular praise for careful attention to each student’s comfort and technique.

That matters more than fancy extras when you are learning to breathe underwater. A calm instructor can help you recover from nerves, check your equipment, and keep the lesson focused on safe progress.

The equipment is another plus. You do not have to pack or rent the basic kit separately, and the gear has been described as well maintained and correctly adjusted. That makes the $390.52 price easier to justify.

The course also gives you a taste of Gran Canaria’s underwater world, including the possibility of seeing marine life and wrecks. The sights are not guaranteed, but the chance to combine instruction with two real sea sessions adds value over a pool-only class.

Should you book the two-day course?

Book it if you want a small-group introduction, professional supervision, supplied equipment, and two chances to practise in open water. It is especially suitable if you are new to scuba and want time to build confidence before deciding on a longer qualification.

Skip it or ask more questions if you need full PADI Open Water certification, expect hotel pickup at any accommodation, or have a flight within 18 hours of the course. Confirm the exact qualification, pickup location, and medical requirements before payment.

For a careful first step into scuba around Gran Canaria, this is a well-structured option. Its strengths are practical teaching, small groups, and a clear move from basic skills to real sea sessions. Its limits are just as clear: two days is brief, food is extra, and the course requires planning around health and flights.

FAQ

Where does the course start?

It starts at Blue Water Diving, Calle Olímpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time should I arrive?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m. The practical sessions begin at about 9 a.m.

How long does each day last?

The course generally runs from about 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day.

What happens on the first day?

You complete confined-water training and learn the basic scuba skills needed for the open-water sessions.

What happens on the second day?

You go to a local beach and complete two open-water sessions, using the skills learned on day one.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. The necessary equipment is included in the course price.

Are hotel transfers included?

Pickup and return are included from selected hotels only. Check whether your accommodation is covered before booking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to arrange your own food and drinks.

Can I fly soon after the course?

Flying within 18 hours after scuba activity is not recommended, so plan your departure accordingly.

Is a medical form required?

Yes. All participants must complete a health questionnaire before taking part. Some medical conditions may prevent participation, so consult your doctor if needed.

More 2-Day Experiences in Gran Canaria

More like this

Puerto Rico Gran Canaria Boat Trips, compared.

The full Puerto Rico Gran Canaria Boat Trips list →
Dolphin Watching Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 2,520 reviews· from $47

Dolphin Watching Cruise

Read our review →
Jetski Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 949 reviews· from $82

Jetski Tour

Read our review →
Parasailing
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 588 reviews· from $47

Parasailing

Read our review →
Dolphin and Whales watching cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 508 reviews· from $50

Dolphin and Whales watching cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Read our review →
Dolphin and Whale Cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 477 reviews· from $50

Dolphin and Whale Cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Read our review →
Boat trip along the coast w/ Food & Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 283 reviews· from $47

Boat trip along the coast w/ Food & Drinks

Read our review →
Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria: Boat Tour with Tapas and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 275 reviews· from $88

Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria: Boat Tour with Tapas and Drinks

Read our review →
4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 208 reviews· from $90

4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

All of Gran Canaria, by kind of day

Pick a coast, a barranco or a table.