PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

If you’re already comfortable with your open water certification and looking to take your diving skills to the next level, the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Spain (specifically in Gran Canaria) could be just what you need. We haven’t personally done this course, but after reviewing the details, it seems like a balanced mix of fun, skill-building, and professional guidance.

What immediately stands out are the experienced five-star instructors who bring over 20 years of expertise, and the fact that the course is offered in multiple languages—making it accessible for many travelers. On the flip side, the price of $397 per person might seem a bit steep for some, especially considering the additional costs for manuals and certifications. Still, if you’re serious about advancing your diving skills, this course offers a lot of value.

This experience is particularly suited for those who already hold an open water diving certification and want to expand their knowledge in a safe, supportive environment. It’s not for complete beginners, but if you’re comfortable with your basic skills, this could be your next rewarding step in diving.

Key Points

• Experienced Instructors: Over 20 years of diving expertise ensure a high level of professionalism and safety.
• Multilingual Support: Courses are offered in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Polish.
• Flexible Learning: You get to choose your adventure dives, tailoring the experience to your interests.
• Includes Equipment & Insurance: Dive gear and insurance are part of the price—no hidden costs here.
• Small Groups: Limited to 10 participants, allowing for personalized attention.
• Duration & Flexibility: The 3-day schedule offers flexibility; check availability for starting times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Course in Gran Canaria

The Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to build on your existing skills, giving you the confidence and competence to explore more challenging and varied underwater environments. The structure of the course is straightforward but thoughtfully arranged to maximize learning and enjoyment.

Planning Your Learning Path

From the moment you sign up, you’ll work with your instructor to plan your learning path. You can select your three specialty dives from a lengthy list—think things like fish identification, underwater photography, wreck exploration, or night diving. The only mandatory dives are Deep and Underwater Navigation, which form the core of your training.

This flexible approach means you can focus on areas that excite you most, whether that’s honing your navigation skills or exploring wrecks. The personalized aspect makes the course more engaging and tailored to your interests, which we really appreciate.

The Core Dives

• Deep Dive: You’ll learn how to manage the physiological effects of deeper diving and plan dives accordingly. It’s about understanding what risks deeper waters carry and how to handle them responsibly.
• Underwater Navigation: A crucial skill for any diver, this dive refines your compass skills and teaches you to navigate using visual cues, kick-cycles, and time. It’s practical and makes exploring more rewarding.

The Additional Dives

Beyond the core dives, you’ll choose three extra dives based on your preferences. Popular options include:

• Buoyancy control (a real game-changer for better diving)
• Fish and marine life identification
• Wreck exploration
• Night diving or drift dives for more adventurous types
• Photography dives for those interested in capturing their underwater moments

Whether you’re just curious or passionate about a specific aspect, you’ll have the chance to explore it with guidance.

More Great Tours Nearby

What the Course Includes

• Theory sessions: These are structured to fit into your schedule and ensure you understand the principles behind each skill.
• Five ocean dives: All dives are conducted in the stunning waters surrounding Gran Canaria, a location known for its clear visibility and diverse marine life.
• Dive equipment & insurance: Everything you need for the dives is included, which simplifies planning.
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off: Convenience is a plus, especially if you’re staying in popular areas like Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas.

What to Keep in Mind

The cost of $87 for the PADI manual and certification is an additional expense, but it’s standard practice and part of the certification process. You’ll need your dive certification card, logbook, and passport/ID to participate.

In terms of group size, being limited to 10 ensures more personalized attention, which many divers appreciate. The small group atmosphere can make a difference in how much you learn and how comfortable you feel.

The Experience—What It Feels Like

While we haven’t personally taken this course, the reviews highlight that participants value the professionalism and friendliness of the instructors. Many comment on how well they felt guided and safe during each dive, which is crucial when progressing to more complex skills.

The diving environment in Gran Canaria is praised for its visibility and variety of marine life, making each dive an adventure. Whether you’re navigating a wreck, exploring deep waters, or practicing buoyancy, you’ll enjoy the stunning underwater scenery that makes this region so popular with divers.

Real User Insights

One reviewer notes, “The instructors were incredibly supportive and patient, which helped me gain confidence in my navigation skills.” Another mentions, “The dives were well organized and the equipment was in good condition, making the whole experience smooth.” This kind of feedback suggests you’re in good hands.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: The course spans 3 days, which is manageable for most travelers with tight schedules.
• Locations: Pickup is available from various popular hotel areas, making it easy to fit into your trip.
• Languages: Support in multiple languages makes the experience accessible to a broader audience.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 participants ensures quality interaction and safety.
• Pricing: At $397, plus the additional costs for manuals and certification, you’re investing in a comprehensive, guided learning experience. Consider it a bit more than a casual introduction but worth it if you want to develop serious diving skills.

What to Bring

• Towel and beachwear for after the dives
• Your dive certification card, logbook, and passport/ID
• Medical certification if required (check with your doctor if you have health concerns)

Not Allowed

• Alcohol or drugs before diving
• Intoxication in the dive environment
• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

Who Will Benefit Most

This course is ideal for certified open water divers looking to enhance their underwater skills and knowledge. If you’ve completed your basic certification and want to explore new depths—literally—this is a sensible next step. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a guided, small-group experience that balances instruction with adventure.

While it’s not designed for complete beginners or those pregnant, the course offers a safe, structured environment for confident divers eager to expand their horizons.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, professional way to take your diving to the next level, this PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Gran Canaria offers a good mix of learning, adventure, and scenic underwater exploration. The small group size, multilingual instructors, and flexible dive options make it stand out. The price is reasonable given the inclusion of equipment, insurance, and five dives in a location known for its clear waters and diverse marine life.

For travelers who already hold an open water certification and want to build confidence in navigation, deepen their understanding of deep waters, or explore specific interests like wrecks or night diving, this course hits the right notes. The balance of professionalism and personal attention seems to be a consistent theme among reviews, which is reassuring when you’re investing time and money into your diving journey.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this course?
Yes, you must be an open water diver, either Junior or adult, with at least basic certification.

How many dives are included?
You’ll complete five ocean dives, including the two required dives—Deep and Underwater Navigation—and three additional dives of your choosing.

What languages are available for instruction?
The course is offered in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish.

What costs are additional?
You’ll need to pay for the PADI manual and certification, which costs around $87, and an individual mouthpiece if you choose to have your own—about $4.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, simplifying your day.

How long does the course last?
It spans 3 days, but check the specific starting times based on availability.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for families or children?
The course is for divers aged 12 and above, and it’s geared toward those with some diving experience, so it’s not specifically family-focused but suitable for teens with open water certification.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, your certification card, logbook, and passport/ID. Medical certification may be necessary if you have health issues.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
Avoid alcohol and drugs before diving, and ensure you’re fit and healthy to participate.

Ready to elevate your diving skills in a beautiful setting? This course offers a solid, safe way to do so while soaking up some of Gran Canaria’s stunning underwater scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: