Girona is a fantastic place for exploring underwater, especially if you’re new to scuba diving or want a quick, memorable experience. Known more for its medieval streets than underwater adventures, Girona’s coast offers surprisingly accessible and well-organized diving options. We’re particularly fond of Tossa de Mar Scuba Diving PADI, which stands out for its excellent reviews and beginner-friendly approach. It’s ideal if you want a safe, guided introduction with plenty of chances to snap photos of colorful marine life.
While Girona isn’t a major diving destination like Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands, its spots are perfect for trying out the sport without a big commitment. Whether you’re a first-timer, interested in a short baptism, or looking to deepen your experience, the options below give you a good mix of what’s available.
Types of Tours Featured
We’ve rounded up four top options, each with different focuses and levels of experience:
– The introductory PADI experience in Tossa de Mar, perfect for first-timers.
– The small group baptism, which emphasizes safety and personalized attention.
– The Discover Scuba Diving in Palamos, combining theory with a practical sea dive.
– The Diving baptism in Montgrí Natural Park, for a more scenic, ecological experience.
Now, let’s explore each of these in detail to help you choose your ideal underwater adventure.
1. Tossa de Mar Scuba Diving PADI
At number 1, we have the Tossa de Mar Scuba Diving PADI, which boasts a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 156 reviews and an affordable price of around $70. This experience is designed specifically for beginners, offering a comprehensive introduction to scuba diving in a safe and supportive environment.
The tour lasts about 3 hours and involves a detailed briefing on safety procedures, equipment handling, and hand signals, all taught by certified instructors. After the classroom session, you’ll head into the water with a guide to complete your first dive. Many reviewers praise the professionalism and patience of instructors like Hector and Imma, who make novices feel at ease. The marine life off Tossa de Mar includes vibrant fish and colorful corals, making it a visual feast. Plus, you’ll receive photos and videos to remember your first underwater experience.
Bottom line: This is a top choice for first-timers who want a safe, fun, and well-organized introduction to scuba diving, with high-quality guides and positive reviews.
2. Small Group Diving Baptism in Tossa de Mar
Second on our list is the Small Group Diving Baptism in Tossa de Mar, which also has a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 34 reviews. This tour is best suited for those who want a more personalized, hands-on experience with the reassurance of direct instructor supervision.
The activity lasts about 3 hours, starting with an explanation of equipment operation, breathing techniques, and communication signals. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the beach for your dive baptism—a supervised dive at a depth of about 12 meters, lasting 40-45 minutes. The small group setup ensures plenty of attention, making it excellent for those who feel a bit nervous or want a more intimate experience.
Reviewers mention the warmth and professionalism of instructors and describe the underwater encounter as “beautiful” and “full of fish.” This activity is ideal for adventure seekers eager to try scuba in a controlled environment without committing to a full certification.
Bottom line: If you prefer a personalized, guided approach and want to experience your first underwater moments with expert supervision, this baptism tour is a smart pick.
3. Discover Scuba Diving in Palamos
Third on our list is the Discover Scuba Diving in Palamos, which earned a 4.5/5 from 44 reviews and costs about $128. This experience combines a little theory with a practical sea dive, making it suitable for those wanting a more structured introduction.
The tour begins with a simple briefing where you’ll learn basic diving concepts, then transitions into a sea dive with a certified instructor. The maximum depth is 8 meters, perfect for first-timers. What makes this tour unique is the personalized attention—a maximum of two people per instructor—allowing for tailored guidance. Many reviewers highlight the supportive atmosphere and mention the opportunity to continue diving after the initial experience.
The location, Platja del Morro del Vedell, offers easy access and calm waters, ideal for beginners. The price also includes video footage, which many find valuable. Guests often praise the professional, friendly staff and describe the experience as “unforgettable,” especially when the instructor ensures everyone feels comfortable.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you want a comprehensive, supported diving experience with a chance to continue exploring underwater afterward.
4. Diving baptism in the Montgrí Natural Park
Finally, at number 4, we have the Diving baptism in the Montgrí Natural Park, which features a scenic underwater environment within a protected natural park. Rated 5.0/5 from just 4 reviews, this tour costs about $87 and lasts roughly 2.5 hours.
The activity involves a guided immersion at a maximum depth of 7-10 meters, led by an instructor. It’s perfect for those who want a more ecological, scenic experience that highlights the marine biodiversity of the area. The activity requires some medical clearance if you have specific health conditions like asthma or heart issues.
What sets this tour apart is the setting—being in Montgrí Natural Park means you’ll see not only marine life but also enjoy the park’s rocky formations and serene surroundings. Reviewers comment on the professionalism of the staff and the smooth, controlled experience. It’s best suited for nature lovers who want a quieter, more scenic dive with expert guidance.
Bottom line: If you’re drawn to natural beauty and ecological preservation, this baptism is a great way to experience the underwater world in a scenic setting.
How to Choose the Right Scuba Diving Experience in Girona
Picking the best scuba experience depends on your budget, time, and comfort level. If you’re a complete beginner, Tossa de Mar Scuba Diving PADI offers an affordable, highly-rated introduction with plenty of photo opportunities. For a more intimate, supervised experience, the Small Group Diving Baptism provides personalized attention and a chance to feel more at ease underwater.
If you’re curious to try diving with a bit more structure, the Discover Scuba Diving in Palamos combines theory with a sea dive and promises a memorable, supportive experience. For lovers of nature and scenic settings, the Diving baptism in Montgrí Natural Park offers a peaceful, ecological immersion.
Consider your health, especially for more advanced activities like the Montgrí dive, which requires medical clearance if you have certain conditions. Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, to ensure your spot in these popular tours.
In summary, Girona offers a surprising variety of scuba experiences, from beginner lessons to scenic baptisms. If you’re just starting out, the PADI introduction in Tossa de Mar is hard to beat for its value and reviews. For a more personalized touch, the small group baptism is a perfect choice. For those wanting a scenic, ecological experience, the Montgrí Natural Park dive will not disappoint. No matter your choice, these tours provide a safe, enjoyable way to explore the underwater world right off Girona’s coast. Be sure to book early and prepare for a memorable adventure beneath the waves.
