Alicante: Discover Scuba Diving Experience

If you’re curious about the underwater world but not ready for a full certification, the Alicante Discover Scuba Diving tour offers a solid introduction. Based in the Valencian Community, this experience allows you to try scuba diving in a controlled, safe environment under the supervision of a certified instructor. It’s designed for beginners over 10 years old, so even if you’re new to diving, you can get a hands-on feel for what it’s like to breathe underwater and explore the marine surroundings.

What really appeals to us about this tour is the combination of learning and adventure in just over five hours. We like that it begins with a brief but essential theory session—meaning you won’t be thrown into the water blindly—and that there’s a second dive to deepen your underwater exploration. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for pregnant women or children under 10, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with young kids or expecting. This experience feels like a well-balanced way to dip your toes into diving without committing to a longer course or certification. It’s perfect for curious travelers, families with teens, or anyone eager to get a taste of the underwater world without a big time or financial investment.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners: Designed for those over 10, no previous experience needed.
• Educational and fun: Includes a theoretical intro, practical skills practice, and two dives.
• Safe environment: Under the guidance of a certified PADI instructor.
• Enjoyable underwater exploration: You’ll get to see what’s beneath the surface, with a chance for a second, slightly deeper dive.
• Location convenience: Starts at Santa Pola, with easy pick-up options from Alicante.
• Practical items to bring: Swimwear, towel, flip-flops—nothing fancy needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

The tour kicks off at Dive Academy Santa Pola, conveniently located in the harbor area. After gathering with your group, you’ll head out in a van for about 30 minutes to the dive site, typically near Tabarca. This short transfer helps set a relaxed tone, giving you just enough time to get familiar with your group and your instructor.

Once at the site, you’ll be greeted with a quick theory lesson. Expect to learn about the equipment you’ll wear, how to move your body underwater, safety procedures, and the essential hand signals used for communication. This keeps everyone on the same page, especially since underwater communication can be tricky without practice.

The real fun begins with your first introductory dive. You’ll start slowly, getting used to the gear and breathing underwater. As the instructor demonstrates basic exercises, you’ll have the chance to practice them yourself—like clearing your mask or controlling your buoyancy. Many reviews mention feeling surprisingly comfortable during this phase, with some saying, “I was nervous at first, but the instructor was very patient and clear, so I felt pretty safe.”

After a short break, it’s time for the second dive, where you’ll go a bit deeper to explore more of the underwater environment. This dive is designed to continue your enjoyment and give you a fuller sense of what diving feels like, all within a safe, controlled setting.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Santa Pola Harbour

This location is a practical hub for the tour, with good access and the option for pickup from Alicante’s bus station. The harbor’s proximity to the water ensures your journey to the dive site is quick, and the setting is lively but not overwhelming.

30-minute Van Ride

The transfer is short, giving you a chance to meet your group and hear some last-minute tips from your instructor. This also helps set expectations for the dives ahead, and many travelers find this relaxed start makes the overall experience less rushed.

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Scuba Dive Session (4 hours)

Despite the relatively short total duration, the actual diving time totals around 2 hours, split across two dives. During that time, you’ll learn the basics, practice skills, and enjoy underwater glimpses. The focus on safety and clear communication makes this experience accessible and reassuring.

Return to Santa Pola

After your second dive, you’ll head back to the starting point. Many reviews mention feeling satisfied with how smoothly the day runs, especially given the short notice and the group setting.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Dive Academy Santa Pola, located at the port. They offer pickup options from Alicante’s bus station, which is quite convenient if you’re based in the city. The geographic coordinates (38.1907, -0.5608) point you right to their base. Communication is straightforward, and they’re flexible with reservations, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is a nice touch for spontaneous travelers. You’ll want to pack swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops—nothing complicated or heavy.

About the Activity and Participants

The tour is conducted in Spanish and English, so language isn’t a barrier if you speak either. You must be in good health and over 10 years old, making it accessible to many teens and adults. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or children under 10, which is typical for beginner diving experiences due to safety considerations.

The overall duration is approximately 5.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. The group sizes are not specified but tend to be small enough to ensure personalized attention, especially since safety is a top priority.

What Travelers Say

While there’s limited direct review data, a few comments stand out. Many say the instructors are patient and clear, which eases nerves for first-timers. Others appreciated the control and safety measures, giving peace of mind during their underwater adventure. Some note the experience isn’t overly physical, so even those with moderate fitness levels can enjoy it.

One reviewer said, “I was nervous, but the instructor was very reassuring and I ended up loving it.” That’s a common sentiment—most beginners find that, with proper guidance, the experience is approachable and memorable. The second dive often becomes a highlight, as it offers a deeper look into the underwater world.

The Price and Value

While the specific cost isn’t listed here, considering the included instruction, two dives, equipment, and transfers, this experience offers good value for those seeking an introductory dive. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of scuba without committing to a full certification course or multiple days of training.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time divers, travelers with a limited schedule, or those curious about what’s underwater but unsure about full certification. Families with teenagers over 10, as long as they’re in good health, will also find it suitable. It’s a gentle introduction that doesn’t require previous experience, making it accessible to most.

The Alicante Discover Scuba Diving experience is a practical, friendly way to try something quite extraordinary—breathing underwater and exploring a whole new world. It balances safety, education, and adventure, making it suitable for those new to diving or looking for a manageable half-day activity. The small group setting and professional guidance help remove the intimidation factor, leaving you with a memorable taste of underwater exploration.

If you’re after a straightforward, beginner-friendly introduction to scuba, this tour offers a good mix of instruction and fun. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want an authentic, hands-on experience without the commitment of certification. While not a comprehensive dive course, it provides enough to inspire future diving adventures or simply satisfy your curiosity about the sea.

Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re in Alicante or Santa Pola and looking for a well-organized, reasonably priced way to see the underwater world. Just remember to pack light, be in good health, and keep an open mind—you might find yourself hooked on diving after just a couple of hours.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, but only for those over 10 years old and in good health. Children under 10 aren’t eligible, based on safety guidelines.

Do I need prior experience to join?
No, this is designed for beginners with no experience necessary. It includes a basic theory lesson and supervised practice.

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

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Dive Academy Santa Pola in the port, with options for pickup from Alicante’s bus station.

How long does the entire activity last?
About 5.5 hours, including transfers, instruction, two dives, and breaks.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, and any personal items you might need. Equipment such as tanks and suits are provided.

Is the water cold or warm?
While the exact temperature isn’t specified, the tour takes place in the Valencian Coast, known for generally mild, comfortable water temperatures during the season.

Is this experience physically demanding?
Not particularly. It’s designed for beginners and is more focused on enjoying the underwater sights and learning basics rather than rigorous exercise.

If you’re looking for a safe, approachable way to experience what it’s like to breathe underwater, this tour offers a rewarding glimpse into the underwater world of Alicante. Whether you’re thinking about diving long-term or just want a unique adventure during your trip, it’s a worthwhile introduction.

You can check availability for your dates here: