La Palma: Basic Diver Certification with 2 Atlantic Dives

If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of scuba, this La Palma experience might be just what you’re after. It’s designed for those wanting to get their basic diver certification in a single day, with the chance to explore the Atlantic Ocean’s shallow waters. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty compelling picture for anyone curious about trying diving in a beautiful setting.

Two things stand out about this tour. First, it offers a personalized, small-group experience—limited to just three participants—which can make learning much less intimidating and more tailored. Second, it includes two dives in the Atlantic, giving you a real taste of underwater life in La Palma’s most iconic spot. On the flip side, the full six-hour trip and the requirement to sign a medical clearance might be a consideration for some travelers.

This experience is ideal for beginners, those wanting their first certification, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. If you’re comfortable with water and eager to learn in a safe setting, this tour has a lot to offer.

Key Points

• Perfect for first-time divers looking for a quick certification experience.
• Small groups ensure personalized attention and a more comfortable learning environment.
• Includes two Atlantic dives at a renowned La Palma site with max depth of 12 meters.
• All equipment, insurance, and water/cookies are provided, making it convenient.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Suitable for those who meet health requirements; not for children under 10 or persons with certain health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What makes this La Palma diving experience special?

This activity is crafted for those eager to get their initial scuba certification in just one day, making it a practical choice for travelers limited on time but eager to explore underwater. La Palma, with its crystal-clear Atlantic waters, offers a striking backdrop that’s both accessible for beginners and engaging enough to leave a lasting impression.

The location behind the main road, marked clearly on Google Maps, is straightforward to find, and the trip begins with a comprehensive equipment introduction. The instructors, who speak German, Spanish, and English, are there to guide you step-by-step, ensuring safety and confidence. As one reviewer, Padmini, notes, “Excellent instructor (Beltran), who was very patient and instilled confidence,” which is a common sentiment among participants.

Learning the basics

The first part of the experience involves getting comfortable with the gear and understanding how to breathe underwater safely. You start in shallow water—a wise choice that prevents any unnecessary anxiety. The instructor will teach you key skills, and you’ll have plenty of time to practice them in a non-threatening setting. From our perspective, this approach is ideal for easing nervous first-timers.

The first dive and training

After mastering the basics, you’ll go on your first full dive in the Atlantic, which is shallow enough to enjoy comfortably. It’s a great chance to see what’s underwater without pressure, and the feedback from past participants is positive—everyone leaves feeling more confident. The “full dive” in shallow water, as one review mentions, is “without complications,” highlighting how well the training is managed.

Break time and preparations for the second dive

Between dives, you’ll take a short surface break. Expect some cookies and water, which helps keep energy levels up. During this time, your instructor will brief you on what to expect next. The second round involves a bit more skill work, but by then, most divers feel more at ease.

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The certification

Completing these two Atlantic dives, with a maximum depth of 12 meters, earns you the SSI Basic Diver certification. While this certificate is valid for six months, it’s a solid foundation that allows you to continue exploring the underwater world with more dives, up to 12 meters deep. Plus, it’s a step toward earning the Open Water Diver qualification, which is great for those who might want to pursue a lifelong hobby.

What’s included, and what should you bring?

The price of $146 per person covers full scuba equipment, so no need to rent or worry about bringing gear yourself. Insurance is included, providing peace of mind during your adventure. Water and cookies are offered at the site, helping you stay refreshed between dives.

All you need to bring is beachwear—a swimsuit and perhaps a towel—and you’re good to go. The activity is ideal for travelers comfortable in water, but not suitable for children under 10 or anyone with certain health issues, like respiratory problems or heart conditions. It’s important to sign a medical clearance upon arrival, so if you have any doubts, checking with your doctor beforehand is wise.

Group size and instructors

With just three participants per group, your experience is more personalized, and the instructors can focus on your individual needs. The guides speak German, Spanish, and English, so language barriers shouldn’t be a concern.

Cancellation and flexibility

The tour offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if plans change. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is perfect for flexible travel planning.

What the reviews tell us

The feedback from past participants is overwhelmingly positive. Manuele, who visited in November 2024, shared, “Everything has been perfect, my girlfriend and I have really appreciated this experience!” Padmini praised Beltran, the instructor, for being very patient and confidence-inspiring. And Pieter also highlighted Jens as a “perfect buddy/instructor,” noting how relaxed and professional he was.

What seems to resonate most is the personalized instruction and the safe, relaxed atmosphere that makes first-time divers feel comfortable. The fact that multiple reviews comment on the professionalism and patience of the guides suggests this experience is well-organized and geared towards making beginners feel at ease.

Who is this experience best suited for?

This tour is perfect for beginners or those wanting their first scuba certification in a small, intimate group setting. If you’re comfortable in water and eager to learn, you’ll likely find this to be a rewarding, confidence-building experience. It’s not suitable for children under 10 or for travelers with specific health restrictions, so keep that in mind.

The price point is reasonable considering it includes all gear, instruction, insurance, and two Atlantic dives. For a one-day adventure in La Palma, it offers a good balance of instruction and fun. It’s particularly appealing if you prefer a personalized approach and value safety and professionalism.

Final thoughts

If you’ve ever thought about trying scuba but felt hesitant, this experience offers a great way to dip your toes into the water—literally—without committing to a longer course right away. The small group size and professional instruction make it accessible, even for nervous beginners.

The underwater landscape of La Palma is a captivating setting that will stay with you long after your certification is in hand. Whether you’re seeking a memorable introduction to diving or simply want to enjoy a relaxed, guided underwater adventure, this tour balances learning with enjoyment beautifully.

For those who love the idea of a personalized, well-organized experience in a stunning location, this tour is likely to deliver exactly that. While it’s focused on beginner diving, it still offers the chance to see some of the Atlantic’s underwater beauty, perfect for creating a meaningful first step into the diving world or just enjoying a fun, safe underwater outing.

FAQ

Do I need previous diving experience to join this tour?
No, this experience is designed for beginners. It’s a great way to learn the basics and get your first certification without prior experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, as the activity requires some water comfort and certain health considerations.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak German, Spanish, and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

What should I bring on the day?
Just beachwear—swimsuit, towel, and perhaps some sunscreen. Equipment and water/cookies are provided, so no need to bring gear.

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

Will I get a certification at the end?
Yes, upon completing two Atlantic dives, you’ll receive an SSI Basic Diver certification, valid for six months and counting toward higher qualifications.

Is this experience safe?
With included insurance, professional instruction, and a gradual learning process, it’s designed to be a safe and enjoyable introduction to scuba diving.

To sum it up, this La Palma tour offers a focused, beginner-friendly way to earn your first scuba certification while enjoying the natural beauty of Atlantic waters. Small groups and attentive guides make it ideal for those looking for a relaxed, personal experience. Whether you’re eager to start a new hobby or simply want to see what’s beneath the surface, this activity balances learning and fun perfectly.

You can check availability for your dates here: