Santa Ponsa: Try Scuba Diving in a Marine Reserve

If you’re considering a beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving in Mallorca, the Santa Ponsa Try Scuba Diving tour is worth a look. We haven’t personally done it, but based on the feedback and details, it seems like a well-organized way to dip your toes—or should I say fins—into underwater adventures. The experience promises to be both safe and fun, with a knowledgeable instructor guiding you every step of the way in the stunning waters of the Malgrats marine reserve.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances personalized attention with the chance to experience something truly memorable. First, the small group sizes, often just 2-3 people per instructor, ensure you get plenty of guidance and support. Second, the spectacular location in the marine reserve means you’re exploring vibrant underwater scenery, even if it’s just for a short period. One potential drawback? The activity does require participants to be able to swim and be comfortable in water, so it’s not ideal for everyone. Nonetheless, this tour tends to be best suited for those wanting a safe, beginner introduction to scuba, especially first-timers or curious travelers eager to see what’s beneath the surface without diving deep or committing to a full course.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners with a simple, guided introduction to scuba equipment and techniques
• Small group sizes provide personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Stunning marine reserve location offers vibrant underwater views without the need for advanced skills
• Includes all necessary equipment and a safety briefing, making it a stress-free experience
• Duration of 2.5 hours fits well into a day’s sightseeing or beach plans
• Highly rated by past participants, with a 4.8/5 from 141 reviews

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour Actually Like?

This experience is designed for those who want a gentle, safe taste of what it’s like to breathe underwater. The overall setup makes it clear that safety and comfort are top priorities, especially with a PADI-qualified instructor leading the way. You start with some paperwork, followed by a clear explanation of the basics. This includes how to breathe through a regulator, move underwater, and handle equipment.

Once you’re familiar with the essentials, you’ll head out for a shallow water practice session—a chance to get comfortable before the main event. The activity takes place in the Malgrats marine reserve, a popular spot known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and easily accessible shallow depths. The maximum depth for the dive is 6 meters, which is perfect for first-timers. As one reviewer put it, “Marc, our instructor, was very nice and shared with us his passion,” making the whole process enjoyable and reassuring.

The actual scuba session lasts around 2 hours, during which you’ll be accompanied closely by your instructor. The boat ride to the reserve is only about 10 minutes, which keeps things simple and avoids long travel times. The experience is designed to give you a fun, memorable glimpse into underwater exploration without requiring any prior experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with a pick-up or meeting at the dive center inside Club Náutico Santa Ponsa. If you’re staying locally, the convenience of hotel pickup is a definite plus; just remember to bring dry clothes for after. Once everyone is gathered, a van ride of about 30 minutes takes you to Santa Ponsa’s dive center, where the safety briefing takes place. This part is well-regarded by guests, with many noting how professional and friendly the staff are.

Next, you’ll head over to the Malgrats Islands by boat, a short 10-minute trip. The actual scuba activity lasts approximately two hours and involves a combination of demonstrations, exercises, and the underwater adventure. Past travelers emphasize the small group size and personalized attention, which makes them feel secure and well-cared-for. After the dive, there’s a quick break of about 20 minutes back at Santa Ponsa for some downtime, before heading back to the starting point via van.

Finally, the tour offers drop-offs at multiple locations—Palma Nova, Portals Nous, Peguera, Magaluf, Cas Català, and Santa Ponsa—making it flexible for travelers staying in different parts of Mallorca.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of around $125 per person covers quite a lot. You get a 3-hour tour, which includes:
– Hotel pickup and drop-off (if you’ve selected this option)
– An instructor guiding the experience
– All necessary equipment: wetsuit, mask, fins, cylinder, BCD, and weights
– Drinking water to stay hydrated

What’s not included? Just some basic personal items like swimwear, a towel, and food. You’ll need to bring these along, and it’s a good idea to wear your swimwear under your clothes for convenience.

The Real Value for Travelers

Looking at the reviews, it’s clear that most people find this experience to be excellent value. The small-group setting means plenty of instructor attention, which is crucial when trying something new. Reports of “tiny groups” and attentive guides like Alejandro and Marc suggest that this is a carefully run operation.

Plus, the location in the marine reserve makes this more than just a taster session. Guests rave about the beautiful underwater scenery and how professional and helpful the staff are. Many reviewers mention how this activity has been a highlight of their trip, especially for first-timers. The fact that participants don’t need prior experience and that all equipment is provided makes it approachable for most.

However, it’s important to note that swimmers will get the most out of this tour. You need to be comfortable in water, and it’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility, heart, or respiratory issues. The activity’s weather dependence also means that if conditions are rough, the experience might be rescheduled for safety.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time divers or anyone curious about what’s underwater but hesitant about full certification courses. It’s also suited for travelers who want a safe, guided introduction without the commitment of diving certification. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, small groups, and learning from passionate instructors, you’ll likely find this tour a highlight.

If you’re traveling with children under 8, or have specific health issues, this might not be the best fit. But for adventurous souls who want to see the marine world up close in a relaxed setting, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, all participants must be able to swim comfortably, as it’s a requirement for safety reasons.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. That way, you can get ready comfortably and dry off afterward.

Is hotel pickup included?
It can be, if you select that option and provide your hotel details. Remember to wait outside your hotel’s main entrance.

How long does the tour last?
The entire activity is about 2.5 hours, including travel, briefing, and the actual underwater experience.

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 children?
Children under 8 years old aren’t eligible. It’s designed for older kids, teens, and adults who are comfortable in water.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, German, and French.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The activity depends on weather conditions, and the dive site will be chosen on the day to ensure safety. If conditions are unsuitable, the activity may be rescheduled.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a safe, beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving in Mallorca, this tour offers a genuinely enjoyable experience. You’ll love the expert guidance, the beautiful marine scenery, and the relaxed pace. It’s perfect for those wanting to try something adventurous without diving deep or making a big commitment.

While it’s not a full certification course, it’s a fantastic way to get a taste of what’s possible beneath the waves. The small groups, professional staff, and scenic location all combine to make it a memorable outing, especially if you’re new to water sports.

In the end, this tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to explore the underwater world safely and enjoyably. If that sounds like you, it’s likely to be a highlight of your Mallorca trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Want to know more? Check out the experience here, or explore similar adventures in the area to expand your Mallorca water activities.