LAS PALMAS SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
A 21‑day Intensive to Become an SSI Open Water Instructor from Playa Blanca
A focused, three‑week program in Las Palmas that combines classroom theory, confined‑water practice and open‑water training to prepare candidates for Respond Right Instructor certification and the Open Water Instructor exams.
A 21‑day Intensive to Become an SSI Open Water Instructor from Playa Blanca.
Adventure brief
A 21‑day Intensive to Become an SSI Open Water Instructor from Playa Blanca
Pura Vida Diving runs an intensive 21‑day instructor pathway in Las Palmas that takes experienced divers through classroom presentations, confined‑water practice and open‑water sessions to ready them for instructor evaluation and final exams.
Situated on the sun-soaked island of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas offers more than just sandy beaches—it is a gateway to some of Spain's most compelling underwater worlds. Here, Pura Vida Diving stands out as an essential hub for those serious about advancing their scuba career. Their intensive 21-day Asistente Instructor + Instructor course blends classroom rigor with hands-on diving practice in both confined pools and the open ocean. This dual approach ensures students develop comprehensive knowledge alongside the real-world confidence needed to lead others underwater.
Las Palmas itself serves as the vibrant capital of Gran Canaria, where volcanic rock formations meet clear Atlantic waters rich with marine life. The island’s underwater landscape includes dramatic lava tubes, steep drop-offs, and reefs teeming with species like barracuda, eagle rays, and colorful nudibranchs. Pura Vida Diving leverages these local features to offer training environments as diverse as the curriculum, preparing instructors for varied settings.
What makes Pura Vida Diving unique in this region is the combination of expert guidance, a structured certifying curriculum, and the chance to teach soon after completing the program. This is more than a diving course; it’s a career gateway set against an island where ocean conditions range from calm to challenging, sharpening a diver’s adaptability.
The Asistente Instructor + Instructor experience fits perfectly into the active outdoor lifestyle of the Canary Islands, supporting sustainable interaction with the marine environment while boosting local diving education standards. For divers poised to take their skills from recreational to professional, Pura Vida Diving in Las Palmas presents an unmatched training ground that’s as stunning as it is practical.
Route Schematic
Course route schematic
The course moves through classroom theory, confined‑water practice and open‑water training, finishing with broad assessments and instructor evaluation.
Classroom presentations
Theory review, teaching methodology, workshops and in‑class presentations covering the aspects of diving and instruction you will teach.
Confined‑water (pool) sessions
Practical drills and rehearsals of the exercises you will be required to demonstrate and later evaluate in open water.
Open‑water training and evaluation
Repeated open‑water dives to consolidate skills and the 2–3 day final instructor examination that assesses all course elements.
This is an intensive, professional‑level program; candidates must meet strict prerequisites (age, logged dives, prior qualifications and recent medical clearance) and the operator may adjust scheduling or sequence to accommodate evaluation needs and local conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Respond Right Instructor plus Open Water Instructor preparation
The program culminates in Respond Right Instructor certification and prepares candidates for the Open Water Instructor final exams after a concentrated instructional phase.
Classroom, confined‑water and open‑water progression
Coursework blends classroom presentations and teaching methodology with hands‑on confined‑water drills and open‑water training so you practice both the skills and the way you teach them.
Extended instructor evaluation and final exams
After roughly 19 days of ITC work the program moves into a 2–3 day evaluation period covering everything taught during the course, including general diving exams and instructor assessments.
What the day feels like
What the three weeks feel like
Expect a compact, high‑tempo schedule that alternates classroom presentations and methodology workshops with confined‑water sessions in the pool and repeated open‑water training dives; the final days are reserved for broad written and practical evaluation leading into the instructor exam.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is for — and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course runs for three weeks (21 days) combining instruction, pool and open‑water sessions with a multi‑day final evaluation.
Bring proof of current diving certification and logbook (minimum 100 dives), recent medical certificate (less than 1 year), and documentation of first aid/RCP within the last 24 months; personal dive gear if you prefer to train with it.
Participants meet at Playa Blanca, Las Palmas for course start and local logistics handled by Pura Vida Diving.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the program?
The course is an intensive three‑week program (21 days), with roughly 19 days of ITC work followed by a 2–3 day final evaluation period.
Where do participants meet?
The meeting location for the course is Playa Blanca, Las Palmas.
What prerequisites are required?
Candidates must be at least 18, hold Divemaster SSI or equivalent (or 3‑star CMAS), have a minimum of 100 logged dives and an Open Water Diver certification at least six months old.
Is a medical certificate required?
Yes — a recent medical certificate (issued within the past year) is required to participate.
Do I need first aid or RCP training?
Proof of first aid and RCP certification within the last 24 months is required for enrollment.
What will the final evaluation cover?
The final evaluation spans 2–3 days and assesses all aspects taught during the course, including practical confined and open‑water skills, teaching presentations and general diving exams.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:12:21.745Z
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Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.