LAS PALMAS SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Two Days, Five Dives: The Curso Avanzado de Buceo off Las Palmas
A two‑day advanced diving course in Las Palmas that combines classroom theory and five open‑water dives to sharpen navigation, deep‑diving and underwater photography skills.
Two Days, Five Dives: The Curso Avanzado de Buceo off Las Palmas.
Adventure brief
Two Days, Five Dives: The Curso Avanzado de Buceo off Las Palmas
Curso Avanzado de Buceo is a focused, two‑day program in Las Palmas that pairs morning theory sessions with five fully supervised open‑water training dives, giving certified divers from age 10 a compact route to broaden skills under expert guidance and with complete diving equipment.
Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands, is a gateway to some of the Atlantic Ocean’s most dynamic underwater terrain. Known for its volcanic reefs, underwater cliffs, and rich marine biodiversity, it attracts divers worldwide eager to challenge themselves beyond the basics. Pura Vida Diving capitalizes on this spectacular setting with its Curso Avanzado de Buceo—an intensive two-day advanced diving course tailored for certified divers 10 years and older. This course isn’t just a step up; it’s a deeper plunge into the ocean’s intricacies that surround Las Palmas, combining rigor with the thrill of discovery.
Over five open-water dives, participants push their skills through deep diving exercises echoing the volcanic topography beneath the waves, enhanced by underwater photography sessions to document encounter with the region’s unique fauna including colorful nudibranchs, barracudas, and schools of vibrant parrotfish. The academic segments ground you in theory covering dive planning, navigation, and safety procedures, ensuring you leave confidently equipped. Pura Vida Diving provides full gear, meaning divers can focus entirely on mastering new techniques rather than equipment logistics.
What sets this experience apart is Pura Vida’s local expertise. Unlike larger resorts, this dive center thrives on personalized instruction, guiding divers through spots rarely swarmed with tourists—sites boasting dramatic drop-offs formed by ancient lava flows and thriving underwater gardens of gorgonians and anemones. Las Palmas’s diverse marine environment, combined with Pura Vida Diving’s hands-on coaching and community-oriented approach, makes this advanced course a standout for anyone committed to evolving their dive skills against a unique Atlantic backdrop.
Route Schematic
Course route schematic
Key stops and sessions across the two‑day advanced diving course.
Meeting — Playa Blanca
Participants convene at Playa Blanca in Las Palmas as the meeting point for briefing and equipment checks prior to course start.
Day 1: Theory then 3 Open‑Water Dives
Day one begins with a 09:00 theory session followed by three practical open‑water dives beginning at 11:00 to apply the morning's instruction.
Day 2: Theory then 2 Open‑Water Dives
Day two repeats the morning theory session at 09:00 with two open‑water dives scheduled from 13:00 to complete the five‑dive program.
Post‑course: Surface interval guidance
After completing the dives participants must observe the required minimum surface interval before flying: a 24‑hour wait is mandatory.
Participants must hold an Open Water certification and present a medical certificate; operators may modify the route or schedule based on conditions and participant readiness.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Five practical open‑water dives
The course centers on five hands‑on open‑water dives that put technique into practice — deep diving, navigation and boat dives among the practical specialties covered during the program.
Two days of theory and sea time
Delivered across two consecutive days, each day begins with a morning theory session followed by practical dives: three dives on day one and two dives on day two.
Specialties: photography, buoyancy and fish ID
Beyond core skills like perfect buoyancy and deep diving, the course includes focused practice in underwater photography and fish identification as part of the five open‑water sessions.
What the day feels like
What the two‑day course feels like
Mornings are classroom‑style briefings that set objectives for the water; practical training follows with supervised open‑water dives where each of the five specialties is practiced. The pace is intensive but structured to consolidate technique and expand capabilities for certified divers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is built for — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs across two consecutive days.
Divers should bring any personal dive log or certification card and any personal gear; the operator provides complete diving equipment as part of the course.
Assemble at Playa Blanca, Las Palmas; day one starts with theory at 09:00 and three dives at 11:00, and day two begins with theory at 09:00 and two dives from 13:00.
A medical certificate is required to participate, and there is a mandatory 24‑hour wait after diving before flying.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Curso Avanzado de Buceo take?
The course is conducted over two days.
How many dives are included?
The program includes five open‑water dives.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 10 years old to enroll.
Do I need certification or a medical to join?
Yes — you must hold an Open Water diving certification and present a medical certificate to participate.
What is the daily schedule?
Day one: theory at 09:00 followed by three dives from 11:00; day two: theory at 09:00 followed by two dives from 13:00.
Is equipment provided?
Yes — the course is offered with complete diving equipment provided.
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: 2026-08-10T12:52:38.458Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.