LAS PALMAS SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Two Days to Full Open Water: From Scuba Diver to 18‑m Dives off Lanzarote
A focused, two-day course that combines classroom theory, shallow-water training and two instructor-led dives to 18 meters—this guide explains the flow, requirements and what to expect.
Two Days to Full Open Water: From Scuba Diver to 18‑m Dives off Lanzarote.
Adventure brief
Two Days to Full Open Water: From Scuba Diver to 18‑m Dives off Lanzarote
This is a compact, instructor-led progression: classroom theory and controlled shallow-water skill sessions on day one, followed by two guided open-water dives to 18 meters on day two. The program is built to upgrade certified Scuba Diver students to Open Water competence while showcasing Lanzarote’s dramatic underwater terrain.
Located off Spain’s southwestern coast, Las Palmas is the vibrant capital of Gran Canaria and a gateway to some of the Canary Islands’ richest underwater landscapes. Pura Vida Diving has carved a niche here by offering intensive, hands-on scuba instruction tailored for beginners ready to launch into certified diving. Their flagship Curso Scuba Diver a Open Water Diver is a focused two-day journey that balances classroom theory with real-world application, setting divers up for safe, confident ocean experiences.
The course begins with concise lessons on essential diving principles and gear familiarization in shallow, sheltered waters—vital groundwork for mastering breathing techniques and buoyancy control. From there, participants undertake two open-water dives reaching depths of approximately 18 meters around Lanzarote’s volcanic coast. The dive sites expose clients to dramatic underwater rock formations shaped by ancient lava flows, teeming with brightly colored tropical fish like damselfish and parrotfish—an ideal entry into the Canary Islands’ subtropical marine ecosystem.
What makes Pura Vida Diving stand out is its local expertise and committed focus on safety without skimping on adventurous thrills. Instructor-led groups maintain individualized pace, ensuring each diver builds skill and confidence underwater. The culturally rich atmosphere of Las Palmas, a city with deep maritime roots dating back to colonial exploration, complements the dive experience with its blend of Spanish and African influences.
For travelers seeking to connect with nature beneath ocean waves, Pura Vida Diving offers a rare combination of immersive instruction and access to some of the clearest, most biodiverse waters in the region. This course is not just about certification—it's a guided entry into an enduring outdoor lifestyle shaped by ocean currents, volcanic geology, and island community heritage.
Route Schematic
Course itinerary — the sequence
A straightforward, two-day schedule: morning theory, afternoon training, then two open-water dives the following day.
Meeting — Playa Blanca, Las Palmas
Participants meet at Playa Blanca in Las Palmas to begin the course.
Day 1 — Theory (08:00)
Morning classroom session covering essential diving concepts; students may prepare in advance with free SSI online material if desired.
Day 1 — Shallow-water training (13:00)
Confined-water training in shallow water to practice buoyancy, ascents and other core skills before open-water dives.
Day 2 — Two open-water dives (to 18 m)
Two instructor-accompanied dives to 18 meters to apply skills and explore Lanzarote’s underwater landscapes.
Participants must hold a Scuba Diver certification, present a medical certificate, be at least 10 years old, and observe a minimum 24‑hour wait after diving before flying. Operator schedules and exact dive sites may vary based on conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Clear, practical theory to build confidence
The course begins with a morning classroom session that walks through core diving concepts in an engaging, step-by-step way so you enter the water with the fundamentals in place.
Shallow-water skills before heading deeper
Day‑one training places you in shallow water with your head just below the surface to practice buoyancy and ascent skills; once comfortable you progress to deeper skill practice under instructor supervision.
Two guided open-water dives to 18 meters
After completing theory and confined-water training, you undertake two instructor-accompanied dives reaching 18 meters to explore the volcanic seafloor and marine life of Lanzarote.
What the day feels like
What the two days feel like
The course flows from focused classroom time to gentle, supervised skill practice in shallow water, and culminates in two open-water dives on the second day. Instruction is hands-on and paced so certified Scuba Diver participants consolidate skills and gain confidence while exploring Lanzarote’s underwater scenery with an instructor at their side.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You must bring your Scuba Diver certification and a medical certificate to participate.
Theory is taught in the classroom, but candidates may prepare in advance using free online SSI materials if they wish.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The course runs over two days.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Playa Blanca, Las Palmas.
What certification do I need to join?
You need an existing Scuba Diver certification to enroll in this course.
How deep are the open-water dives?
The open-water dives on day two reach 18 meters.
Is there an age minimum?
The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.
Do I need a medical certificate and are there travel restrictions after diving?
Yes—participants must present a medical certificate, and you must wait a minimum of 24 hours after your last dive before flying.
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: 2026-08-07T13:12:21.866Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.