LA HERRADURA WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Junior Depths: A Three‑Day PADI Advanced Course for 12–15‑Year‑Olds off La Herradura
A compact, three‑day program that converts five supervised dives — including mandatory deep and underwater navigation profiles — into a PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Junior Depths: A Three‑Day PADI Advanced Course for 12–15‑Year‑Olds off La Herradura.
On the sheltered shore of La Herradura, this focused three‑day course guides young divers through five open‑water experiences that broaden skillsets and introduce deeper, navigational and specialty diving under supervised conditions. It’s a concentrated way for 12– to 15‑year‑olds to progress beyond entry level and sample a range of dives without committing to a full specialty.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Five dives, three days — a short, intensive progression
The program comprises five PADI Adventures in Diving‑based immersions over three days; completing those five dives earns the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver rating for junior participants.
Core competencies: deep diving and underwater navigation
Two dives are mandatory — a deep dive and an underwater navigation dive — ensuring every junior candidate gains experience in depth management and compass or natural navigation techniques.
Choose three electives from a long list of specialties
Beyond the two required dives, participants select three additional adventures from options such as night diving, underwater photography, wreck diving, nitrox, DPV and more, allowing varied exposure within the five‑dive program.
What the day feels like
What the three‑day progression feels like
The course unfolds as a compact series of supervised immersions that let young divers build confidence through repetition and variety: mandatory navigation and deep profiles anchor the curriculum while elective dives let each student chase specialties that interest them. Over three days, candidates complete five guided dives that satisfy the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver requirements.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants must bring their own mask and snorkel for all courses. A personal compass is required for the Advanced program; if you don’t have one the operator offers a special price of €40 (regular €47). If mask/snorkel aren’t available at arrival, the center sells gear and offers a 10% discount while on course.
The junior Advanced program runs three days with about 4:30 hours of activity per day and is structured around five PADI Adventures in Diving style immersions that lead to the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can take the PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver course?
The junior Advanced course is for participants aged 12 to 15 years.
How long is the course and how many dives are required?
The program is three days long and comprises five dives total to achieve the PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Which dives are mandatory?
Two dives are mandatory: a deep dive and an underwater navigation dive; the other three dives are elective choices.
Is there a depth limit for this junior certification?
Yes — the depth limit for the junior Advanced Open Water Diver certification is 21 meters.
What equipment do participants need to bring?
It is mandatory to bring a personal mask and snorkel for all courses; a personal compass is also required for the Advanced course (the center offers a special price if needed).
Can I select specialty dives during the course?
Yes — after the two required dives, students choose three additional dives from available specialties such as night diving, underwater photography, wreck diving, nitrox and many more.