Mallorca: Open Water Diver Course

This experience is interesting because it gets you into real ocean skills fast, without skipping the basics. In just 3 days, you move from online theory to hands-on water work, then into four open-water sessions with a clear max depth of 18 meters.

I like that the course includes online theory ahead of time, so you arrive knowing what you are doing and why. I also like the small group size (up to 4 travelers), which usually means you get more personal attention when you are learning buoyancy, gear checks, and safety routines.

One thing to consider: you need a diving medical certificate, and you should have at least a moderate physical fitness level. If you are feeling anxious about being underwater with equipment, the shallow-water practice matters, so plan to take it seriously on day one.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Online theory before you show up helps you start the course with less guesswork
• Shallow-water training first builds control before you go into deeper water
• Four open-water sessions up to 18 meters give you real practice, not just pool drills
• Internationally recognized certification means your effort translates into a credential you can use later
• Small group (max 4) supports more instructor time and calmer learning
• Equipment, online certification, and diving insurance included so the price covers the essentials

Learning scuba basics the smart way, online first

This course is built for people who want an actual skill set, not just a one-time thrill. The big advantage is that you complete the theory online beforehand. That means when you arrive, you can focus on body position, breathing control, and gear routines, instead of starting from scratch in the water.

You will still get hands-on instruction, but the mental load is lighter because you already reviewed the concepts. You can think of it as showing up with your questions already formed, and your confidence already nudged in the right direction.

The course also includes online certification, plus diving insurance. For me, that is part of the value. When a learning program bundles the important paperwork and protection, it reduces stress during the actual days in Mallorca.

Day-by-day flow in plain terms (what you will actually do)

The program runs about 3 days, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point. While exact minute-by-minute schedules are not listed here, the structure is clear, and you can expect this progression:

1) Online theory beforehand

2) Shallow-water training to build comfort and control

3) Four open-water sessions with a max depth of 18 meters

Before you arrive: theory on your schedule

You do the theory online ahead of time. In practical terms, this is what saves you during the water portion. You already know the basics behind how the gear works and how safety procedures fit into the experience.

If you learn best by reading and watching first, this format suits you. If you prefer hands-on immediately, give yourself enough time to finish the online work anyway, because the water time is for skills, not lectures.

The first water day: shallow-water training and gear confidence

The course begins with shallow-water training. That is a smart design choice because you can practice key tasks with less pressure and easier conditions.

You will get taught the basics of controlling your body underwater and using scuba equipment correctly. The goal is not perfection on day one. The goal is to get your brain and hands working together while you stay calm.

From an earlier experience story tied to this course, the first day can feel tough, mostly because you are learning multiple new things at once. That is normal. What matters is that you keep going step by step.

Then comes the open-water work: four real sessions

After shallow-water practice, you complete four open-water sessions to a maximum depth of 18 meters. This is where you get the best payoff: you are not only practicing skills, you are also experiencing the ocean in conditions that feel like the point of the whole thing.

Open water is where things like breathing rhythm, buoyancy control, and situational awareness become real. The instructors are there to guide you, and the small group size helps you feel less lost.

By the third day, many people feel noticeably more comfortable. The course is designed so that comfort grows as you repeat the fundamentals and then apply them in open water.

Shallow-water training: where comfort becomes a skill

Shallow water is where you learn to stop fighting the equipment and start using it. I love how this kind of training respects your nerves. It gives you space to make mistakes safely and learn the right responses.

Here is what shallow training tends to cover in a course like this, based on what you are told to expect and what the instruction emphasizes:

• Setting up and checking your equipment properly
• Practicing core underwater exercises
• Building responses for different situations you might face in open water

You will also work on comfort and control. That is huge, because good scuba skills are less about talent and more about calm repetition.

If you have ever snorkeled and felt the fun turn into worry when you feel cold or disoriented, shallow water is where you address that. You learn what to do when you feel off balance, and you learn how to steady your breathing.

The instructors and the vibe: personal, friendly, and hands-on

The standout theme from the experience is the instruction quality. You are not thrown in and hoped for the best. Instead, you get clear teaching, with support while you learn.

One earlier account from an open-water student focused on the way the team teaches everything from equipment setup and checks to underwater exercises meant to improve your actual skills. That matters because equipment mistakes happen when people rush or assume they will figure it out later.

The instructors also appear to be friendly and encouraging. That is not fluff. When you feel supported, you take corrections without spiraling into stress. And that is how you progress faster.

Another nice detail in how people describe the experience: you do not just finish a course and leave behind your instructor. You finish feeling like you are part of a group and a sport community. That is a real motivation booster if you want to keep scuba going after Mallorca.

Depth limit of 18 meters: why that number matters

The course caps your open-water work at 18 meters. For beginners, that is a sensible ceiling. It keeps your training grounded while still giving you real ocean experience.

Depth is not just about numbers. It affects breathing, comfort, and how you visualize your surroundings. A clear max depth also helps the team plan your practice and your progression.

If you are worried about going too deep too soon, remember that the course uses a step-up structure. You practice first, then apply your skills at open-water depth within the planned limit.

What is included in the $718.96 price, and what that really means

Let’s talk money in a practical way. You pay $718.96 per person, and the included items are meaningful:

Included:

• Use of SCUBA equipment
• Online theory
• Online certification
• Diving insurance

Not included:

• Snacks

So you are not paying extra for gear rentals or basic learning materials, at least as listed. The online theory and certification support are also part of why this costs more than a simple snorkeling outing. This is a legit training program, and it comes with insurance coverage for the activity.

The only obvious out-of-pocket item is snacks. That is easy to handle, but still worth noting so you do not end up hangry on a long practice day.

Mallorca logistics: starting at Big Blue Diving in Puerto Portals

Your meeting point is Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, at Local 119, Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain. The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

This matters for two reasons:

1) Puerto Portals is easy to get to, and the experience is listed as near public transportation.

2) You do not lose time traveling after the last session. That keeps your 3 days from feeling chopped up.

If you are planning other activities around the course, block off enough time for recovery. Even when you feel good, you will be tired after learning new physical and breathing skills underwater.

Who this course is best for (and who should think twice)

This course starts from age 10, which makes it accessible for families who have a motivated kid and a responsible dive mindset.

It is also listed for people with moderate physical fitness. That does not mean athletes only. It does mean you should feel comfortable in the water and be willing to do repeated tasks with equipment while staying calm.

You also need a diving medical certificate. If you have any health questions, handle them before you book. Do not wait until the day you arrive in Mallorca.

If you are the type of traveler who wants to earn a credential and keep practicing after the trip, you will likely get more out of this. If you only want a quick swim experience and nothing else, this might feel like a lot. But if you want skills you can carry forward, the course structure is exactly what you want.

Gear, insurance, and the small details that prevent stress

Because the course includes equipment and diving insurance, you can focus on learning rather than worrying about whether you have the right mask, the right regulator setup, or coverage.

Still, your job as the student is to show up prepared. The course requires a medical certificate. That is the official gate. The practical gate is your willingness to follow instructions closely during gear setup and safety tasks.

One student feedback theme was that the team teaches you how to set up and check equipment, and it also trains exercises meant to improve skills and help you respond in a variety of situations. That is what you want to hear if you are choosing a training course, because it suggests the instruction is process-based, not just outcome-based.

Weather and pacing: how Mallorca can affect your schedule

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is a standard rule for ocean work, and it is especially relevant for short programs.

So what should you do as a traveler? Plan other activities with flexibility during those 3 days. If your schedule is locked to flights or weddings, you may want to keep a little slack.

Also, note that the confirmation is sent at booking time. That means you can organize your trip around the course dates with less uncertainty.

Is this worth booking at $718.96?

For the cost, you are paying for more than a fun day in the water. You are paying for:

• Structured learning (theory plus shallow practice plus open-water sessions)
• Four open-water sessions up to 18 meters
• Equipment use
• Online certification
• Diving insurance

If you compare this to doing a first attempt without certification, this is better value for people who want to keep diving. The course turns your time in Mallorca into a skill and an internationally recognized credential.

If your budget is tight, the biggest practical check is this: you will need to complete the medical certificate and do the online theory. If you cannot commit to that work, you might feel frustrated once the water practice starts. But if you can commit, the price looks fair for what’s included.

Should you book the Open Water scuba certification course in Mallorca?

Yes, if you want a guided, skill-first introduction to open-water scuba, and you like the idea of getting certified in a compact 3-day window. The small group size, the step-by-step shallow-to-open-water progression, and the emphasis on equipment checks and underwater exercises are the recipe that helps beginners build real confidence.

Hold off if you know you cannot get the medical certificate, or if you do not have the time to finish the online theory before your first day. Ocean courses are not forgiving of last-minute shortcuts. They also depend on good weather.

If you are ready for structured learning and you want Mallorca to be your starting point for continuing scuba later, this is a strong option.

FAQ

What is the location and meeting point for the course?

The course meets at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Local 119 Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the course start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the course?

The duration is 3 days (approx.).

What is included in the price?

Included items are use of SCUBA equipment, online theory, online certification, and diving insurance.

Are snacks included?

No, snacks are not included.

What is the maximum depth for the open-water sessions?

The open-water sessions go to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

What language is the course offered in?

The course is offered in English.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Yes. A diving medical certificate is required.

Is there an age minimum?

You can start the course from age 10.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.