Mallorca: Open Water Diver Course

Mallorca’s three-day scuba course takes you from online lessons to four real open-water sessions, with a maximum of four participants. You first build control in shallow water, then work toward a recognized certificate and descents as deep as 18 meters. It is a practical way to try a new sport without committing to a long classroom course.

I like that the theory is completed online before you arrive, leaving the in-person time for equipment checks, skills, and time at sea. I also like the small group limit and the clear progression from basic exercises to open-water practice. The main consideration is that you need a diving medical certificate, moderate fitness, and enough time to handle a three-day course rather than a single introductory outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Four open-water sessions: You gain real experience at depths of up to 18 meters, not just a brief supervised swim.
• Online theory before arrival: You can study the basic material in advance and use the course days for practical work.
• Small groups of up to four: The format allows for close instruction and plenty of time to ask questions.
• International certification included: Completion gives you a recognized scuba qualification.
• Age 10 and older: Younger participants can join from age 10, provided they meet the medical and fitness requirements.
• Puerto Portals meeting point: The course begins and ends at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, with a 10:00 am start.

From online lessons to your first underwater skills

The course begins before your holiday days in Mallorca. You complete the theory online, which covers the foundation you need for safe scuba practice. That matters because the three in-person days are not spent sitting through every basic lesson from scratch.

I like this setup for a first certification. You can work through the material at your own pace, then bring your questions to the instructors. It also gives you a better idea of the sport before you arrive. If the material leaves you unsure about equipment, breathing, or safety procedures, make a note of those points and ask about them at the start.

At Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, the meeting point is at Puerto Portals, Local 119, Edificio D4, in Portals Nous. The stated start time is 10:00 am, and the activity returns to the same location. You should plan to arrive ready for a full training day, rather than treating this as a casual morning excursion.

The course includes use of scuba equipment, online theory, online certification, and diving insurance. Snacks are not included, so bring something suitable for the day if you need food between sessions. Since the exact daily timetable is not provided, confirm the schedule and any food or drink arrangements when you book.

Shallow-water practice builds real confidence

The first practical stage takes place in shallow water. This is where you learn to handle the equipment, control your movement, and become comfortable with the basics before working in deeper water.

The practical training includes setting up and checking the equipment, along with a range of underwater exercises. Those tasks may sound routine, but they are the heart of a beginner course. You need to know how your equipment feels and how to respond when something does not feel quite right.

One useful feature of the course is its clear move from simple control work to more demanding situations. The supplied experience details do not list every exercise by name, but the training is designed to help you respond to different problems underwater. That is more useful than simply being shown the equipment and then sent into the sea.

Expect the first day to require concentration. A new participant may need time to coordinate breathing, movement, equipment, and communication all at once. The course is not presented as effortless, and that is a good sign. A proper beginner qualification should give you time to develop control instead of rushing you toward depth.

The small group size matters here. With no more than four participants, the instructors can watch your technique closely and correct problems before they become habits. If you are nervous, tell the instructor early. The course promises personalized instruction, and that works best when you explain exactly what is worrying you.

Four open-water sessions around Mallorca

After the shallow-water work, you complete four real open-water sessions. The maximum stated depth is 18 meters, which gives you a meaningful first qualification rather than a shallow introduction that ends after one short outing.

I like this part of the program because repetition is important. One underwater session can feel exciting but confusing. Four sessions give you more chances to settle your breathing, improve your control, and apply the skills you practiced earlier.

The supplied details do not name particular bays, reefs, wrecks, or marine animals, so you should not book this expecting a fixed list of sightseeing locations. The focus is on learning to operate safely and confidently underwater in Mallorca’s coastal waters. The scenery is part of the reward, but the course is built around training first.

You may find the early open-water sessions feel more demanding than the shallow-water work. That is normal for a first qualification. The depth can make small mistakes feel more noticeable, and you will need to keep listening to the instructor while also taking in your surroundings.

By the final session, the aim is to feel more independent while still following proper procedures. One participant described finding the first day tough but gaining much more confidence by the third day. That progression is a useful guide to your expectations. You do not need to feel completely at ease on the first morning, but you do need to stay patient and keep practicing.

What the 18-meter limit means for you

A maximum depth of 18 meters gives the course a clear training goal. It is deep enough to provide genuine open-water experience, while remaining within the stated limit for this beginner certification.

Do not read the depth figure as a promise that every session will reach 18 meters. Conditions, training progress, and the needs of the group can affect how the course runs. The important point is that your training includes open-water work to that maximum, not that you must reach it immediately.

The course is also dependent on good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is a practical safeguard, but it means you should avoid placing an important same-day flight or fixed appointment immediately after the course.

The instructors and small-group format

The course is led by experienced scuba instructors and is offered in English. No individual instructor names are provided, so you should not expect to request a specific guide based on the available information.

What you can expect is hands-on instruction and personal attention. The group limit of four is one of the strongest features here. Scuba training involves equipment, body position, breathing, and safety signals, so an instructor who can watch each person closely is valuable.

The small group should also make it easier to speak up. You can ask for a skill to be explained again, request help with equipment, or say when you need more time. That is especially useful if you have never used a mask, regulator, or buoyancy equipment before.

The course has a friendly, club-like quality once the group starts working together. The experience includes equipment setup, shared underwater exercises, and four open-water sessions, so participants spend several days learning side by side. You may leave with new friends as well as a certificate, but the main benefit is the shared practice.

Is $718.96 a fair price?

At $718.96 per person, this is not a cheap add-on activity. It is also not priced like a short trial session. You are paying for a three-day certification course with online theory, scuba equipment, insurance, certification, shallow-water training, and four open-water sessions.

The value depends on your goal. If you only want to try breathing underwater for an hour, this course is more than you need. If you want an internationally recognized qualification that lets you continue scuba activities later, the price makes more sense.

Equipment rental can quickly add cost to a certification program, so having scuba equipment included simplifies the booking. Diving insurance is included as well, which is another useful part of the package. Online certification is included too, though you should confirm exactly how and when the certificate is issued if you need proof for a later booking.

I would compare the price with the cost of other full beginner certification courses in Mallorca, but I would compare like with like. Look for the same number of open-water sessions, equipment use, insurance, certification, instructor support, and group size. A cheaper course may offer fewer sea sessions or leave some costs out.

The price is easiest to justify if you have already wanted to learn scuba for a while. You receive several days of instruction and repeated practice, not just a scenic outing. For a short holiday, though, remember that three days is a serious time commitment.

Who should book this Mallorca course?

This course suits you if you want a structured start and an actual qualification. It is a good match for someone who has always been curious about scuba, enjoys hands-on learning, and is willing to practice skills before focusing on scenery.

It also suits families with older children, since the minimum age is 10. Age alone is not enough, however. You still need the required diving medical certificate and a moderate level of physical fitness.

You may prefer a shorter experience if you are unsure about scuba, dislike scheduled training, or have only one free day in Mallorca. A three-day program asks for commitment, and the first practical session may feel challenging while you learn new equipment and procedures.

The course is offered in English, so you should be comfortable understanding instructions and safety explanations in English. That is particularly important during underwater practice, where communication is limited and you need to understand signals clearly.

Practical details at Puerto Portals

The course starts at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Local 119, Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain. It begins at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

The location is near public transportation, which is helpful if you are not driving. The experience uses a mobile ticket, so keep your booking details accessible on your phone. Confirmation is provided at booking.

You need a diving medical certificate. Arrange this before the course rather than assuming it can be handled at the center. You should also be prepared for physical activity over several days and bring snacks, since they are not included.

The course requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the activity, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For the regular cancellation policy, cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

What you may take away after three days

The greatest benefit is the progression. You begin with theory, move into shallow-water practice, and then apply those skills during four open-water sessions. That sequence gives you time to build competence instead of relying on a single first attempt.

You should also expect to learn how to prepare and check your equipment. Those habits are worth more than a quick underwater photograph because they help you approach future scuba outings with greater care.

The course can feel difficult at first. That is not necessarily a flaw. Scuba requires several new habits at once, and confidence usually grows through repetition. The important thing is that the instructors provide hands-on support and that the schedule includes enough practical work to reinforce the lessons.

The certificate is the long-term value. Once you complete the course, you have an internationally recognized qualification rather than only a memory from Mallorca. The exact details of future recognition and any additional requirements are not provided, so ask the center if you plan to use the certificate with another operator.

Should you book it?

Book this course if you want to learn scuba properly, have three days available, and are ready to complete the medical and fitness requirements. The small group, four open-water sessions, included equipment, insurance, and certification create a solid package for a first qualification.

Skip it if you want a relaxed one-hour activity or if your Mallorca schedule is tight. The first day can be demanding, and the course depends on suitable weather. For someone who has long wanted to explore underwater, though, this offers a clear path from beginner nerves to genuine confidence, with the certification to show for your time.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca Open Water Diver Course?

The course lasts approximately three days.

What time does the course start?

The stated start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the course begin?

It begins at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Puerto Portals, Local 119, Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The course ends back at the same meeting point.

How deep can the course go?

The open-water training reaches a maximum depth of 18 meters.

How many open-water sessions are included?

You complete four real open-water sessions.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. Use of scuba equipment is included in the price.

Is the scuba certification included?

Yes. Online certification is included, and the course provides an internationally recognized diving certification.

What is the minimum age?

You can start the course from age 10.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Yes. A diving medical certificate is required. You should also have a moderate level of physical fitness.