Two days of training can change how you breathe underwater. I like the small group size and the way instructors (Eileen, Chris, Kate, and Lily) slow everything down until you feel steady. The main drawback is simple, food and drinks are not included, so you will want to plan around a long day.

You start with confined-water practice, then move to local beaches for two open-water sessions. Day 1 runs about 9am to 2pm, and Day 2 keeps the same pace, with the focus on relaxing and applying what you learned.

Key Takeaways Before You Book

Max 6 people means more time with the instructor. That matters when you are learning buoyancy and staying calm.

Confined-water training first. You learn the basics before going out to local beaches.

Gear is included and adjusted. Several students highlighted that the equipment fit well.

Real sites include wrecks and wildlife. The experience leans natural, not just classroom skills.

Select hotel pickup helps if your location is convenient. Otherwise, you meet at Blue Water Diving.

Where It Starts in Las Palmas, and Why Location Matters

The course is run by Blue Water Diving, starting at Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not juggling transport at the end of a long day.

Start time is 8:30am, which usually gives you enough buffer for check-in before the training begins around 9am. That early start is not a deal breaker, but it does mean you should plan a real breakfast the morning of Day 1. If you are the type who needs coffee first, build that into your morning routine.

Good news for logistics: it is near public transportation, so you are not locked into a car or taxi. If your hotel is on their pickup list, transfers are included, which is a nice perk after a wet day when you want to be done and dry.

Day 1: Confined Water Training, 9am to 2pm

Day 1 is all about getting comfortable in controlled water. You will do the course’s confined water sessions first, so you are not trying to learn everything while also handling open-water conditions.

This is where the instructor coaching style makes a huge difference. One learner described how Chris and the team used extra attention and calm instruction, helping them manage panic by getting their head and breathing back on track so they could continue safely. That is the kind of support you want early, because Day 1 sets your confidence for Day 2.

What I like most about this structure is that the “hard part” of learning to breathe underwater is handled before you are outside. You get to build muscle memory without the distractions of beach schedules, waves, or spot-to-spot movement. By the time you finish the first day, you should feel like you know what you are doing, even if you still feel a little new.

Also, the group size stays small. With up to 6 travelers, you are more likely to get hands-on help when you need it, instead of waiting your turn.

Day 2: Local Beaches and Two Open-Water Sessions

On Day 2, you take the skills you practiced on Day 1 and apply them on one of the local beaches. You complete two open-water sessions, then use that time to relax and get truly comfortable underwater.

This is where the course stops feeling like a checklist and starts feeling like an actual experience. In the feedback you provided, students specifically mentioned enjoying nature and underwater wrecks at the sites. Others also talked about seeing plenty of animals, which is a strong sign you are not just going to locations for photos, you are going to places with life and structure.

The best part, from a learning point of view, is that you are not expected to be a confident diver on Day 2. You are expected to be a student who can practice skills safely while the instructors guide you. One review even called out how training felt custom tailored to the learner’s skills, helping them turn from rookies into divers who felt calm underwater. That customization is a big deal when people start from very different comfort levels.

One practical note: because this is scuba training, you should be ready for weather and water conditions. You might feel confident in the morning and still need a steady pace the moment you enter the water. That is normal. If you come in expecting it to feel easy right away, you might get stressed.

The Coaching Style: Patient Precision, Plus Safety-First Tough Love

If there is one theme in the reviews you shared, it is instructor support. People repeatedly mentioned instructors being friendly, encouraging, and competent, and they also highlighted a very hands-on approach to getting things right.

Eileen is specifically praised for attention to detail, with one person explaining that it turned them from a beginner into someone who felt comfortable and calm. That kind of coaching is not about making you memorize rules. It is about helping you understand what your body is doing and what to adjust when something feels off.

Chris also got a shout for what one review called tough love. In that story, the student had a panic moment on Day 2, then Chris helped them sort out their breathing and continue with the safety requirements for the full course. That matters because panic is not a character flaw. It is a response, and it can usually be managed with the right guidance.

Kate and Lily also appear in the feedback as part of an amazing team, especially for encouragement and professional help. When you see multiple instructors consistently named with positive outcomes, it usually means the whole shop has a training system, not just a lucky instructor.

For you, the takeaway is clear: pick this course if you want instructors who pay attention. This is the sort of program where “good enough” is not the standard. They want you safe and comfortable.

Equipment, Transfers, and the Real Meaning of Included Gear

The course includes all necessary equipment. That is huge for value, because gear rentals can quietly add up on a lot of scuba programs, especially for beginners who do not yet know what to request.

Several students emphasized that the equipment provided was perfect and well adjusted. That sounds small, but for learning, it is everything. If your mask seal is off or your kit does not fit properly, you spend your energy fighting comfort instead of learning skills. When gear is dialed in, your brain can focus on the task.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included for selected hotels. If you are staying in an area that qualifies, you save time and hassle, especially on Day 2 when you might already be thinking ahead about the evening. If your hotel is not on the list, you will meet at Blue Water Diving instead, which is still manageable since the meeting point is near public transportation.

Another practical detail: the group limit is max 6 travelers. That small size often leads to better supervision and fewer gaps in communication. You do not want to feel like a number when learning something safety-sensitive.

Price and Value: What $390.52 Really Buys You

At $390.52 per person for an approximately 2-day PADI Scuba Diver course, you are paying for a lot more than “time in the water.”

You are getting:

• A professional guide
• Confined water sessions on Day 1
• Two open-water sessions on Day 2
• Included equipment
• Select-hotel pickup and drop-off
• Instruction in English
• A maximum group size of 6

When you compare that to typical “pay for equipment separately” setups, the included gear pushes this toward fair value. Also, the structure matters. Two days with staged practice is usually safer and more effective for beginners than a rushed attempt at open water.

The one money friction point is food and drinks. Since those are not included, you will want to budget for lunches and snacks near the training windows. If you are prone to getting hangry while learning new skills, bring your favorite energy snack.

Overall, this price feels most justified if you want real instruction and you care about comfort in the water, not just checking a box.

Who This Course Fits Best, and Who Might Want to Think Twice

This is a strong option for beginners. One review specifically said it was great for beginners, and that they felt safe and comfortable during both sessions. Another learner said it turned them into divers who felt confident and calm underwater. If you want a guided start, you are in the right place.

It is also a good fit if you want small group attention. When max 6 is enforced, instructors can respond faster when you get stuck.

A key consideration is medical fitness. You will complete a health questionnaire, and some conditions may prevent you from diving. They also note that entering the water within 18 hours of flying is not recommended. If you are flying in right before your course, plan your schedule so you have time to rest.

If you have asthma, heart conditions, or other pre-existing concerns, talk with your doctor first. The program is not trying to be difficult, it is trying to keep you safe.

Also, service animals are allowed, which is a helpful inclusion for some travelers.

My Booking Checklist for Gran Canaria (So Day 1 Feels Easier)

Before you commit, I would do three quick checks.

First, confirm your hotel is one of the select pickup areas if you want that convenience. If not, no stress, you still meet at Blue Water Diving, but you should plan your route ahead of time.

Second, schedule reality. Start times are early, and each day runs about 9am to 2pm. Build a calm morning routine so you are not rushed or distracted.

Third, read your health questionnaire honestly. It is normal for scuba training to require it, and it is there for a reason. If you are borderline medically, do the responsible thing and consult your doctor early.

Finally, consider whether you want English instruction. The course is offered in English, and that matters for how fast you can absorb safety instructions and course technique cues.

Should You Book Blue Water Diving’s Two-Day Course?

I would book this if you want a beginner-friendly PADI Scuba Diver experience with structured practice, included gear, and instructors who have a reputation for making nervous students feel safe.

This course is especially worth it if:

• You like the idea of learning in controlled water first
• You want small-group attention (up to 6)
• You care about equipment being adjusted properly
• You want sites with wrecks and marine life

I would think twice if:

• You want food and drinks included (they are not)
• You are planning to fly very close to the course start time
• You have medical conditions that could affect safety, unless your doctor clears you

If you want to get from first-time to truly comfortable underwater without guesswork, this is a solid choice in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

Where does the course start and where does it end?

The course starts at Blue Water Diving, Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the start time?

The meeting start time is 8:30am.

Is equipment included?

Yes. All necessary equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels only.

What happens on each of the two days?

Day 1 focuses on confined water sessions, about 9am to 2pm. Day 2 moves to a local beach for two open-water sessions, building on what you practiced on Day 1.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is it safe to do this right after flying?

They do not recommend diving within 18 hours of flying. You will also need to complete a health questionnaire before you dive, and some medical conditions may prevent you from participating.