Two days is a fast path to confidence underwater. In Las Palmas, you get heated pool practice plus a small group setup, so your instructor can coach you closely.

This is a beginner-friendly way to earn PADI credentials, with the important skills taught in a safe, controlled environment first.

One thing to plan around: food and drinks are not included. Also, medical restrictions may apply, so check your situation before you book.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Heated pool training on Day 1 so you can focus on skills, not cold water nerves
• Small group limited to 4 participants for more hands-on guidance
• Manual and certification included in the price, not added later
• Two ocean sessions on Day 2 applying your pool skills to real conditions
• English and Spanish instruction for smoother learning
• PADI Scuba Diver Certification allowing a maximum depth of 12 meters

Las Palmas is a smart place to start a PADI scuba course

Las Palmas sits on Gran Canaria, in Spain’s Canary Islands. For a beginner course, that matters because you want a destination that makes training logistically simple and keeps you close to the action. You’re also getting the promise of local marine life during the ocean sessions, which is usually the big motivation for doing a certification course now instead of later.

I also like that this course is built around the PADI approach: clear steps, structured skills, and instructor-led practice. You’re not left guessing what to do underwater. You follow a plan, learn what you need, and then you use it the next day in the ocean.

Finally, the format is designed for real humans with limited time. Two days is short enough to fit into a typical beach-and-city break in the Canaries, but it’s still long enough to take you from basic control to confident application.

The 2-day schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., then your afternoons free

Each day runs about 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. That timing is a big deal. Scuba courses can feel intense, especially at the beginning, so having a consistent end time helps you recover and still enjoy your trip.

Here’s how I’d think about your day:

In the morning, you’re focused on training, equipment, and learning. From around early afternoon, you’re free again. That gives you a chance to do normal vacation stuff after you finish, like relaxing in the sun, exploring Las Palmas at an easy pace, or just eating something that actually fuels you for tomorrow.

Because the ocean part happens on Day 2, Day 1 functions like your confidence builder. And if you’re the type who likes time to settle in, that afternoon downtime can help you feel less rushed.

Day 1 in the heated pool: where you build control fast

Day 1 is your training foundation. You start at the heated swimming pool onsite and complete the first three training sessions there. This is the part that separates a good beginner experience from a stressful one.

Why? Because the heated pool environment helps you focus on the hard learning curve without fighting discomfort. You’re learning basic underwater skills in a safe, controlled space, under instructor guidance. If you struggle with buoyancy control, mask clearing, or coordination, the pool is where you can fix it before you’re dealing with open-water conditions.

A practical tip: treat Day 1 like skill practice, not just a first swim. The pool sessions are where you absorb the steps your ocean sessions depend on. If you rush through Day 1, you’ll pay for it on Day 2.

Also, the training is done with a small group. With up to four participants, you’re more likely to get the quick corrections you need, instead of waiting your turn while the instructor focuses on someone else.

Theory time with your PADI manual, at the center or your hotel

Between pool practice and ocean sessions, you’ll download your Open Water Diver manual. The course guides help with this, and you can do the theory work either at the dive training center or from your hotel room.

That flexibility is underrated. Not everyone wants to sit through paperwork right after a training session. Since afternoons are usually free, doing a bit of theory in your hotel can feel more natural. You can also learn at your own pace, which helps when concepts like equipment function, basic safety, and course knowledge are new.

The key point is that this theory component isn’t just busywork. It connects to the skills you practice in the pool, so you’re not only learning what to do, you’re also learning why you do it. That mental piece tends to reduce panic, which is a big deal for first-timers.

If you’re staying in Las Palmas during your course, you’ll be happy to know the schedule ends around 2:00 p.m. That gives you a workable window to complete the theory without turning your vacation into homework hell.

Day 2 on the ocean: applying your pool skills to real marine life

Day 2 moves you out into the ocean for two open-water sessions. This is where the course earns its value: you take the skills you built in the heated pool and use them where conditions are more realistic.

You’ll be guided as you apply previous training. That includes practicing the skills learned earlier, while also taking in Gran Canaria’s marine life. Even if you’re not expecting to see something specific, the ocean setting is the payoff. You go from learning movements to understanding how they feel in open water.

Important mindset shift for Day 2: you’re not trying to perform perfectly. You’re trying to apply what you learned. If conditions feel different, the goal is calm execution and good communication with your instructor.

Also, remember that the course is English and Spanish instruction. If you prefer one language over the other, make it clear from the start. Better communication means faster learning, and less time spent translating in your head.

By the end of Day 2, the hope is that you can demonstrate the skills needed for certification. After successful completion, you’ll obtain the PADI Scuba Diver Certification, which allows a maximum depth of 12 meters.

Price and value of a $371 course with equipment and certification included

At $371 per person for a two-day course, the biggest question is what you get for your money. Here’s the clear value picture:

Included:

• Equipment hire
• Manual and certification
• Local area hotel pickup and drop off

Not included:

• Food and drinks

So you’re paying for the training itself, plus the gear logistics, plus the course materials and certification fees. For a beginner, that’s often the hardest part to budget. Many smaller courses add extra costs for equipment or materials. Here, the data you have suggests those key components are already bundled.

Pickup and drop off also matter. In a city like Las Palmas, you’ll save time and hassle by not having to coordinate transport while you’re wearing gear or managing your schedule.

The only ongoing cost you’ll need to handle is food and drinks. That’s normal for most short activities, but it can affect how you plan your day. If you want to stay comfortable, pick meals that won’t upset your stomach and keep hydration in mind, especially for Day 2 when you’re in open water.

As value goes, this package feels efficient. You’re buying a structured learning path, not just a couple of water hours.

What to bring and how to prep so the course feels smooth

The course info is straightforward about what you need. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

You’ll also be getting equipment hire, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. That’s great if you’re visiting from another country or you want to travel light.

Before you go, also check the medical restrictions. The course notes that medical restrictions may apply, and it’s not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women
• People with pre-existing medical conditions

If you’re not sure where you fall, it’s worth treating that check as step one. In water activities, safety decisions depend on your health profile, not just willingness.

One more practical idea: since the schedule ends around 2:00 p.m. each day, plan a low-key afternoon. Your body and mind may feel tired after learning new skills and handling equipment. You’ll likely enjoy the rest of Las Palmas more if you don’t stack extra demanding activities right after training.

Who this course is best for, and when to choose something else

This course is aimed at beginners who want PADI certification. That matches the structure: pool sessions first, then two ocean sessions once you’ve learned the basics in a controlled setting.

You’ll probably be a good fit if:

• You want a short, structured course (two days)
• You like small-group instruction and hands-on coaching
• You’re comfortable learning theory via a manual
• You can follow safety guidance and your health situation meets requirements

You might want to choose another option if:

• You need a course that suits younger children (under 10 is not suitable)
• You are pregnant, since it’s not suitable for pregnant women
• You have pre-existing medical conditions and can’t confirm fitness for this activity

Also, consider your personal comfort with water. The heated pool helps, but scuba skills still require focus and calm breathing. If you’re nervous, this course format is actually helpful because it trains you step by step, but you should still go in with realistic expectations.

Should you book Blue Water Diving’s Las Palmas PADI scuba course?

Based on the information here, I’d recommend booking if you want a beginner-friendly PADI path that fits into a two-day Gran Canaria trip. The strongest signals for quality are the structured training (pool first, then ocean), the small group size limited to four, and the fact that equipment, manual, and certification are included. That combination is usually what turns a course from confusing to manageable.

One last angle: the reviews you have are overwhelmingly positive, especially on how friendly and attentive the team feels. For a first-time course, that kind of supportive instruction matters as much as the schedule.

I’d pass or at least pause if food planning is a dealbreaker for you, because food and drinks are not included. And of course, check medical suitability before you commit.

If you’re a first-timer ready to learn in stages, this looks like a solid, time-efficient way to earn your PADI Scuba Diver Certification.

FAQ

What certification do I get after completing the course?

After successful completion, you obtain the PADI Scuba Diver Certification. It allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters.

How long is the course, and what are the daily times?

The course lasts 2 days. Each day starts at approximately 8:30 a.m. and finishes at approximately 2:00 p.m.

What is included in the $371 per person price?

Equipment hire, the Open Water Diver manual, and certification fees are included. You also get local area hotel pickup and drop off.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Everything else related to scuba equipment is handled through equipment hire.

Is this course suitable for kids or pregnant people?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10 years, pregnant women, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Medical restrictions may apply.