Gran Canaria is an efficient place to level up your underwater skills. This PADI advanced course runs for about two days and focuses on five focused training sessions, starting with a 8:30 am meet-up at Blue Water’s base in Las Palmas. I like that you get an online study manual ahead of time (plus the certification fee), and I also like how the course mixes required skills with optional choices you can tailor to your curiosity.

I love the structure: you complete the two core parts (a 30 meter depth skill and underwater navigation), then you pick the remaining three sessions from options like wreck time, night training, or boat-based profiles. One drawback to plan for is simple: food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want a strategy for lunch between sessions.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Two required skills: a 30 meter depth session plus underwater navigation
• Three electives to choose from: boat profiles, wreck visits, and night training are options
• Small group size: a maximum of 6 people helps keep the attention personal
• Included gear and insurance: full equipment hire plus insurance is part of the package
• Hotel pickup when available: included for selected hotels only
• Strong instructor reputation: instructors named in feedback include Eileen, Mati, Danny, Kate, and Chris

Gran Canaria is a strong fit for an advanced PADI course

If you’re aiming for your advanced certification without turning it into a weeklong project, Gran Canaria is a smart match. You get concentrated training in a compact time frame, and the diving sites are typically close enough that the day feels organized instead of chaotic. The course is built around practical skills, not just check-the-box theory.

I also like that the program is designed for real progression. The required 30 meter depth session is not just about going deeper. It pushes you to manage breathing, buoyancy, and decision-making with a heavier emphasis on control. And underwater navigation is one of those skills that makes you a better diver everywhere, because you learn how to orient yourself without relying on a “follow the leader” mindset.

One more thing that matters for comfort: this experience runs with a small group. A max of 6 people means you’re less likely to feel like a number, and it gives your instructor room to correct details in the moment.

The two-day schedule, five skill sessions, and what the day feels like

You’ll start at 8:30 am at the Blue Water meeting point on Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to worry about being dropped somewhere remote.

The course runs for about two days and totals five underwater training sessions. The way it’s set up usually creates a rhythm you can handle: you begin with the core requirements, then you finish by selecting from the remaining options. Your instructor works with you to choose what fits your goals, skill level, and comfort level.

Boat time is part of the experience too, and that’s a plus if you want to practice in a more “real-world” setting than just one controlled location. Depending on your elective choices, you might also plan around conditions that can shift day to day, like visibility and weather. The center is used to adjusting the plan, and that flexibility shows up in their feedback.

Morning logistics you’ll want to plan for

• You may have hotel pickup, but only from selected hotels. If yours is not on the list, you’ll likely head to the meeting point yourself.
• You’ll be required to complete a health questionnaire before diving. This is standard, but it can affect whether you’re cleared in time.
• You need to bring proof of prior certification if you’re taking part in the certified course pathway.

And because food and drinks are not included, I’d treat each day like a training block. Plan a proper breakfast, then bring or arrange your lunch so you’re not trying to solve hunger mid-schedule.

Core skill 1: 30 meter depth training done the practical way

One of the defining elements of this advanced course is the 30 meter depth session. That matters because it’s a skill that improves your confidence and control, not just your “adventure factor.”

The best part of depth training is what it forces you to think about:

• how to manage your breathing rate and air planning
• how to keep buoyancy stable as conditions change
• how to follow procedure under slightly increased pressure

Your instructor’s job here is to guide you into the right mindset. You’re not just going down. You’re learning how to stay calm, reduce mistakes, and make good choices before you’re stressed.

A small group also helps for this specific skill. If you’re correcting buoyancy habits or body positioning, you want feedback that’s quick and precise. With a maximum of 6 participants, there’s more opportunity for real coaching.

Core skill 2: underwater navigation that helps you everywhere

The other required part is underwater navigation. This is the skill that turns a diver into someone who can actually explore with confidence. Without navigation, you’re stuck thinking like a passenger. With navigation, you can start thinking like a planner.

I like how navigation fits naturally with advanced training because it’s a “thinking skill” as much as a physical one. You practice maintaining direction, using reference points, and managing your course so you can return safely and predictably.

This is also where the quality of instruction shows up. Several instructor names come up in feedback for this center, including Eileen and Mati, and those reports repeatedly highlight calm, structured teaching and a focus on comfort. If navigation is one of your weak spots, this course is a solid way to tackle it because it’s built into the requirement.

Choosing your remaining three sessions: boat, wreck, night, and swaps

After the two core requirements, you get to choose the remaining three sessions from a menu of options. The provided course info specifically mentions:

• boat-based sessions
• wreck-related training
• night training

This is where the course becomes more “your trip,” not just a generic program. If you’re curious about marine life you can see from boat profiles, choose boat-based options. If you enjoy structure and history underwater, wreck time might be your pick. And if you like the idea of learning how conditions change after dark, night training is a great way to broaden your comfort.

Just as important: plans can change. In feedback from people who completed advanced-level training with this team, there’s at least one example where weather affected a night plan and the schedule shifted toward a different type of underwater search and recovery training. I wouldn’t assume swaps are guaranteed every time, but it’s a good sign that the center can adapt.

How to decide what you should pick

Here’s a practical way to choose:

• If you want confidence, pick the option that scares you the most in a manageable way (often night).
• If you want variety, mix one boat-based option with one wreck or structure-focused option.
• If you’re worried about energy levels, consider spacing your choices so you’re not stacking the hardest conditions back to back.

Gear, insurance, and online study that make the course feel smoother

This package includes a lot of what usually adds friction to scuba training. You get:

• full equipment hire
• insurance
• tuition
• an online study manual
• a certification fee

That combination matters because it reduces decision fatigue. You don’t have to track down gear rentals, worry about gaps in coverage, or scramble for materials right before you travel.

The center also provides an online learning component. The feedback includes people praising the ability to complete the e-learning before arrival, which means more of your limited vacation time goes to practical work. If you’re the type who likes to arrive prepared, this is a real advantage.

What you should bring

You’ll need:

• your logbook
• evidence of prior dive certification (required for certified participation)
• the crew pack that’s provided

The logbook part is easy to forget, so I treat it like my passport. If you’re relying on digital logs, double-check whether they’re acceptable for your paperwork needs, since the course specifies a logbook requirement.

Meet point and getting there: starting at 8:30 am without stress

You start at Blue Water’s base on Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria. The location is noted as being near public transportation, which helps if you do not want to rely on a taxi every morning.

If your hotel is part of the pickup list, that’s included too. Selected hotels only means you should confirm whether your property qualifies. If it doesn’t, plan for a straightforward commute to the center so you can be ready at 8:30 am.

Here’s how to make the first day feel easy:

• arrive early enough to check in and get settled
• do a quick refresh of your gear checklist the night before
• plan for dry clothes afterward, especially in case the schedule runs longer than expected

Value and price: is $415.65 a good deal?

At $415.65 per person for about two days and five training sessions, the value depends on what you compare it to.

Here’s why it can be a fair price for many people:

• equipment hire is included, which often cuts out a chunk of extra cost
• insurance is included, so you’re not shopping coverage at the last minute
• the online study manual and certification fee are part of the package
• a professional guide/instructor is included throughout

The trade-off is what you add on yourself. Food and drinks are not included, and you may also incur local transport costs if your hotel pickup is not available. Also, if you’re traveling and need meals between sessions, you may want to budget for that ahead of time.

Bottom line: if you’re coming with prior certification, have your logbook ready, and you like the idea of structured coaching over multiple underwater sessions, the package looks like it prices in the “real training costs,” not just the paperwork.

Who should book this course

This advanced program is a good fit if:

• you already have the required certification to participate in the certified pathway
• you want structured coaching for skills like navigation and controlled deeper depth work
• you like small groups, where you can actually ask questions and get corrections
• you’re comfortable with a moderate physical fitness level

It may not be the right choice if you have a medical condition that could prevent you from being cleared after the health questionnaire. The course instructions explicitly mention conditions like asthma and heart conditions, and they recommend you consult your doctor if you’re unsure.

Also note a timing constraint: the course says diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. If your travel plan includes short-turn flights, plan your schedule with buffer time.

Should you book the PADI advanced course in Gran Canaria?

I think you should book if you want a focused, coached upgrade with the right balance of required skills and choice. The five training sessions in two days, plus included gear and insurance, makes it a practical option for a limited trip. I also like the way the center’s instructors show up in feedback, with names like Eileen, Mati, Danny, Kate, and Chris tied to patient, professional teaching and a fun training atmosphere.

Skip it or reconsider if you don’t want to manage meal planning on your own. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll need to think ahead. And if you’re cutting it close on travel timing, remember the 48-hour flying guideline.

If you’re ready for structured advancement, and you want navigation plus depth control done with clear instruction, this is the kind of short course that can actually change how you feel underwater.

FAQ

What is included in the PADI advanced course package?

The package includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels only, full equipment hire, tuition, an online study manual and certification fee, plus insurance.

Where is the meeting point, and what time does it start?

The start meeting point is Blue Water’s address on Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The start time is 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many underwater sessions are included in the two days?

The course runs for about two days and includes five underwater training sessions. Two core sessions are required, then you choose the remaining three from available options.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in this experience.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need a logbook. You’ll also need the crew pack that is provided as part of the course materials, and you must bring evidence of dive certification for certified participation.

Are there any medical or travel timing restrictions?

You must complete a health questionnaire prior to diving, and some medical conditions may prevent you from diving. Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended.

What is the cancellation policy?

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