Mallorca: Open Water Diver Course

Mallorca’s three-day open-water course takes you from online study to real underwater exploration, with shallow-water practice in between. You’ll learn equipment checks, basic skills, and safety responses before completing four open-water sessions to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

I like the small group limit of four people, which should give you more direct time with the instructor. I also like that equipment, online study, certification, and scuba insurance are included, so the $718.96 price covers much of what you need.

The main drawback is the commitment. This is not a quick taste of scuba. You need moderate physical fitness, a diving medical certificate, and three days of your holiday. Weather can also force a change of date.

Key points to know before booking

• Four open-water sessions: You get genuine underwater practice, not just a short trial in a pool.
• Maximum depth of 18 meters: The course reaches the standard depth expected from an entry-level open-water qualification.
• Online theory before arrival: You can complete the academic work ahead of the practical training.
• Groups capped at four people: The small format allows closer instruction and feedback.
• Age 10 and up: Younger participants can take part if they meet the course requirements.
• Puerto Portals meeting point: The course begins and ends at Big Blue Diving, Local 119, Edificio D4.

From online lessons to your first underwater session

The course begins before you reach Puerto Portals. You complete the theory online, giving you time to learn the basic principles of scuba, equipment use, and safe conduct before the practical work starts.

That setup is useful because your time in Mallorca can focus on physical skills rather than long classroom sessions. I prefer this format for a short holiday course. You can work through the academic material at your own pace, then arrive ready to ask practical questions.

The listing does not state how long the online theory takes, so plan ahead rather than leaving it until the night before. You also receive online certification as part of the package, along with the internationally recognized qualification after you complete the course requirements.

The theory stage may feel less exciting than getting into the water, but it matters. Scuba relies on calm decisions and careful routines. Learning how to prepare equipment and respond to common problems gives you a better chance of feeling in control once you are below the surface.

Day one: equipment, shallow water, and basic control

Your practical course starts at 10:00 a.m. at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals. The exact daily timetable is not supplied, but the course is designed to move from shallow-water training to open-water work over three days.

The early practical stage is where you learn how the equipment works. You can expect instruction on setting up and checking your scuba kit, along with exercises that build basic control underwater.

This is an important part of the course, especially if you have only snorkeled before. A mask and snorkel let you stay on the surface. Scuba asks you to manage breathing, equipment, body position, and communication at the same time. The shallow-water sessions give you a calmer place to work through those tasks.

One participant found the first day difficult, then felt much more confident by the third day. That is a useful warning for anyone expecting instant comfort. The first session may feel awkward. You might need time to get used to the mask, regulator, buoyancy, and the sensation of breathing underwater.

The instructors are described as professional and experienced, with an emphasis on personal instruction. Since the group is limited to four people, you should have a better chance of receiving corrections when you need them. That matters more here than a large group and a lower headline price.

Skill practice before the real open water

The shallow-water work is not a filler activity. It prepares you for the four open-water sessions that follow.

You will practice a range of underwater exercises designed to improve your skills and help you respond in different situations. The supplied information does not list each exercise, so I would not promise a particular drill. The useful point is that the course includes more than simply swimming around and looking at fish.

That hands-on approach suits people who want a proper qualification rather than a one-time photo opportunity. You learn routines that should make your equipment feel more familiar and your responses more automatic.

I also like the progression. You first study the ideas online, then practice in shallow water, and only after that move into open water. For a beginner, each step reduces the amount of new information arriving at once.

You should still arrive with realistic expectations. Certification does not mean you become an expert in three days. It gives you fundamental skills and an internationally recognized qualification. Your comfort and ability will continue to improve with further practice.

Four open-water sessions around Mallorca

The central attraction is the four real open-water sessions. You reach a maximum depth of 18 meters, which gives you a proper introduction to the underwater environment rather than a very shallow shoreline exercise.

The course description does not name the exact sites, so you should not book it expecting a particular cove, wreck, reef, or marine animal. What you can count on is the chance to experience Mallorca’s underwater world in several sessions while applying the skills learned earlier.

Four sessions are valuable because one outing can be spent simply getting comfortable. A second can help you manage the equipment more naturally. By the later sessions, you may have more attention available for the surroundings.

That progression matches the experience of the participant who struggled at first but felt confident by the third day. You may have a similar pattern, especially if this is your first time breathing underwater.

The 18-meter limit also gives you a clear sense of the qualification’s scope. This is an entry-level course, not an advanced program. You learn foundational skills within a controlled depth range, then finish with a credential you can use internationally.

The setting adds appeal, but the quality of the course depends less on dramatic scenery than on instruction and safety. If you mainly want a scenic boat excursion, this may feel too structured. If you want to learn a lasting skill and spend meaningful time underwater, the format makes better sense.

Why the group size matters

A maximum of four participants is one of the strongest features of this experience. Scuba instruction works best when you can see and hear the instructor clearly, ask questions, and receive help without waiting behind a crowd.

A small group can also make the practical sessions less intimidating. If you are nervous, the instructor has a better chance of noticing when you need a pause or another explanation. If you learn quickly, you may receive more useful feedback instead of repeating a basic exercise at a large group’s pace.

The information does not guarantee private instruction. Four participants still means you share the instructor’s attention. Even so, this is a much more personal format than a large introductory class.

The social side may appeal to solo visitors as well. The course creates a compact group over three days, and the provided experience describes participants becoming friendly with the team and fellow students. That connection is a pleasant extra, though the main reason to choose the course should be the training itself.

What the $718.96 price includes

At $718.96 per person, this is a substantial holiday expense. The value depends on whether you want a full qualification or simply a short underwater activity.

The package includes:

• Scuba equipment
• Online theory
• Online certification
• Diving insurance
• Four open-water sessions as part of the course

That list covers several costs that could otherwise appear as add-ons. You do not need to arrange your own equipment, and the academic work is included rather than sold separately.

The price makes more sense if you plan to keep scuba as a future hobby. An internationally recognized certification has value beyond this one visit, provided you continue using it. If you only want to try breathing underwater once, a shorter introductory experience would likely require less time and money, though this course offers much more training.

Snacks are not included. That sounds minor, but you should plan your own food for a multi-day physical activity. No meal provision is listed, so do not expect refreshments to be part of the package.

The course also includes scuba insurance, which is useful protection during the activity. The supplied details do not explain its exact terms, so you should ask the provider what it covers if that point is important to you.

Medical and physical requirements

You need a diving medical certificate. This is not an optional piece of paperwork, so arrange it before the course begins and check what form the provider accepts.

You should also have a moderate level of physical fitness. The course requires practical work in the water over three days, along with handling scuba equipment and completing repeated underwater exercises.

The minimum stated age is 10. That makes the activity suitable for families with older children, but the medical and fitness requirements still apply. Parents should make sure a child is comfortable following instructions and working in water before booking.

The information does not specify swimming qualifications, exact medical restrictions, or equipment weights. If you have a health condition, are unsure about your fitness, or are booking for a child, contact Big Blue Diving before paying.

Meeting at Puerto Portals

The meeting point is Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Local 119, Edificio D4, Puerto Portals, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain. The experience starts and ends at this same location.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are not renting a car. The details do not provide a hotel pickup service, so plan to reach Puerto Portals on your own.

Arrive with enough time to find the center and complete any required checks before the 10:00 a.m. start. Since the course begins with scheduled instruction, arriving late could be more disruptive than it would be on a flexible sightseeing trip.

The mobile ticket is convenient. You can keep the booking on your phone rather than printing paperwork, but bring your medical certificate and any documents the provider has requested.

Instruction is offered in English. If you are comfortable learning safety procedures and equipment routines in English, that should be straightforward. If you are not, ask the provider about language support before booking.

Weather, cancellation, and scheduling

The course requires good weather. If conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That policy gives you some protection, but weather can still affect your holiday plans. With only three days in Mallorca, try not to schedule the course immediately before an important flight or a tightly timed onward trip.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

The practical lesson is simple: confirm your health paperwork, check your schedule, and watch the weather before the deadline. A little planning prevents a costly last-minute change.

Who will get the most from this course

I would recommend this course to you if you have wanted a proper scuba qualification rather than a brief introduction. It is especially suitable if you like learning by doing and can give three days to the process.

It also fits people who value direct instruction. The four-person limit, professional instructors, and progression from theory to shallow water to open water create a more focused setting than a large group activity.

Families can consider it for children aged 10 and older, subject to the medical and physical requirements. Solo visitors may also like the small-group format and the chance to spend several sessions with the same people.

I would hesitate if you dislike structured courses, have only one free morning, or mainly want a relaxed sightseeing outing. The price and time commitment are hard to justify for a casual one-off experience.

Final decision: book it for a real qualification

I think this is a strong choice if your goal is to learn scuba properly in Mallorca. The best features are the four open-water sessions, small groups, included equipment, and the clear progression from online preparation to supervised underwater practice.

Book it if you can meet the medical requirement, handle three active days, and see yourself using the international certification again. Give it a pass if you want a short, low-commitment activity or if your schedule cannot absorb a weather-related change.

The first day may test your confidence, but that is part of learning. By the later sessions, you should have had time to build control, practice responses, and experience Mallorca below the surface in a meaningful way.

FAQ

How long does the Mallorca open-water course last?

The course lasts approximately three days.

What is the maximum depth?

The maximum depth is 18 meters.

How many open-water sessions are included?

The course includes four open-water sessions.

Is theory included?

Yes. Online theory is included and should be completed before the practical course.

Is certification included?

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

Is scuba equipment provided?

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

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.

Where does the course start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Local 119, Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain. The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.