Do I need prior experience to join the course?

No prior diving experience is required; the course includes beginner-friendly theory and shallow water training.

What is the maximum depth for the open water dives?

The dives typically reach up to 18 meters, appropriate for entry-level divers.

Is equipment provided during the course?

Yes, all essential scuba gear is supplied, although participants can bring personal equipment if preferred.

Are there any health restrictions for diving?

Participants should be in good general health, without respiratory or cardiovascular issues. A medical declaration may be required.

How many people are in each instructor group?

Groups are kept small to ensure personalized instruction and safety.

Can I continue certification after completing this course?

Yes, this course serves as a stepping stone to full Open Water Diver certification with additional dives.

Open Water Diving with Pura Vida Diving in Las Palmas

Located off Spain’s southwestern coast, Las Palmas is the vibrant capital of Gran Canaria and a gateway to some of the Canary Islands’ richest underwater landscapes. Pura Vida Diving has carved a niche here by offering intensive, hands-on scuba instruction tailored for beginners ready to launch into certified diving. Their flagship Curso Scuba Diver a Open Water Diver is a focused two-day journey that balances classroom theory with real-world application, setting divers up for safe, confident ocean experiences.

The course begins with concise lessons on essential diving principles and gear familiarization in shallow, sheltered waters—vital groundwork for mastering breathing techniques and buoyancy control. From there, participants undertake two open-water dives reaching depths of approximately 18 meters around Lanzarote’s volcanic coast. The dive sites expose clients to dramatic underwater rock formations shaped by ancient lava flows, teeming with brightly colored tropical fish like damselfish and parrotfish—an ideal entry into the Canary Islands’ subtropical marine ecosystem.

What makes Pura Vida Diving stand out is its local expertise and committed focus on safety without skimping on adventurous thrills. Instructor-led groups maintain individualized pace, ensuring each diver builds skill and confidence underwater. The culturally rich atmosphere of Las Palmas, a city with deep maritime roots dating back to colonial exploration, complements the dive experience with its blend of Spanish and African influences.

For travelers seeking to connect with nature beneath ocean waves, Pura Vida Diving offers a rare combination of immersive instruction and access to some of the clearest, most biodiverse waters in the region. This course is not just about certification—it's a guided entry into an enduring outdoor lifestyle shaped by ocean currents, volcanic geology, and island community heritage.

About Pura Vida Diving

Pura Vida Diving is a dive center based in Playa Blanca, Canarias, offering guided dives, certification courses and multi-dive packages for visitors to Lanzarote. The center runs a range of experiences from introductory bautizos and snorkel tours to professional-level training such as Divemaster and Instructor programs.

Activities include single and double immersions at the Museo Atlántico, specialized courses like Nitrox, Deep Diving and Night Diving, plus Extended Range and Decompression Diving options. Training follows recognized standards, with specific programs listed such as the Perfect Buoyancy SSI course, Scuba Diver to Open Water progression, Rescue and First Aid, and Instructor SSI Open Water preparation. Multi-dive packages (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 dives) provide guided dives with complete gear, daily transport on select packages, eco-friendly snacks and family-oriented amenities including a kids play area. Several programs include certification dives, confined water practice and open water sessions with clear hour estimates where provided.

Pura Vida Diving emphasizes eco-guided museum dives at the Museo Atlántico and structured training pathways including Assistant Instructor and Respond Right Instructor preparation. Courses specify age minimums when applicable, for example introductory dives are available from age 8. The center advertises no-expiration dive packages for returning divers and offers practical skills training such as buoyancy, underwater navigation and fish identification. All listed trips and course names reflect the center’s publicly offered schedule and program summaries. Schedules include single dives, multi-day courses and special trips such as Mar Rojo 2025 and wreck diving courses focused on pecios (barcos hundidos). Check schedules.