What certification level is required?

You need an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to enroll in the Curso Pecios diving course.

Is prior wreck diving experience mandatory?

While not mandatory, it is recommended to have recent diving experience or a refresher if you haven’t dived within the last year.

How many dives are included in the course?

The course includes two open water dives focused on exploring shipwrecks and reef sites.

Is all equipment provided?

Yes, full dive gear is provided as part of the course package.

Are there age restrictions?

Participants must be at least 10 years old to join.

Can I fly immediately after the dives?

No, it's recommended to wait at least 24 hours after diving before flying to avoid decompression sickness risk.

Explore Sunken Shipwrecks with Curso Pecios Diving in Playa Blanca, Canary Islands

Located off the sun-drenched coast of Playa Blanca in the Canary Islands, Curso Pecios offers diving enthusiasts a rare chance to explore the underwater world of historic shipwrecks and artificial reefs. This 10-hour course combines theory and hands-on adventure, delivering not only an adrenaline-filled dive but also a solid certification experience for divers aged 10 and older who hold an Open Water certification. Set against the backdrop of Las Palmas’ rich marine ecosystem, this dive course brings to life the mysteries of sunken vessels resting silently beneath the waves. The Canary Islands have long been a nexus for maritime history, their waters dotted with shipwrecks sunk through centuries of trade and seafaring. Curso Pecios capitalizes on this heritage, inviting certified divers to immerse themselves in a unique environment shaped by hydrothermal currents, volcanic seabed formations, and thriving marine life. The course begins with an online theoretical session, covering essential knowledge about navigating wrecks safely, managing buoyancy near fragile structures, and understanding the underwater topography specific to this region. Once the classroom portion is complete, participants move into two open-water dives where they'll experience first-hand the haunting beauty of sunken ships. Highlights include exploring the captain's bridge and decks where centuries of history linger amid coral-encrusted steel. These submerged relics serve as artificial reefs, attracting a vibrant array of creatures such as colorful parrotfish, moray eels, and occasionally eagle rays. Curso Pecios enriches Playa Blanca's outdoor offerings by combining heritage, adventure, and skill-building into a comprehensive dive experience. What makes it stand out in the Canary Islands’ bustling tourism landscape is its focus on education matched with access to exclusive dive sites, making it ideal for intermediate divers looking to deepen their connection with the ocean. Safety and sustainability are prioritized, with a detailed briefing on the 24-hour no-fly rule post-dive, and an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact around delicate wreck sites. The full dive equipment is provided, along with a coveted Pura Vida gift and exclusive offers, ensuring every guest leaves with more than a memory. Whether staying in Playa Blanca or exploring the wider Canary archipelago, this course is tailored to maximize your underwater adventure. Perfect for certified divers eager to deepen their skills and curiosity, Curso Pecios opens a doorway to the ocean’s hidden chapters—the kind of journey that transforms a trip into a lifelong story.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

10 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should be in good physical shape with comfort swimming open water conditions and managing moderate currents.

Wildlife

Parrotfish
Moray eel

History

The Canary Islands have been a crossroads for sailors since ancient times, and many shipwrecks here date back centuries, offering unique underwater archaeological sites.

Conservation

Curso Pecios emphasizes sustainable diving practices to protect fragile wrecks and marine ecosystems, promoting environmental awareness with every dive.

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.

Base locationPlaya Blanca, Canarias

Tours offered36+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace