Learning scuba skills in Mallorca starts here.

This 3-day Open Water scuba certification course is built for real confidence, not just “try it and hope.” I like that you do online theory first, so your in-water time is focused on skills. I also like the small setup (max 4), which makes the coaching feel personal instead of rushed.

The main thing to plan for is that you’ll need a scuba medical certificate, plus you’re dependent on good weather for the session to run smoothly.

Key things to know before you go

• Online theory first: you arrive with the basics already covered.
• Small group (max 4): more individual attention during practice.
• Shallow-water skill work: control and equipment handling before open water.
• Four open-water sessions up to 18 meters: real underwater training with depth goals.
• Certified output: you get internationally recognized scuba certification.

Your 3-Day Mallorca Open-Water Course, Explained Simply

This is a tight, focused course. You’re looking at about 3 days total, with a schedule that ramps up step by step: learn the basics online, practice control in shallow water, then do four open-water sessions up to 18 meters.

The course is aimed at people who want an actual certification, not just a one-time experience. That matters because certification courses follow a structure: you learn specific skills, you practice them with an instructor, and you demonstrate you can do them safely. For you, that usually means less guesswork and more “I know what to do, even if something feels unfamiliar.”

Also, the group size is small. Maximum 4 travelers means the instructor time isn’t split across a crowd. Expect more chances to redo a skill, slow down, and get corrected.

Online Theory Sets You Up to Succeed

Before you ever get wet, you complete the theory online. That’s one of the smartest parts of this format because it lets the course use your limited on-site time for practical training.

Here’s what that does for you in real terms:

• You’re not hearing all the fundamentals while you’re already anxious in gear.
• You can ask questions on the parts you found confusing during the online portion.
• When shallow-water practice starts, you already understand the “why,” not just the “how.”

The course also includes online certification. If you like closing the loop—finish the steps, earn the credential, and move on—this setup is built for that.

One practical note: snacks aren’t included. If your theory day or training day runs longer than you expect, bring simple food planning so you’re not dragging through equipment setup hungry.

Shallow-Water Training: Where Confidence Is Built

After the online theory, you move into shallow-water practice. This is where the course does the heavy lifting: building comfort, control, and the basics of handling scuba equipment.

This matters because open water can feel different from what you imagine. Even strong swimmers can tense up when breathing through gear and working around buoyancy. The shallow-water stage is designed to reduce that pressure. You get repeated practice with underwater exercises in a controlled setting, and you build the muscle memory before you ever go deeper.

From a review perspective, one person described Day 1 as tough, then much easier by Day 3. That lines up with how shallow practice usually goes. The first day often feels like learning a new sport plus learning a new environment at once. The second and third days are where it clicks.

If you want an easier learning curve, take your time in shallow water. Don’t rush. The fastest way to feel confident is to do each step carefully, even if it takes longer than you think.

Four Open-Water Sessions Up to 18 Meters

Once shallow skills feel solid, you move to four open-water sessions, with a maximum depth of 18 meters. This is the part most people remember—because it’s when you finally spend real time experiencing Mallorca’s underwater world, not just practicing technique.

What makes these sessions valuable is the balance between guidance and real-world conditions. You’re not just “going down.” You’re doing a course progression: the goal is to show you can manage equipment, perform skills, and respond as conditions change.

You should also understand what the depth goal means for your mindset. 18 meters isn’t extreme, but it’s deep enough that you’ll feel the environment differently than in the shallows. You’ll likely notice buoyancy challenges, air management, and the way you move through the water. That’s normal. The course is designed to coach you through it.

And because the course includes experienced, personalized instruction, you’re not left to figure it out alone. In one review, the learner specifically praised how the team taught them everything from setting up and checking equipment to a range of underwater exercises. That “equipment competence” part is big. When you know your gear is working and you’re using it correctly, the open water feels more enjoyable and less stressful.

Equipment, Insurance, and Certification Value

The price includes:

• Use of scuba equipment
• Online theory
• Online certification
• Diving insurance (the course lists diving insurance; practically, you’re covered for the activity)

That combination is good value because it removes a couple of common hassles. You don’t have to rent your own gear separately, and you’re not paying extra for training materials. The online theory and online certification are also part of the package, so the course is more “one purchase, complete the pathway” than “show up and buy extra stuff as you go.”

Most importantly, you get internationally recognized certification. That means you should be able to use your training beyond Mallorca, assuming you meet the usual requirements for future sites and local regulations.

If you’re weighing whether to do this course now versus later, consider the practical side: doing it while you’re already in a place famous for coastal scenery and clear, inviting water makes the training feel like part of a vacation, not a chore.

Big Blue Puerto Portals: Location and Practical Setup

Your start point is in Puerto Portals area: Big Blue Puerto Portals, Local 119, Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain, with a 10:00 am start. The activity also notes it’s near public transportation, which matters if you’re not renting a car.

You’ll want to build a buffer into your morning. Arrive a little early so you can settle in, handle any gear questions, and avoid starting stressed. Equipment training goes smoother when you’re not rushing.

Also plan for what you’ll wear. The course depends on water time and physical practice, so bring practical swimwear and a way to keep your things dry afterward. If snacks aren’t included, I’d plan a simple bite before you start or pack something light for later.

Finally, this is a maximum 4-person course. That means you’ll likely spend a lot of time talking, checking gear, and getting feedback. Come ready to listen and ask questions.

Fitness, Age, and Safety Requirements (Read This Part)

This course can start from age 10. That makes it a realistic option for families and motivated younger learners, as long as they meet the safety standards.

You also need moderate physical fitness. It’s not about being an athlete. It’s about being able to move comfortably in and out of the water, handle gear setup, and practice buoyancy and controlled movement without feeling overwhelmed.

One requirement is non-negotiable: you’ll need a scuba medical certificate. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to sort that out before the course can proceed. This isn’t paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It’s part of the safety system that lets you train confidently.

Good weather is also required. If conditions are poor, the experience may be rescheduled or you’ll get a full refund. Since you’re on a short 3-day window, that’s worth thinking about when you book your trip around flight times.

Price Check: Is $718.96 Worth It?

At $718.96 per person, this isn’t a “cheap activity.” But certification courses usually aren’t. The value comes from what’s bundled and what you leave with.

Here’s how I judge the cost:

• Training time over multiple days: you get theory plus shallow practice plus four open-water sessions.
• Included gear use: you’re not paying separate rental fees.
• Insurance included: reduces hidden costs and risk.
• Certification included online: you finish with an internationally recognized credential.
• Small group size: max 4 means more instructor attention, which is often where you get the real difference.

If your goal is to gain underwater skills, get certified, and enjoy real ocean time in Mallorca, the price starts to make sense. If your goal is only a one-off splash experience, you’d probably find cheaper options elsewhere—but you’d miss the certification pathway and the structured skills work.

If you’re the type who likes a clear plan with measurable progress, this course format is a strong match.

Who Should Book This Course (and Who Should Wait)

This course is a good fit if:

• you want an actual certification, not just a first-time try
• you like a structured learning path with hands-on coaching
• you prefer small group instruction
• you’re comfortable with a moderate physical requirement
• you can get the required scuba medical certificate

You might rethink it if:

• you’re unsure about meeting the medical certificate requirement
• you know you’ll be uncomfortable with water practice and equipment setup
• you’re booking during a period where you can’t shift plans if weather changes

For first-time learners, the best advice is mindset. Day 1 may feel like a lot—equipment checks, new sensations, new procedures. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It usually means you’re learning. The payoff tends to show up as you go, when skills start to feel more natural.

Should You Book This Mallorca Open-Water Course?

I’d book it if you want more than a fun afternoon. The combination of online theory, shallow practice for control, and four open-water sessions up to 18 meters gives you a real learning pathway, capped with internationally recognized certification.

It’s especially worth it if you value small-group attention and you want your instructor to guide you through equipment setup and underwater exercises, not just supervise from the shore.

Before you click confirm, do the unglamorous checklist: get your scuba medical certificate lined up, plan your trip around possible weather, and assume you’ll need snacks or planned meals since they aren’t included. If you handle those basics, you’re set up for a course that turns “I want to try this” into “I can actually do this.”

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca Open Water course?

It runs for about 3 days.

What certification do I receive?

The course includes online certification and provides internationally recognized scuba certification.

What’s included in the price?

Included are use of scuba equipment, online theory, online certification, and diving insurance.

What’s required before I start?

You’ll need a scuba medical certificate, and you should have moderate physical fitness.

How deep do the open-water sessions go?

The course includes four open-water sessions with a maximum depth of 18 meters.

What’s the starting time and meeting point?

It starts at 10:00 am at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Local 119 Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain.

Is the course affected by weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.