Your first step under water takes three days. This open-water scuba course in Mallorca mixes online prep with hands-on coaching, then moves to four open-water sessions (max 18 meters). The payoff is an internationally recognized certification, guided in English by experienced instructors, with a small group size capped at 4.

I like how the course builds control before you go deeper: you get shallow-water training after online theory, then you practice real skills in open water. One thing to consider: you’ll need a medical certificate for scuba, and the program depends on good weather.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Online theory first: get ready before you arrive, so you spend time practicing instead of guessing.
• Shallow-water confidence: control, equipment handling, and basic skills come first.
• Four open-water sessions: you’ll work up to a max depth of 18 meters.
• Small group in English: maximum of 4 travelers means more personalized feedback.
• Gear and insurance included: equipment use, online certification, and scuba insurance are part of the package.
• Start at age 10: the course can begin for young swimmers with the right medical clearance.

Where it starts: Big Blue Diving in Puerto Portals

Your course begins at Big Blue Diving in Puerto Portals, at Local 119, Edificio D4 in Portals Nous (meeting point area in Spain). Start time is 10:00 am, and the location is near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a car just to begin training.

Puerto Portals is a busy marina area. That matters because your “day starts” are easy: you can arrive, meet the team, get your gear sorted, and move into training without a long scramble. Also, the course caps at 4 people, so you’ll usually get more direct attention than you’d find in a big crowd setup.

If you’re nervous, the meeting point helps. You’re not suddenly tossed into open water on day one. The structure is built around familiarity first—equipment, checks, and technique in calmer water—then the real-world experience.

Price and value for a 3-day open-water scuba course

At $718.96 per person for about 3 days, this isn’t a cheap “try it once” activity. You’re paying for structured instruction, multiple training stages, and certification—not just a single outing.

Here’s what makes the cost feel more justified:

• Equipment use is included, so you’re not budgeting extra for rentals.
• Online theory is part of the package, so you arrive prepared.
• Online certification is included, which is a big deal if you want the credentials to travel with.
• Scuba insurance is included, giving you coverage tied to the activity.
• The course is capped at 4 travelers, and that small size tends to mean more personal coaching.

A possible drawback is simple: snacks aren’t included. That means you’ll want to plan for breaks and food around training days. Also, because it’s weather-dependent, you may need flexibility if conditions aren’t right.

Before you arrive: online theory that sets the tone

A smart part of this course: you complete the theory online beforehand. That changes the entire vibe once you show up. Instead of spending your limited in-person time on basics like how systems work or safety concepts, you use class time for skills, repetition, and corrections.

You also get online certification as part of the included features. That’s useful because it keeps the paperwork tied to the course, rather than scattering steps across multiple suppliers.

Practical advice for your online prep: treat the theory like homework, not trivia. If you can explain key safety ideas clearly to yourself, your first training session feels less stressful. If you rush it, you’ll likely spend your first day trying to catch up while also learning equipment handling—double pressure.

Day 1 in shallow water: build control before open water

Shallow-water training is the bridge between land and open water. It’s where you learn fundamental skills in a setting designed for confidence, not surprises.

Based on how the course is described, expect hands-on work like:

• setting up and checking scuba equipment
• practicing core underwater exercises
• learning how to respond when things feel different than you expect

The best part of shallow water is control. Depth is lower, conditions are typically easier to manage, and your instructor can correct your technique faster. That matters because open water is where your body has to trust your skills—breathing rhythm, buoyancy control, and calm reactions to changing moments.

One review feedback thread stood out in a way that’s very common for beginners: the first day can feel tough. But the training method is clearly built for that. You’re not expected to feel expert immediately. By day three, the goal is real confidence and smoother movements, because the course keeps reinforcing fundamentals.

Your four open-water sessions up to 18 meters

After shallow practice, the course moves into four open-water sessions with a maximum depth of 18 meters. This is where you see what “real ocean time” feels like, not just skills in controlled water.

What you’re doing during those sessions is essentially applying what you learned:

• using equipment confidently after setting it up correctly
• continuing underwater exercises in a more natural environment
• practicing safety responses in conditions that feel less staged

The course description is clear that open water is meant to show you the underwater world in its diversity. Even if you’re only there for certification, these sessions are what make the experience memorable. You’re not just passing a checklist; you’re learning how your skills perform outside the training zone.

A practical consideration: 18 meters is not extreme for experienced scuba staff, but for a new student it’s meaningful. That’s why training is staged. Your instructor guidance and the progression from shallow water are the whole point. If you show up tired, under-prepared, or anxious, it can take longer to settle. If you show up having completed the online theory, you’ll likely adapt faster.

Small-group coaching in English: what personalized instruction feels like

This course is offered in English, which is a huge benefit if you want to understand every correction. Technical instruction is easier when you don’t have to translate safety guidance in your head.

The small group size is also key. With a maximum of 4 travelers, you’re not just another body in the water. Instructors can:

• watch your technique closely
• give tighter feedback on equipment setup and underwater exercises
• adjust the pace when a skill clicks for one student faster than another

In plain terms, you get less waiting around. You spend more time doing, and less time watching from the edge.

Also, the course is described as hands-on, and that lines up with what new students typically need: guidance in real time. The training approach you’re buying is not “figure it out.” It’s “practice it, then practice it again, with coaching.”

What’s included (and what you’ll need to bring)

Included:

• Use of scuba equipment
• online theory
• online certification
• scuba diving insurance

That’s a solid set of inclusions for a course like this, because gear and insurance can easily become hidden costs if you’re booking the pieces separately.

Not included:

• snacks

So you’ll want a simple plan for your energy: eat before you arrive, and bring something easy if you don’t want to hunt around between sessions.

Also important: you’ll need a scuba medical certificate before you go. That’s not a “nice to have.” It’s required, and it protects you. If you’re unsure whether you’re cleared, your next step should be to arrange that certificate before making firm plans.

Who this course suits best (and who should think twice)

This open-water scuba course can start from age 10, which is impressive for families or young adventurous kids—assuming they meet the medical requirement and the physical demands.

It’s also recommended for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete. It does mean you should be comfortable with:

• moving and staying steady in water
• being able to handle equipment setup
• showing up consistently across the 3-day structure

Who should book?

• First-timers who want a structured path from theory to hands-on skills to open water.
• People who appreciate small-group instruction and clear English explanations.
• Anyone who wants internationally recognized certification, not a one-off outing.

Who might think twice?

• If you can’t get the required scuba medical certificate in time.
• If your schedule can’t handle weather changes, since the experience requires good weather.

Weather and pacing: why flexibility matters

The course is weather-dependent. That’s normal for ocean training, and it’s stated clearly: if poor weather cancels the activity, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

From a practical standpoint, this means you should avoid booking super-tight travel days around your 3-day window. Think of it like this: you’re buying a learning block, and the sea controls the calendar more than you do.

Pacing-wise, the course is designed for progression:

• online theory before arrival
• shallow-water skills first
• then four open-water sessions up to 18 meters

That staged approach is what keeps the learning curve reasonable. If you go in expecting instant ease, you may feel frustrated. If you go in expecting practice, the structure works.

Should you book this Mallorca open-water scuba course?

Yes—if your goal is real certification and you want a learning path that builds confidence in steps.

Book it if:

• you want online theory plus hands-on training
• you like the idea of small-group coaching (max 4)
• you care about having equipment and insurance included
• you’re comfortable meeting the requirement for a scuba medical certificate

Skip or delay if:

• you’re not ready to complete theory beforehand
• your body or schedule can’t handle the moderate physical demands
• you don’t have flexibility if weather disrupts the schedule

If you’re the type of person who likes to learn skills properly—equipment checks, underwater exercises, and calm responses—you’ll likely get what you came for: competence, confidence, and a certification you can use beyond Mallorca.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca open-water scuba course?

It runs for about 3 days.

What time does the course start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

How deep will I go during the open-water sessions?

The maximum depth is 18 meters.

Is online theory included?

Yes. Online theory is included and you complete it beforehand.

What’s included in the price?

Use of scuba equipment, online theory, online certification, and scuba insurance are included. Snacks are not included.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Yes. A diving medical certificate is required.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.