Learning to dive opens up a completely new way to experience the world, and this certification is your first step. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most recognised entry-level scuba qualification globally, giving you the freedom to dive independently with a buddy once completed. You’ll also have the option to upgrade to a combined Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver package for those looking to continue their training straight away.
This course begins with the knowledge development portion, where you’ll explore the fundamental principles of scuba diving. This includes topics like how pressure affects the body, dive safety protocols, equipment use, and underwater communication. You can complete this section through online self-study or in a classroom setting, depending on your preference.
Once you’ve covered the theory, you’ll move on to confined water dives. These take place in a pool or calm coastal area, where you'll learn and practise essential scuba skills, such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and emergency ascent techniques. These sessions are designed to build confidence and prepare you for open water conditions.
The final part of the course includes four open water dives in the sea. Here, you'll apply your skills in a real diving environment under instructor supervision, gaining experience while exploring local underwater sites. Completing the course qualifies you to dive to 18 metres with a certified buddy. If you’d like to continue straight into more advanced diving, you can also choose to upgrade to the combined Open Water and Advanced Open Water course package.
The course is based in Cala Barca urbanisation, Sa Barca Trencada, along Mallorca’s southeastern coast. This area offers calm, shallow bays ideal for both training and open water dives, with good visibility and gentle conditions suited to beginners.
Mallorca itself is one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean, home to varied marine life and clear waters. The mix of protected training spots and interesting underwater features makes it an excellent setting to start your diving journey.
You must be at least 10 years old. While previous diving experience is not needed, you should be able to swim comfortably and have basic water confidence.
Participants will complete a standard medical questionnaire before starting. Anyone under 18 must also have written permission from a parent or guardian.
Our instructors are certified professionals who specialise in teaching beginners. The course is structured to make learning comfortable and enjoyable, offering flexibility in how you complete the theory and ample practice time before heading into the sea.
This internationally recognised qualification allows you to dive independently with a buddy anywhere in the world. It's a comprehensive introduction to scuba diving and a solid foundation for progressing into more advanced diving courses—or you can continue straight away by upgrading to the combined Open Water and Advanced Open Water option.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is a globally recognised certification programme that teaches you the skills and knowledge required to dive independently with a buddy. Once certified, you’ll be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres (or 12 metres for Junior Open Water Divers).
It’s the most popular entry-level scuba course in the world and a prerequisite for many advanced diving programmes. The course is made up of theory study, confined water training, and open water dives where you apply what you’ve learned in real-world conditions.
Anyone aged 10 or older who is in good general health and can swim comfortably can join the PADI Open Water Diver course. You don’t need to have any prior diving experience, as all the basic concepts and skills are introduced step by step.
Participants will need to complete a standard medical questionnaire before starting the course. If any pre-existing conditions are flagged, a doctor’s clearance may be required. Parental or guardian consent is also needed for those under 18.
The course consists of three main components: knowledge development (which can be completed online or in-person), confined water dives in a pool or protected area, and four open water dives. Each section builds on the previous one, creating a structured learning path.
The theory covers diving safety, equipment, pressure effects on the body, dive planning, and underwater communication. Confined water dives allow you to practise skills in a controlled setting before heading out into open water.
Most people complete the course in three to four days, although this can vary based on how you pace the theory portion and local dive conditions. Online theory allows you to complete the academic portion ahead of time, saving time on-site.
The in-water sessions are typically split over two or more days, giving you enough time to learn, practise, and apply skills without being rushed. Your instructor will work with you to ensure the schedule suits your pace and comfort level.
You’ll develop a wide range of skills that prepare you to dive safely and confidently. These include proper breathing techniques, mask and regulator clearing, buoyancy control, and how to manage out-of-air situations.
You’ll also practise essential dive planning, safety checks, underwater navigation, and controlled ascents. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to dive with a buddy without direct supervision from a professional.
All the standard scuba gear is used during training, including a mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, tank, and weight system. Equipment will be fitted and adjusted to suit your size and comfort.
You'll also learn how to assemble and disassemble your equipment, perform pre-dive checks, and care for your gear properly. Understanding your equipment is a key part of diving confidently and safely.
Yes, your PADI Open Water Diver certification is valid for life. Once earned, you can dive around the world without needing to repeat the course, though it’s recommended to refresh your skills if you haven’t dived in a while.
Many divers go on to take additional courses such as Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or various specialty certifications. Your Open Water card is your passport to further training and adventure.
Yes, you can upgrade to a combined course that includes both the PADI Open Water Diver and the Advanced Open Water Diver certifications. This option is ideal if you want to continue developing your skills immediately after your initial qualification and make the most of your time at the dive centre.
The combined course allows you to complete both certifications in one extended programme, saving time and offering a more in-depth diving experience. It also gives you access to deeper dives (up to 30 metres) and introduces you to specialised diving types like navigation, night, or wreck diving.
About the centre
Porto Petro Illes Balears, Spain
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Operated by First Class Divers Mallorca, a partner of adventuro.
