If you're short on time but keen to get certified, this is the perfect entry-level option. The PADI Scuba Diver course is a condensed version of the full Open Water Diver course, giving you foundational skills and an internationally recognised qualification to dive under supervision.
The PADI Scuba Diver course is split into three main sections. The theory portion covers key concepts of scuba diving through either online study or classroom learning. You'll complete the first three chapters of the Open Water Diver curriculum, focusing on safety, pressure, buoyancy, and dive planning.
Next, you'll complete confined water dives in a pool or a calm, protected section of the sea. Here, you’ll practise essential scuba skills such as clearing your mask, regulator recovery, underwater communication, and equipment handling. These sessions are designed to build confidence and prepare you for the open water environment.
To complete the course, you’ll take part in two open water dives under instructor supervision. These are conducted in safe, scenic areas where you’ll apply what you’ve learned and explore while demonstrating the required skills. Once finished, you’ll be certified to dive to 12 metres alongside a PADI professional, and you’ll be eligible to upgrade to full Open Water Diver status at a later date.
The course takes place in Cala Barca urbanisation, Sa Barca Trencada, a quiet stretch of coastline in southeast Mallorca. This spot offers excellent conditions for beginner divers, with access to both calm, confined water spaces and open sea.
Mallorca is part of Spain’s Balearic Islands, situated in the western Mediterranean. It's a well-regarded diving destination due to its crystal-clear waters, mild temperatures, and abundance of marine life, making it an ideal setting for both training and enjoyment.
You must be at least 10 years old to enrol. No previous diving experience is necessary, but participants must be able to swim and be in good overall health.
For those under 18, written consent from a parent or guardian is required. All participants should be prepared to complete a basic medical questionnaire to ensure they’re fit for diving.
Our instructors are fully certified by PADI and have extensive experience training new divers, ensuring your learning process is safe, structured, and enjoyable. Whether you choose online or in-person theory, you'll be supported every step of the way.
This course gives you a real taste of scuba diving while keeping time commitments manageable. You’ll leave with the skills and certification to dive under supervision anywhere in the world, and a clear path forward to become a fully certified Open Water Diver.
The PADI Scuba Diver course is a beginner-level diving programme designed for those who want a recognised certification but may not have the time to complete the full Open Water Diver course. It covers the essential knowledge and skills needed to dive safely under direct supervision, up to a maximum depth of 12 metres.
This course is a formal certification that enables you to dive with a PADI professional anywhere in the world. It's also a great stepping stone towards completing the full PADI Open Water Diver certification in the future, as all completed sections count toward that qualification.
The Scuba Diver course is essentially a shortened version of the Open Water course. It includes the first three of five theory sections, three of five confined water sessions, and two of four open water dives. This results in a quicker certification process while still providing a solid introduction to scuba diving.
However, certified Scuba Divers are limited to diving under direct supervision and to a depth of 12 metres, whereas Open Water Divers can dive to 18 metres independently with a certified buddy. The Scuba Diver course can be upgraded later, allowing you to complete the remaining sections and earn the full certification.
You’ll start by learning foundational diving concepts such as pressure and buoyancy, how to plan a dive safely, and how to respond to common problems. These are taught through either online self-paced learning or classroom sessions, depending on what suits you best.
Next, you’ll move to confined water dives where you’ll learn key skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, breathing techniques, and buoyancy control. The course finishes with two open water dives, where you'll demonstrate what you’ve learned in a real-world environment.
The PADI Scuba Diver course usually takes 2 days to complete, depending on your pace and the format of the theory sessions. Online theory may allow you to complete the knowledge section ahead of time, speeding up the overall course duration.
In-water training is flexible and can be scheduled over consecutive days or spaced out depending on availability and weather. Your instructor will work with you to set a schedule that allows for plenty of time to learn each skill comfortably.
No prior scuba experience is necessary to take part in this course. It’s designed for complete beginners, and all essential diving skills and safety procedures are taught from scratch during the course.
That said, you do need to be able to swim adequately. While you won’t need to pass a full swim test like in the Open Water course, you should feel confident in the water and be in good physical health. Basic water comfort will make the course more enjoyable.
You’ll complete three confined water dives in a pool or protected sea area where conditions are calm and controlled. These are focused on mastering essential safety and skill techniques in a low-pressure environment.
The course also includes two open water dives in natural conditions, where you'll apply your skills under instructor supervision. These dives will take place in a local site with good visibility and calm waters, ideal for training purposes and gaining confidence.
Once you finish the course, you’ll receive the official PADI Scuba Diver certification. This qualification allows you to dive up to 12 metres under the supervision of a PADI professional anywhere in the world.
It’s an internationally recognised certification and can be used to participate in guided dives and certain specialty courses. It also serves as the first half of the full PADI Open Water Diver course, which you can complete later with additional training.
About the centre
Porto Petro, Illes Balears, Spain
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