Five sessions, two days, and real confidence.

This PADI Advanced Open Water scuba course in Gran Canaria is interesting because it mixes classroom e-learning with hands-on coaching from a certified PADI instructor—so you’re not just memorizing skills, you’re using them. I also love the practical logistics: hotel pickup from selected hotels and a small-group setup (max 6) keep the day from feeling chaotic. One consideration: food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan for gaps around the morning start.

You’ll spend two days building on skills with five planned underwater sessions. Two core parts are fixed: a 30-meter maximum depth session and underwater navigation. The last three are choice-based—your instructor works with you to pick options like boat outings, wreck time, and a night undersea session when conditions allow. You’ll get a full equipment hire, online study manual, certification fee, and insurance, plus a mobile ticket and a straightforward meet-up at the Blue Water centre.

Key Things That Make This Course Worth Your Time

• Small group size (up to 6) so you get more attention, less waiting around
• Five underwater sessions in two days with two core skills plus three flexible picks
• 30-meter depth + underwater navigation are built in—great if you want to level up fast
• Full equipment hire and insurance included so you’re not juggling gear and paperwork
• English instruction with online study prep so you can get calm before you hit the water
• Flexible optional sessions like boat, wreck, and night-time undersea work (weather permitting)

Choosing Gran Canaria for Your PADI Advanced Open Water Course

Gran Canaria is a smart pick when you want consistent scuba conditions and lots of options for where to practice. This course is designed for momentum: you get a structured sequence over two days, rather than stretching the program out and hoping you’ll keep the skills fresh.

Another reason I like this location choice is the way the program is set up to match different comfort levels. The core requirements—depth work up to 30 meters and underwater navigation—teach you the “grown-up diver” skills that affect everything you do later. Then you add three optional sessions where you can steer the experience toward what sounds coolest to you (wrecks, boat departures, or a night-time session).

You’ll also find the operation geared toward smoother mornings. The start time is 8:30 am at the Blue Water centre on Calle Olimpicos, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, which helps if you’re planning the rest of your day in Las Palmas.

Price and Value: Is $415.65 Fair for What You Get?

At $415.65 per person for a roughly two-day PADI Advanced Open Water course, the best way to judge value is to look at what you’re not paying extra for.

Included value highlights:

• Professional guide (your PADI instructor)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels
• Full equipment hire
• Tuition
• Online study manual and certification fee
• Insurance

Not included:

• Food and drinks

That’s a lot of “hidden” costs that usually add up: gear rental, insurance, and the certification fee. Here, those are handled, which can make the total feel more predictable. The only real predictable gap is meals—especially since you start at 8:30 am—so budget for breakfast and whatever lunch plan you prefer.

Where this price may not feel like a perfect fit is if you’re already fully loaded with your own equipment and you’re planning to arrive late or juggle your own transport. The package is built around a clean schedule with pickup (for eligible hotels) and a single meeting point.

Meeting at Blue Water: The 8:30 am Start That Keeps You Moving

Your meeting point is the Blue Water centre, Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. Start time is 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Two practical wins here:

• The location is near public transportation, so you’re not locked into a car.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is offered for selected hotels, which reduces the “where do I wait?” stress.

Since your group is capped at 6, you can usually expect a tighter flow: quick check-in, gear setup, briefing, and then off to the sites. That matters because the course spans two days—anything that slows down mornings tends to snowball.

Also, the course is in English, and you’ll do e-learning via the online study manual. If you’re the type who likes to show up prepared, you’ll probably appreciate that you can complete the online portion before arrival.

Your Two Days Plan: 5 Underwater Sessions With Real Choice

Over two days, you complete five planned underwater training sessions. The structure is intentionally simple:

• Two core sessions (required):
• A 30-meter maximum depth session
• Underwater navigation

• Three optional sessions (choose from a range):
• Boat-based training
• Wreck-focused training
• Night undersea session
• (You discuss options with your instructor and tailor the mix to your interests)

Here’s the practical value of that structure. The fixed core sessions ensure you build the skills that most often limit future scuba comfort—depth control and finding your way. The optional sessions then let you personalize your growth. Want a memorable theme? Pick wreck time. Want hands-on variety? Add boat-based training. Interested in atmosphere and teamwork? A night undersea session can be a strong fit when conditions allow.

One more thing: the program explicitly says you can discuss optional sessions and work with the instructor to suit your likes. That’s a good sign. It means the schedule isn’t treated like a rigid checklist only—it should be adapted to your comfort level and what the water is doing.

The Course Core: 30-meter Training and Underwater Navigation

These two required components are the heart of what makes an Advanced Open Water course feel like an upgrade.

The 30-meter session (maximum 30 mtrs)

Going to 30 meters isn’t just about going deeper. It’s about learning controlled breathing, awareness, and calm decision-making as conditions change with depth. Your certified PADI instructor leads you through it, and the course is set up so you’re doing it as part of a coached plan, not as random “let’s see what happens” behavior.

From a comfort standpoint, this is also where you learn what you can handle. If you’re nervous at depth, having a structured briefing and a professional guide tends to make the whole experience feel more manageable.

Underwater navigation

Underwater navigation is one of those skills that pays off immediately. The moment you can navigate confidently, you stop feeling like every outing is a guided tour. Instead, you gain the ability to plan, follow headings, and reduce that panicky “where are we?” feeling.

This course’s navigation part is built into the two-day flow, so you’re not left trying to remember skills weeks later. Doing it alongside depth work can also help you build a stronger mental checklist—better situational awareness improves everything.

Optional Sessions: Boat, Wreck, and Night Undersea Time

The optional sessions are where you turn the course into an experience that feels like your trip, not just training.

Boat-based training

Boat sessions can be a big quality-of-life improvement. They usually mean access to sites that are easier to reach by water and often a smoother transition to the undersea work. If you like variety and don’t want every practice to be from shore, boat-based training is a good direction.

Wreck-focused training

Wreck time is popular because it combines structure, history-like interest, and problem-solving. You’ll often practice skills while you’re surrounded by something tangible—shapes, lines, and areas where good buoyancy and awareness matter.

Night undersea session

A night undersea session can feel like a totally different world. It also raises the value of good technique and careful planning, which fits perfectly with the “advanced” theme.

Important practical note: the course says you can discuss and select options, implying some flexibility. And in real-world conditions, plans can change if weather or visibility doesn’t cooperate. If you’re hoping for a night session, try to keep your schedule loose enough that you can go with the instructor’s call.

Instruction Style and Equipment: How Blue Water Sets the Tone

What tends to make or break an Advanced course is the coaching style. Here, the program is led by certified PADI instructors, and the operation clearly prioritizes clear instruction plus an easygoing atmosphere.

I’d trust this setup especially if you like having your questions answered. In multiple accounts of this centre’s approach, people highlight instructors who explain material clearly, keep safety front and center, and still keep the mood fun. Names that come up include Mati, Lily, Eileen, Danny, and instructors across the team such as Kate and Chris, with additional staff like Kevin and Adam showing up in day-to-day organization.

A few practical points about what that means for you:

• You’re likely to get thorough briefings before each undersea session.
• Equipment setup is taken seriously, because having comfortable gear can be the difference between “I’m calm” and “I’m fighting my kit.”
• Many skills feel easier when you get corrections in plain language—especially the kind of buoyancy and control practice that people describe as changing how comfortable they feel underwater.

On top of that, you’re provided full equipment hire and insurance. That’s not glamorous, but it’s a real advantage for visitors who don’t want to handle rentals or paperwork.

What You Need to Bring (And What to Double-Check)

The requirements are straightforward, and you should treat them like a checklist.

You’ll need:

• Adventures in Diving Crew pack (provided)
• Log book
• Evidence of prior scuba certification (required for participation)

You’ll also complete a health questionnaire before diving. Some medical conditions (like asthma or heart conditions) may prevent you from scuba participation, so you should consult your doctor if you’re unsure.

Two timing notes to respect:

• Underwater activity within 48 hours of flying isn’t recommended.
• You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

If you’re traveling from elsewhere and you’re planning a flight close to your course dates, build buffer time. This is the kind of rule that affects safety and comfort, not just policy.

Who This Course Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This program is best for people who already have prior scuba certification and want a structured step up. If you’ve been doing basic courses and want improved depth control and navigation confidence, this is exactly the skill set.

It’s also a good fit if you’re comfortable being guided closely. The group size max is 6, which is great if you want individual attention without feeling like you’re in a private training bubble all day.

You might want to think twice if:

• You can’t meet the health questionnaire requirements or you have conditions your doctor advises against.
• You’re trying to fit it immediately after a long flight (the course discourages that within 48 hours).
• Food and drink costs would throw your budget off, because meals aren’t included and you start early.

For couples or friends who want a tight, coached experience together, it can work well. People often like how the course moves quickly but still feels attentive.

Should You Book This PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Gran Canaria?

Yes, if you want an organized, coached upgrade with a mix of core skills and real choice. I’d book it if you value having equipment hire, insurance, tuition, and the certification fee handled for you, while still getting to steer the optional sessions toward what you want—boat time, wreck time, or a night undersea session.

I’d hesitate only if you’re not ready for an early 8:30 am start and you’d rather have meals included, or if health factors make you unsure about suitability.

If you like clear instruction, small-group attention, and a course that aims to leave you feeling more in control underwater, this one is a strong match.

FAQ

What’s the price for this PADI Advanced Open Water course?

The price is $415.65 per person.

How long is the course?

It runs for 2 days (approximately).

What time does the experience start, and where do you meet?

Start time is 8:30 am. You meet at the Blue Water centre at Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are professional guidance, hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels, full equipment hire, tuition, an online study manual, the certification fee, and insurance.

What’s not included?

Food and drinks are not included.

What underwater sessions are included?

You complete five underwater training sessions. Two core sessions are the 30-meter maximum depth session and underwater navigation. The final three are chosen from options discussed with your instructor (for example boat, wreck, and a night undersea session).

Do I need prior certification?

Yes. Evidence of prior scuba certification is required for all participants.

Is the course in English, and what group size should I expect?

The course is offered in English. There’s a maximum of 6 travelers.

When should I avoid flying before the course?

Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended, and you’ll complete a health questionnaire before participating.