Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria

5.0 · 81 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $108 Operated by Leagues Ahead Diving · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

If you want a smooth, confidence-building scuba day in Gran Canaria without the chaos of big groups, this 5-hour, 2-session outing is a smart way to do it. You get hotel pickup from the south side of the island, then you spend the day working with PADI professionals to explore great underwater spots.

Two things I really like: you start with top-of-the-line CRESSI SCUBA equipment already sorted, and the group size stays small with a maximum of 10 certified divers. One thing to think about up front is paperwork, because you do need your certification details and you must complete a medical form on arrival.

If you’re worried about whether you’ll see much, the short version is yes, if conditions cooperate. One recent diver highlighted mantas-rayas (manta rays), trumpetfish, scorpionfish, octopus, cuttlefish, and even starfish, and they praised the instructor named Paulo for making the day fun and safe.

Key things I’d book this for

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - Key things I’d book this for

  • Hotel transfers included from many south-of-island towns, with return around mid-afternoon
  • Top CRESSI SCUBA gear hire included, so you do not have to pack or rent locally
  • Max 10 qualified divers, which usually means quicker help and less waiting around
  • PADI professional guides in English who aim for strong underwater variety
  • Water and a snack during the surface interval, so you are not running on fumes

SCUBA in Gran Canaria makes sense for certified divers

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - SCUBA in Gran Canaria makes sense for certified divers
Gran Canaria is one of those places where underwater conditions and marine life can be good across a range of experience levels. What I like about this particular program is that the guides steer you toward underwater spots that match what certified divers need, while still giving you enough variety to feel like it was not the same boring route twice.

This package is built for people who already hold the proper certification license. That matters, because it lets the day focus less on basics and more on finding the good stuff: the rock formations, the marine life, and the feeling that your guide is actually looking for places worth your time.

Also, you get to keep expectations realistic. Gran Canaria can bring currents and choppier conditions sometimes, and one diver specifically mentioned currents and a stirred-up seabed. That is not a reason to avoid it, but it is a good reason to go in ready to follow instructions fast and relax when the underwater environment changes.

More dives and diving courses in Gran Canaria:

Pickup and timing: a 5-hour day that starts early

The experience is about 5 hours total. Transfers are available starting at 8:00am, and the operator drops you back to your hotel at roughly 2:30pm.

That timing is practical for a vacation day. It is long enough to do a meaningful two-session outing, but it still leaves you time for lunch and a late afternoon plan back on land. You also are not stuck figuring out how to get there, because pickup covers hotels in the south of Gran Canaria, including areas like Puerto Rico, Bahía Feliz, Maspalomas, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto de Mogán.

One small drawback: because pickup runs from the early morning, you will want to be ready to go promptly. Even if your exact hotel pickup time can vary, plan on breakfast finishing before you get collected.

Meeting at Leagues Ahead and getting checked in smoothly

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - Meeting at Leagues Ahead and getting checked in smoothly
You meet at Leagues Ahead in Playa del Inglés, at Avenida de Moya nº 6, Edificio Eurocenter, unit Loc. nº 154 a 164 (the operator’s listed meeting area). The location is described as near public transportation, which is useful if you decide you want to make your own way there.

On the ground, the day moves from check-in into preparation. Since this is a certified-diver program, you should expect a credential check rather than a long intro course. The operator is also clear that instructors may need to look up your credentials on the PADI Pro website if you do not have your card or temporary card with you.

The other on-arrival step is your medical form. If you answer yes to any part, you will need a medical certificate from a doctor before you can go in the water. If you are unsure, it is worth checking ahead of time so you do not lose a prepaid slot due to paperwork.

CRESSI gear hire: what top equipment changes on day one

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - CRESSI gear hire: what top equipment changes on day one
I love scuba days where the equipment question is handled before you even arrive in the water. Here, you get top-of-the-range CRESSI SCUBA gear hire included, which takes away two vacation headaches: lugging gear and dealing with mismatched rentals.

In real terms, good gear support matters because it helps your session feel controlled. When you are focused on buoyancy, breathing rhythm, and enjoying the underwater world, you do not want to waste time fighting straps, weird fit, or unfamiliar gear behavior.

The program also includes water and a snack during the surface interval. That is a small line item that can make a big difference, especially if you are the type who gets headachy or shaky when you are not eating between sessions.

Same island, a completely different kind of day:

Your two-session underwater day: how it usually feels

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - Your two-session underwater day: how it usually feels
This is a 2-session package for qualified divers, run by PADI professional dive guides. The core plan is simple: you head out for underwater spot exploration, you do one session, then you get a surface interval with water and snack, and you do a second session later in the morning.

The operator highlights that they aim for “hidden” or less obvious underwater spots with guides. I take that to mean you are not just following the most basic tourist route. With small groups, guides can also spend more time adjusting on the spot based on conditions.

What you can expect underwater is a mix of marine life and rock formations, and the spots are described as suited for different diver levels. That does not mean everyone has the same experience, but it suggests the guides are not aiming for one fixed type of route no matter what.

What marine life looks like in practice

From the experiences people shared, the variety is real. One diver listed mantas-rayas (manta rays), trumpetfish, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, octopus, lagartos (lizardfish), gallinitas, starfish, and more. That is a strong sign that you are not limited to the same handful of creatures every time.

Still, remember that underwater sightings depend on conditions. Currents can stir things up and change visibility. One diver mentioned that the day included currents and a “revuelto” (stirred) seabed, yet they still saw a lot of fauna. So if you go in flexible, the day can still deliver.

The instructor makes the difference

One theme from the feedback is staff quality. A diver praised the instructor Paulo, saying they could tell he loves the ocean. That kind of attitude matters underwater because it often translates into calm guidance, better situational awareness, and clearer communication when conditions shift.

The program also runs in English, so you can get the instructions without guessing.

Conditions and comfort: currents happen, so plan your mindset

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - Conditions and comfort: currents happen, so plan your mindset
Gran Canaria can deliver moving water. One recent account called out currents and choppy bottom conditions. That tells me you should treat this as an actively guided SCUBA outing, not a passive sightseeing mission.

What I recommend you do mentally before you go in:

  • Expect to follow the guide’s hand signals and positioning quickly.
  • Do not fight the conditions; adjust your buoyancy and trim.
  • Focus on breathing and timing rather than forcing extra looks at every creature.

If you do that, stirred conditions can turn into a good thing. Moving water can bring you more chances to spot animals, and rock formations give you areas to slow down and watch.

Certification and medical rules: the non-negotiables

This part is important enough to repeat, because it is what can make or break your booking.

You need a scuba certification license for this excursion. If you do not have your card or temporary card, instructors must be able to find your credentials on the PADI Pro website.

On arrival, you complete a medical form. A yes answer means you need a doctor’s medical certificate prior to the dives. If you are not sure how your medical history will be interpreted, contact the operator before booking so you can sort it out in advance.

There is also a minimum age of 12. And the day is described as most travelers able to participate, but the medical form requirement is still the real gatekeeper.

Price and value: why $108.61 can be fair here

2 Dive Package for Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria - Price and value: why $108.61 can be fair here
At $108.61 per person for an approximately 5-hour, 2-session SCUBA package, you are paying for more than just time in the water. You are paying for structure, small-group guidance, and equipment that is ready to go.

Here is what is included that supports the value:

  • Pickup and drop-off from hotels in the south of the island
  • CRESSI SCUBA equipment hire
  • A small group size with a maximum of 10 certified divers
  • English-language guidance
  • Water and snack during the surface interval

If you were to rent gear yourself and handle transport separately, the cost often climbs quickly. This package bundles the basics into one plan, which is what I look for on a vacation.

One nuance: the booking is typically made about 50 days in advance on average. That can be a sign the slots fill up, especially during good weather windows. If you have fixed dates, book earlier rather than gambling.

Is the small group size really worth it?

Yes, for this kind of experience. A maximum of 10 certified divers makes a big difference when you need quick checks, tighter group control, and more attention during underwater transitions.

I also like that the program explicitly aims to match spots to diver level. In a larger group, guides sometimes have to make compromises to keep everyone together. In a smaller group, you generally get more precise pacing.

That said, smaller groups also mean fewer “backup” options if you have delays or issues on the day. Arrive on time, have your paperwork ready, and you will get the best of the format.

Who should book this SCUBA package

This one is a good fit if you:

  • Are already certified and want a two-session outing without taking extra lessons
  • Want hotel pickup so you spend less time figuring out logistics
  • Prefer a small group with more direct guide support
  • Care about getting quality equipment, since CRESSI gear hire is included
  • Are comfortable handling standard medical form requirements

It is probably not the best fit if you:

  • Do not have your certification details and cannot confirm them via PADI Pro lookup
  • Are uncertain about your medical eligibility and have not sorted the doctor’s certificate if needed
  • Want a fully flexible, no-rules day, since medical paperwork and certification are enforced

Weather and what to do if plans change

The operator says the experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will either be offered a different date or you can get a full refund.

That is a normal reality for any ocean-based activity. What I like is that the operator builds in a solution path rather than leaving you stuck.

Should you book it

I would book this if you want a structured, small-group SCUBA day in Gran Canaria with pickup, top CRESSI equipment, and a guide who clearly cares. The fact that an instructor named Paulo earned strong praise is a good sign, and the sighting list from recent divers suggests the underwater spots deliver real variety, not just a quick swim-by.

Book it if you can handle the certification and medical checklist, and if you are okay with the possibility of currents or choppier conditions. If that sounds like you, you’ll likely leave happy and ready to plan another underwater outing.

FAQ

FAQ

Do I need a scuba certification card for this package?

Yes. You need a scuba certification license. If you do not have your card or temporary card, instructors must be able to find your credentials on the PADI Pro website.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Complimentary hotel transfers start at 8:00am, and you are dropped back to your hotel at about 2:30pm. Pickup is offered from hotels in the south of Gran Canaria.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What scuba gear is included?

CRESSI SCUBA equipment is included as top-of-the-range gear hire.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age to participate is 12.

Do I need to fill out a medical form?

Yes. You must complete a medical form upon arrival. If you answer yes, you must provide a medical certificate from your doctor before the dives.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. English is the offered language.

Where does the activity start and end?

Pickup is from hotels in the south of Gran Canaria. The meeting point listed is in Playa del Inglés at Avenida de Moya. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

More like this

Scuba Diving, compared.

The full Scuba Diving list →
Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 561 reviews· from $107

Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria

Read our review →
Try Scuba Diving for Beginners
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 403 reviews· from $94

Try Scuba Diving for Beginners

Read our review →
Beginners Scuba Diving Experience in Gran Canaria
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 254 reviews· from $108

Beginners Scuba Diving Experience in Gran Canaria

Read our review →
Discover Scuba Diving – Free Transfers
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 115 reviews· from $105

Discover Scuba Diving – Free Transfers

Read our review →
Live an Adventure and Learn to Dive with Expert
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 109 reviews· from $100

Live an Adventure and Learn to Dive with Expert

Read our review →
Discover Scuba Diving Beginner Program
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 103 reviews· from $117

Discover Scuba Diving Beginner Program

Read our review →
Discover Scuba Diving in Puerto de Mogan
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 87 reviews· from $103

Discover Scuba Diving in Puerto de Mogan

Read our review →
Las Canteras Scuba Diving
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 84 reviews· from $118

Las Canteras Scuba Diving

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Gran Canaria

Every kind of day on the island, and the best of each.