The ocean looks different once you can breathe underwater. This 3-day open-water scuba course in Mallorca takes you from online theory to real instructor-led sessions with four-man group limits.

I like the hands-on way they teach: you practice control first, then you move into open water. I also like that you leave with internationally recognized certification, not just a weekend thrill.

One thing to consider: you’ll need a scuba medical certificate, and you should expect day one to feel a bit tough while your body learns new timing and buoyancy.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Quickly

• Max 4 students per group means more coaching and fewer wait times in gear setup
• Online theory before you arrive helps you start practical training with less confusion
• Shallow-water skills first so you can get comfortable with breathing, buoyancy, and checks
• Four open-water sessions to 18 meters max gives you real experience with an instructor watching
• Certification, insurance, and equipment included so you’re not piecing together essentials last-minute

Online Theory First: What You Should Expect Before Day 1

This course is built around preparation. You complete the theory online before you ever meet at the port. That matters because it cuts down the amount of time you spend staring at information while wearing a mask and tank. Instead, when you show up, you can focus on the physical stuff: how your equipment works, how to move calmly, and how to respond when something feels off.

You’re also told that the course is offered in English, so if that’s your working language, you should feel comfortable asking questions during the practical parts.

If you’re the type who learns well by reading and doing short review sessions, the online setup is a plus. If you prefer instruction in person from the start, you might need an honest moment to ensure you actually finish the pre-course work. The course flow assumes you’re ready for hands-on training when you arrive.

The 3-Day Flow: Shallow Skills to Open Water Sessions

You’re looking at roughly three days of training, with shallow-water practice and then four open-water sessions. The key idea is progression: you don’t jump straight into open water on day one.

Here’s how that usually plays out in a course like this:

• Start with shallow-water training where you can build confidence and control. This is where you learn the fundamentals without the pressure of deeper water and longer bottom times.
• Move to four open-water sessions. These are the part most people remember, because they’re the first time the training turns into a real underwater experience with real visibility, real currents (depending on conditions), and the full “I’m really here” effect.
• You train to a maximum depth of 18 meters. That depth limit shapes everything: your pace, your planning, and what you’ll practice underwater.

The total package is designed to feel manageable. One common pattern I’ve seen in courses like this: the first day can feel harder than people expect, because equipment adds complexity and your brain needs new habits. By the final day, you often stop fighting your gear and start using it. That change—from panic-fix mode to calm control—is exactly what you’re paying for.

What You Learn Underwater: Skills That Actually Transfer

This isn’t a “watch and then hope” setup. You get structured exercises, and you learn from experienced instructors who guide you on setup and checks.

From the course description, and from the strongest points people highlight, you should expect training that includes:

• Using and assembling scuba equipment correctly
• Equipment checks and setup discipline (the kind that helps you avoid problems later)
• A range of underwater exercises to build comfort and control
• Real open-water application during the four sessions

Why this matters for you: scuba skills are mostly about routine. If you can build a consistent process—gear on, checks done, breathing steady, buoyancy handled—you’ll feel safer and you’ll enjoy the experience more.

It also helps to know that the instructors are described as friendly and supportive. In plain terms, that tone affects performance. If you feel judged, you hesitate. If you feel coached, you improve. In this kind of course, that’s not fluff. It shows up in how quickly you learn.

Mallorca’s Water Through New Eyes: What “Open Water” Really Adds

You don’t just practice mechanics. You see the ocean in a way that snorkeling can’t match. During the open-water sessions, you’ll experience real underwater variety—different surfaces, more depth cues, and the feeling that you’re not tethered to the shoreline.

Even if your first goal is certification, the best part of the course is often the shift in perception. Many people start with a childhood dream—mask and snorkel on the coast—then realize scuba is the next step. With four open-water sessions, you get multiple chances to settle in, not just one rushed attempt.

Also, because the group cap is small (maximum of 4), you’re more likely to get personal attention on your buoyancy and movement. That translates into fewer awkward moments underwater and more time actually experiencing Mallorca’s coast.

Maximum Depth and Real Safety Boundaries (18 Meters)

The course has a clear limit: maximum depth of 18 meters. That’s not just a number for the paperwork. It shapes how you learn.

In training, a depth limit tends to mean:

• you stay within a controlled training environment
• instructors can keep tighter watch on breathing rate, buoyancy, and comfort
• you build experience without pushing into advanced territory

And you’ll need a scuba medical certificate. That requirement isn’t optional window dressing—it’s part of keeping your training appropriate for your health. If you don’t have one, sort it out before booking so the course doesn’t stall.

One more practical note: the course requires good weather. If conditions aren’t suitable, the experience may be changed or rescheduled. That’s normal for open-water training and something you should plan around.

Where You Meet in Puerto Portals (And Why Location Matters)

Start time is 10:00 am at Big Blue Puerto Portals in Portals Nous. The meeting point is listed as Local 119, Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain.

It’s also noted as being near public transportation. In real-life travel terms, that means you’re less likely to lose time solving parking or transit puzzles before you need to focus on gear and orientation.

If you’re arriving from Palma or nearby resorts, give yourself extra time so you can breathe, drink water, and get calm before equipment setup. Even confident students do better when they’re not rushing.

Also, you’ll receive a mobile ticket. Bring it up on your phone when you arrive.

Price and Value: Why $718.96 Can Be Reasonable Here

The price is $718.96 per person for about 3 days. Here’s where the value comes from—not from the number alone.

You’re getting:

• scuba equipment included
• online theory
• online certification
• scuba insurance included

Most people underestimate how much those pieces add up if you’re shopping separately. If you have to rent gear, buy insurance, or find certification material on your own, the cost can climb quickly.

There’s also real value in the structure: shallow-water training first, then four open-water sessions with instructor support. That mix is what turns this into education rather than a single fun outing.

What you should plan for on your side: snacks are not included. That’s easy to fix—pack something simple and light if you tend to get hungry between sessions.

Who This Course Fits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This open-water scuba course is open from age 10. It’s aimed at people who want real fundamentals, not just a first taste.

You should consider booking if:

• you want an internationally recognized certification
• you like a step-by-step approach: shallow skills, then open water
• you want small-group attention (max 4 people)

You might want to think carefully if:

• you have significant medical concerns and don’t yet have the required scuba medical certificate
• you’re expecting a super relaxed, zero-learning experience. The first day can be challenging because new skills require concentration

Physical fitness is described as “moderate.” That’s a helpful benchmark. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with normal physical effort and staying calm while learning gear control.

The Likely Instructor Style You’ll Appreciate

The course emphasizes professional, personalized instruction. And the strongest feedback themes point to a friendly team and hands-on guidance.

In practical terms, that often means:

• instructors help you set up and check equipment step by step
• they correct technique early, before bad habits get locked in
• they keep you moving forward even if something feels hard on day one

If you’re nervous, that style matters. You’ll learn faster when you trust the person teaching you—and when you feel comfortable asking questions.

Should You Book This Mallorca Open-Water Course?

I’d book it if your goal is real scuba certification and you want the course structure that builds confidence first, then delivers open-water experience. The small group size, the inclusion of gear, insurance, and certification, and the clear 18-meter limit all add up to good training value for the money.

I’d hesitate only if you’re not ready for the practical learning curve on day one, or if your medical paperwork isn’t sorted yet. If you bring your pre-course theory work seriously and show up ready to practice, you’ll likely come away feeling like you can handle the next stage of scuba with a lot more confidence than you started with.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and your current comfort level in water (good swimmer, confident snorkeler, or brand new). I can help you decide whether this timing and format match your pace.

FAQ

Is online theory included?

Yes. You complete the theory online beforehand, and online certification is included as part of the course.

What scuba equipment is provided?

Use of scuba equipment is included in the price.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Yes. A diving medical certificate is required.

What depth will I reach during the course?

You complete four open-water sessions to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

What’s the meeting point and start time?

The meeting point is Big Blue Puerto Portals, Local 119 Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain. The start time is 10:00 am.

How many people are in a group?

This activity has a maximum of 4 travelers.

What’s included in the price, and what’s not?

Included: use of scuba equipment, online theory, online certification, and diving insurance. Not included: snacks.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

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