Three days later, you feel in control underwater.

This Mallorca course at Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals turns an online start into real water time: theory is done ahead of class, then you build skills in shallow water before moving to four open-water sessions with professional instruction. It’s designed for beginners, with small-group attention and English support.

I especially like that you leave with an internationally recognized certification and that the training includes your scuba equipment and online certification tools, not just a taste session. The team’s method also feels practical and hands-on, focused on equipment setup, safety checks, and learning how to respond when conditions change.

One consideration: you’ll need a medical certificate and you should expect the schedule to depend on good weather. Also, snacks aren’t included, so plan to keep your energy up between sessions.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Online theory first so you arrive with the basics already understood
• Shallow-water skill building to get confidence before open water
• Four supervised open-water sessions with a maximum depth of 18 meters
• Max group size of 4 for real personal attention
• Equipment, insurance, and certification included so you’re not juggling extras
• English instruction for an easier learning pace

Puerto Portals Makes a Beginner Course Feel Manageable

I like Mallorca for short, well-run training programs because it’s easy to anchor everything in one place. Your start point is Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, at Local 119 Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, with a 10:00 am start and the activity ending back at the same meeting point. That kind of simple logistics matters when you’re learning something physical and technical over multiple days.

The location is also described as near public transportation. That’s a big plus if you don’t want your trip to turn into a rental-car scavenger hunt. And with the group capped at four travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a production line. Beginners tend to do better when the instructor can correct you quickly and repeat key skills clearly.

The Online Theory That Sets the Tone

Before any water time, you complete the theory online beforehand. This is a smart structure for a first certification course because it saves your limited in-person hours for practice rather than basic explaining.

Here’s what this usually does for you as a student: you spend less time trying to memorize procedures while you’re dealing with gear, buoyancy, and nerves at the same time. Instead, you can focus on getting comfortable with how your equipment feels and how your body moves in the water.

You also get online certification as part of the course setup. That matters for value because you’re not paying for coaching only and then dealing with extra administrative steps on your own. You’re guided through the learning track designed to support the final certification.

Day One Energy: Shallow-Water Training for Control

The course includes shallow-water training where you gain confidence and control. This is the part I’d call the confidence builder, because it’s where you learn the small, repeatable movements that later become second nature.

Expect a lot of “start here” skills:

• equipment setup and checks
• practicing underwater exercises in a controlled environment
• learning how to respond when something doesn’t go perfectly

The course description makes it clear the goal is control first, then exploration. The shallow phase is where you learn to manage breathing, positioning, and awareness without the added pressure of deeper water.

One of the best signals from prior student feedback: day one can feel tough, even if you’re motivated and curious. That’s normal. The good news is that the training is built around moving at a pace where you can actually absorb the basics.

The Four Open-Water Sessions (Up to 18 Meters)

After shallow-water confidence comes four open-water sessions with a maximum depth of 18 meters. This is the moment the course earns its name: you take skills from the training zone into real open water.

What I like about the format is that it gives you multiple chances to apply what you practiced. Four separate open-water outings is a better learning path than a single “big moment,” because you get repetition while your brain is still wired to improve.

You’ll be working under professional instruction, and the training is specifically aimed at teaching you how to handle real underwater variety—conditions, visibility changes, and the practical side of staying calm. That’s especially valuable if you’ve only snorkeled before. Many people start with an interest in near-shore rockpools and calm water, and the open-water sessions turn that curiosity into structured skill.

Also, the depth limit of 18 meters is a clear boundary. For an open-water beginner course, that definition helps you understand what “challenging” means here. You’re learning to expand your comfort zone while staying within a planned, training-focused range.

Small Group Attention in English Means Faster Learning

This course runs in English and has a maximum of 4 travelers. I think that’s one of the main reasons this experience scores so highly for beginners.

In a smaller group, you get:

• more direct feedback
• quicker corrections while you’re still in the learning mindset
• less waiting around between skills

English instruction also helps you learn procedures accurately. With scuba skills, language isn’t just comfort—it’s safety. When you understand exactly what the instructor wants you to do, you’ll spend less energy guessing and more energy practicing.

Prior feedback also highlights that the team is friendly and supportive, which matters more than people expect. When you’re new to gear and buoyancy, a relaxed atmosphere can prevent small mistakes from becoming big stress.

Equipment, Insurance, and Certification: What You’re Really Paying For

The included list is strong. You get:

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

That coverage is part of the value. A beginner course can become expensive when you have to rent gear separately or handle insurance paperwork yourself. Here, those basics are bundled.

The course is also using a mobile ticket, which keeps day-to-day logistics simple. If you’ve ever lost a paper voucher while traveling, you’ll appreciate how little friction this reduces.

Only one clear “not included” item stands out: snacks. That’s easy to fix, and it’s worth planning for. After underwater practice, you’ll likely feel hungry, and you don’t want to rely on finding a quick snack mid-course with tired legs and wet gear. Pack something simple or plan where you’ll buy it near your training window.

Timing and Where You’ll Be Each Day

The activity start time is 10:00 am, and the experience lasts about 3 days. The itinerary is built around:

1) online theory before you arrive

2) shallow-water training for confidence and control

3) four open-water sessions up to 18 meters

4) finishing back at the meeting point

The exact sequence can vary with conditions, because the experience requires good weather. Still, the structure is clear: you don’t jump straight into open water. You build up to it.

And that’s exactly what you want as a first-time student. When learning any water skill, the biggest risk is getting overwhelmed. This course reduces that risk by training the skills in stages.

Price in Context: Is $718.96 Good Value?

At $718.96 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But I look at value differently for certification courses than I do for single-day attractions.

Here’s why the price can make sense:

• equipment use is included
• online theory and online certification are included
• insurance is included
• instruction is professional and personalized
• you get four open-water sessions, not just one try

So you’re not paying for entertainment. You’re paying for a structured skill pathway with certification and real supervision.

The small group size (up to 4) also matters. Training attention costs time. If you’ve ever seen a large group lesson, you know the difference: beginners need guidance, and a small group usually means fewer delays and more correction.

If you already have your own scuba gear, it won’t change the bundle much, since the course still includes equipment use. But if you don’t have gear, that included rental-equipment value is a real part of why the price is competitive.

Fitness and Medical Certificate: Don’t Skip This Step

You should have a moderate physical fitness level. That’s a good sign: this isn’t marketed as a stunt course, but it’s also not a “sit back and watch” experience. You’ll be working with equipment, managing breathing and movement, and keeping focus during underwater tasks.

You also need a diving medical certificate. That requirement is non-negotiable based on the course info. If you haven’t done the paperwork yet, handle that early so it doesn’t stress you out close to your travel dates.

If you’re on the edge physically, I’d treat that as a reason to train gently before you go: walking, basic conditioning, and getting comfortable with moving while wearing gear (even just on land) can help you feel more ready. But the main point is simple: plan your health documents first.

Who This Course Fits Best in Mallorca

This open-water course fits best if you want a real certification path and you’re open to learning in stages. It can start from age 10, which makes it an option for motivated younger students who meet the medical and fitness requirements.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you’ve snorkeled before and want a structured next step
• you like hands-on teaching rather than just watching demonstrations
• you want small-group instruction and English support
• you want certification built into the program (not tacked on later)

It may not be the best fit if you’re very anxious about medical requirements or you know you might struggle with weather dependency. Because good weather is required, your actual practice days could shift, and you’ll want flexibility.

Should You Book This Mallorca Course?

If you want a beginner-friendly path to an international open-water certification, this course is a strong choice—especially for the included gear, insurance, and the structured combination of shallow-water training plus four open-water sessions up to 18 meters. The small group size (max 4) is the kind of detail that often makes the difference between feeling lost and feeling coached.

I’d book it if you’re ready to do the online theory before you arrive, you can handle a moderate fitness level, and you already have (or can quickly get) the required medical certificate. And pack snacks, because you don’t want your energy to lag right when you’re trying to learn control.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the course location in Mallorca?

The meeting point is Big Blue Diving Puerto Portals, Local 119 Edificio D4, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the course start?

Start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the course?

The duration is approximately 3 days.

How many open-water sessions are included?

The course includes four open-water sessions, with a maximum depth of 18 meters.

Is the course offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are scuba equipment use, online theory, online certification, and diving insurance.

What is not included?

Snacks are not included.

Do I need any medical documents before going?

Yes. A diving medical certificate is required.

What is the minimum age to start?

You can start the course from age 10.

Is this activity weather-dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I need to cancel?

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

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