Five underwater sessions in two days builds confidence fast. This PADI Advanced course pairs a required 30 m depth session with hands-on underwater navigation. Food is on you, and you’ll start early at 8:30.

I also like the clean value setup: full equipment hire, insurance, and an online study manual plus certification fee are included, so there are fewer add-ons to track. On top of that, the group size is capped at 6, which makes the instructor feedback feel personal instead of rushed.

One more practical note: you’ll need the right medical clearance process, and it’s not ideal if you’re flying in or out close to your course dates.

Key Things I’d Know Before You Go

• Small group (max 6): more coaching time when skills get tricky.
• Two required core sessions: 30 m depth practice and underwater navigation.
• Three electives you can choose: boat-based options, wreck-focused training, and possible night sessions.
• Everything gear-related is handled: full equipment hire and insurance are included.
• Online study is part of the plan: an online manual helps you arrive ready for practical time.
• Instructor-led flexibility: if conditions shift, the training plan can shift too.

Gran Canaria Setup: Why This Course Location Works

Gran Canaria is a solid choice for an Advanced certification because the schedule is straightforward: you’re in town for a concentrated 2-day program, then you’re back at the start point when it’s over. The training base is Blue Water (meeting at Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain), and you start at 8:30am.

You’ll also appreciate the “don’t make me figure everything out” structure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels, and the operator is near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a complicated transfer plan.

What I like most is how the training stays practical. Your focus isn’t on paperwork or guessing where to go underwater—it’s on improving real skills with a certified PADI instructor, guided by planning and briefings before each session.

The Two Core Sessions: 30m Depth and Underwater Navigation

This course has two non-negotiable requirements, and that’s a good thing. They target the big parts of Advanced training that tend to boost confidence fast: going deeper safely and getting your bearings underwater.

30m Depth Practice (Required Core)

You’ll complete a deep session to 30 m. The course setup is clearly built around controlled progression and instructor-led safety. That matters because Advanced-level depth isn’t just about “going lower”—it’s about managing air, staying calm, and maintaining trim and buoyancy as conditions change.

If you’ve ever felt nervous at depth, you’ll likely find this format reassuring because the training is designed to help you stay comfortable under water while working the skills you need for certification.

Underwater Navigation (Required Core)

The other core session is underwater navigation. This is where many people realize navigation is a skill, not luck. You learn how to orient yourself, plan simple routes, and use techniques that help you avoid the classic “we’ll just follow the line of thinking” problem.

This is also one of the most practical Advanced components for real future trips, because navigation skills make wrecks, reefs, and return routes much less stressful. And if you want a course that helps you feel more in control, this requirement is a big reason to choose this program.

Your Choice of Three Extra Sessions: Boat, Wreck, and Night Options

Besides the required deep and navigation work, you’ll complete three additional sessions from a menu your instructor helps you select. The options listed include boat-based training, wreck sessions, and a possible night session.

Here’s why that choice is valuable for you:

• If you love variety, you can tailor the training toward what you enjoy most (wrecks can be a standout, and night adds a whole new sensory layer).
• If you’re unsure, the instructor can guide you toward the best mix based on conditions and your comfort level.
• If weather or conditions don’t cooperate, the program can adjust. For example, one recent experience described plans changing due to bad weather, with the group doing a different underwater search-and-recovery style session instead of a night option.

That flexibility matters. You’re not just buying a fixed checklist—you’re buying instructor planning plus a chance to learn skills you’ll actually use.

What the 2 Days Feel Like: 5 Total Sessions and an 8:30 Start

Your course runs for 2 days (approx.) and includes five total scuba sessions. You’ll start at 8:30am at the Blue Water meeting point, and the activity ends back at the same location.

You’ll want to think of this as an intensive skills block. That can be great value if you want results fast. It’s also why the course includes an online study manual: you can do much of the theory ahead of time, then spend your limited vacation hours on the water practice.

In other words, you’re not paying for a long theoretical course that eats your trip. You’re paying for guided skill-building where you can ask questions, practice what the rule book requires, and (if you’re motivated and comfortable) push a little further during the coaching.

Price and What You Actually Get at $415.65

At $415.65 per person for a 2-day PADI Advanced course with five practical sessions, the biggest question is: what does that price remove from your workload?

For you, it removes a lot:

• Professional guide / instructor tuition
• Full equipment hire
• Insurance
• Online Study Manual and certification fee
• Hotel pickup/drop-off for selected hotels

That’s a strong “all-in” structure compared with many training add-ons you might otherwise pay separately. It also means your planning is simpler: you’re not trying to find gear, book insurance at the last minute, or guess what training costs are included.

Two things to keep straight:

• Food and drinks aren’t included. You’ll need to budget for meals around an early 8:30am start.
• You should arrive ready for the practical portion. The better you do with the online prep, the more you’ll get from the in-water coaching time.

Equipment, Materials, and the Stuff You’ll Bring

The course includes full equipment hire, plus insurance and the online study manual and certification fee. That’s a relief if you’re traveling and don’t want to deal with rental logistics.

You’ll also need:

• Log Book (you bring it)
• Adventures in Diving Crew pack (Provided)

That combination is practical. A log book matters because it turns your new skills into something you can track and build on later. And since the crew pack is provided, you’re not searching for a missing item when you should be focusing on training.

Instructor Quality: Small Details That Make Training Click

This is where the experiences around this operator shine: instruction feels structured, but not stiff.

You’ll likely notice three patterns:

1. Clear briefings and professional coaching. Instructors like Eileen and Mati have been singled out for giving well-presented material and practical explanations.
2. A friendly team culture. Names that show up in training experiences include Kate, Chris, Kevin, Adam, and Lily, and people often describe the whole staff—from owners to interns—as part of what makes the days memorable.
3. Comfort and control work, not just checklist box-ticking. One experience emphasized learning buoyancy and feeling calmer and more comfortable underwater after training. That kind of skill transfer is exactly what you want from Advanced training.

Even the “outside-the-classroom” atmosphere matters for learning. When you feel relaxed, you absorb more. And when your instructor has a sense of humor while still being professional, practice time doesn’t feel like punishment—it feels like progress.

Getting There: Meeting Point, Pickup Options, and Easy Ending

Your meeting point is Blue Water at:

Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain

Start time is 8:30am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

You may also get hotel pickup and drop-off if you’re staying in a selected hotel. If your hotel isn’t on the pickup list, the location being near public transportation helps. Bring a little buffer for parking and transit, especially if you’re traveling with gear.

Also, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re already juggling flights, transfers, and everyday vacation plans.

Safety and Health Notes You Should Take Seriously

This course includes a health process and safety requirements you should plan around.

You’ll be required to complete a health questionnaire before diving. Some conditions may prevent you from participating (examples given include asthma and heart conditions), so it’s worth checking with your doctor if you have anything medical that could affect scuba safety.

Also:

• Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. If your trip involves short turnarounds, plan your schedule so you’re not flying right before your course days.

Finally, you need evidence of certification to participate in a certified dive component. So if you’re upgrading from another certification or coming back after time away, make sure you have proof ready.

Who This Course Suits Best

This PADI Advanced course is a good fit if you:

• Want to build confidence with two required skills: 30 m depth and underwater navigation
• Like having choice in your remaining sessions (boat-based, wreck-focused, and possible night sessions)
• Prefer small-group instruction with a cap of 6 participants
• Are comfortable working through an online study manual before practicing in the water
• Can bring a log book, and you can arrive with reasonable preparation

It’s also a strong option if you learn well with clear briefings and patient coaching. Several instructor names came up for being experienced, professional, and willing to adjust to individual comfort levels.

If you don’t meet the health questionnaire requirements, or if your schedule conflicts with the 48-hour flying guidance, you’ll want to reconsider your timing.

Should You Book This PADI Advanced Course in Gran Canaria?

I’d book it if you want a structured Advanced certification that’s built around practical skill work, not vague experiences. The included items—gear hire, insurance, online manual, and certification fee—make it easier to judge true value, and the small group size helps the training feel personal.

I’d pause before booking if you’re likely to struggle with the early 8:30am start or if your schedule includes flights within 48 hours of your course days. And if you have any medical concerns, sort that out early so you don’t waste time or money.

Overall, this looks like a “do the work, get the confidence” program in Gran Canaria, with instructors who seem focused on both safety and comfort in the water.

FAQ

What’s included in the PADI Advanced course?

It includes a professional guide/instructor tuition, hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels, full equipment hire, an online study manual, the certification fee, and insurance.

How many sessions are included, and how long is the course?

The course is approximately 2 days and includes 5 scuba sessions total.

Which sessions are required for the course?

Two core sessions are required: a deep session to 30 m and underwater navigation.

Can I choose which other sessions I do?

Yes. The final three sessions can be chosen from options such as boat-based training, wreck-focused sessions, and a possible night session, discussed with your instructor.

What’s the meeting point and start time?

The meeting point is Blue Water at Calle Olimpicos, C. Doreste y Molina, s/n, 35130 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain, with a start time of 8:30am. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need to bring a log book. The Adventures in Diving Crew pack is provided. You’ll also complete a health questionnaire before participating.

Do I need prior certification?

Yes. Evidence of dive/scuba certification is required for anyone participating in the certified dive component.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What about cancelations?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with cut-off times based on local experience time.