Lloret de Mar: Scuba Diving Experience no License Required

The best part of this two-hour scuba session is the gradual start. You learn the equipment on land, take your first breaths in a pool-like bay, then move outside the sheltered water with an instructor beside you. No license or prior experience is needed.

I like the small groups of up to 10 and the calm, careful approach. I also like that instructors such as Valentin and Sergio have been singled out for clear explanations, good humor, and fast responses when someone felt anxious underwater. The main drawback is that the price does not include photos and videos, and the extra personal trainer fee is listed as 30 GBP.

Key points at a glance

• Sheltered first practice: You begin in a calm, bay-like area before moving into open water.
• Maximum depth of 12 meters: The session gives beginners a real taste of underwater exploration without requiring certification.
• Personal guidance: An instructor stays with you and your group throughout the activity.
• Small-group format: Numbers are limited to 10 participants, though a smaller personal group may still feel more comfortable.
• Family appeal: Families have completed the session together, with children and teenagers taking part.
• Bring only the basics: Pack swimwear and a towel. Food, drinks, photos, and videos cost extra or are not included.

What this Lloret de Mar scuba session is really like

This is an introduction, not a full certification course. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to clear a mask, control your air, or move neatly through the water. The goal is simpler and more immediate: learn how the equipment works, get comfortable breathing through a regulator, and find out how your body reacts underwater.

That makes this a good choice if you are curious but not ready to commit to a longer course. You get a real underwater outing, with marine life and a maximum depth of 12 meters, while an instructor handles the technical side.

The meeting point is the Dolphins Diving Center office. From there, the session follows a sensible progression. You start with explanations, then practice in sheltered water, and only after that head beyond the bay. That order matters. Scuba equipment can feel bulky on land, and breathing through a mouthpiece takes a little getting used to. A rushed start would make the whole thing harder than it needs to be.

First lesson: equipment, breathing, and basic safety

Your instructor begins by explaining the equipment and the basic theory. The supplied information does not list every item by name, but all necessary scuba equipment is included. You should bring your own swimwear and towel.

This opening lesson is more important than it may sound. A first-time session can feel strange because your normal breathing pattern changes. Your instructor needs to show you how to use the equipment, how to stay calm, and how to respond underwater before you leave the sheltered area.

The language choice is a real plus. Instruction is available in Spanish, English, French, Russian, and Dutch. If you are nervous, being able to ask a question in a language you handle well can make a big difference.

The instructors also seem to put safety ahead of speed. Valentin and Sergio have been praised for combining clear instruction with a friendly manner. That balance is useful here. You need firm directions, but you do not need a stern classroom lecture before your holiday activity begins.

The sheltered bay is the right place to begin

After the land briefing, you go to a pool-like bay. This is where you take your first breath underwater and become familiar with the equipment in a controlled setting.

I like this part because it gives you room to adjust before the larger outing. If the regulator feels odd, if you need help with your mask, or if you simply want a moment to settle down, the sheltered water is a better place to handle it than the open coast.

The bay practice also lets the instructor see how you respond. Some people take to the equipment quickly. Others need more time. The session is designed around that difference, and personal attention is one of its strongest features.

Still, a small group does not always mean one-to-one instruction. The maximum is 10 participants, so the amount of individual help can depend on the group and the instructor assigned to you. If you are particularly anxious, ask about the personal trainer option before booking. A 30 GBP personal trainer fee is listed separately.

Moving outside the bay to a maximum of 12 meters

Once you have practiced in the sheltered water, you take the next step and swim outside the bay. This is where the session becomes more than a basic equipment lesson. You are breathing underwater in the coastal waters around Lloret de Mar and looking for marine life with your instructor.

The maximum depth is 12 meters. That is enough to give you a genuine sense of being below the surface, but the session remains aimed at beginners. You are not being trained for advanced conditions or independent underwater travel.

The coastal setting is another reason to book this activity instead of practicing only in a swimming pool. You get views of the Costa Brava above the surface and the chance to see the local underwater world below it. The exact marine life is not specified, so you should treat wildlife sightings as a possibility, not a promise.

This portion may feel short if you already have scuba experience. For a complete beginner, though, the first few minutes of breathing underwater can take up most of your attention. You may spend less time admiring the scenery than you expect, especially on your first attempt. That is normal, and the session is built around learning rather than covering a large area.

How the instructors handle nerves

A first underwater session can stir up real anxiety. One participant with anxiety and post-traumatic stress described needing to stop at different points, and the instructors responded quickly and respectfully. The instructors helped the pair return safely when they were ready to leave the water.

That detail is worth taking seriously. You should not book this expecting to push through panic alone. Tell the instructor if you are worried, and follow the safety directions. The team’s calm response is one of the clearest strengths of this activity.

The friendly tone also seems to help. Good humor can take the edge off a tense first lesson, as long as safety remains the priority. Here, the available feedback points to both: professional handling and a relaxed manner.

You should also know that this session is not suitable for people with heart problems, high blood pressure, or a tendency toward seasickness. It is also not suitable for anyone over 150 kilograms. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you must not feed the animals.

A family activity with an age detail to check

The session has worked well for families. One family of two adults, one child, and two teenagers completed the introductory outing and found it motivating enough to consider taking up scuba as a regular activity.

The age information needs a careful look. The booking details say the activity is available for everyone above 10 years old, while the separate suitability note says it is not for children under 8. That leaves an unclear bracket for children aged 8 to 10. If your child falls in that range, confirm the age rule directly with Dolphins Diving Center before paying.

For older children and teenagers who like water, the gradual format can be a good fit. Parents should still consider each child’s comfort level. Being able to swim and enjoying water are more useful here than simply meeting a minimum age.

What the $118 price includes

At $118 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

The price includes entrance fees, a guided session, and all necessary scuba equipment. You are paying for instruction and supervision, not just access to the water. For someone who wants a safe first try without buying gear or signing up for a longer qualification, that can be reasonable.

The short duration also helps keep the commitment manageable. You do not need to give up a full day of your Costa Brava holiday. On the other hand, two hours includes the briefing, equipment preparation, sheltered practice, and the outdoor session, so the time actually spent swimming beyond the bay will be less than two hours.

Photos and videos are not included. This is the most obvious extra cost to consider if you want a record of your first underwater session. One person specifically reported not receiving promised photos, while another had a positive experience with attractive photos and videos. That mixed picture suggests you should confirm exactly what is included, who takes the images, and how they are delivered before paying for them.

Food and drinks are also not included, though the session is short enough that this should not affect most plans.

Group size, languages, and access

The group limit is 10 participants. That is small enough to keep the lesson organized, but it is not the same as booking a private session. If you want more individual attention, ask about the additional personal trainer fee.

The instructor languages are Spanish, English, French, Russian, and Dutch. This broad choice is useful in a mixed international destination such as Lloret de Mar, particularly during the safety briefing.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. That is helpful, but the supplied details do not explain how each stage of the water entry, equipment handling, or transfer is managed. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider in advance to discuss your specific needs rather than relying on the general accessibility label.

Practical preparation for the day

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel

All necessary scuba equipment is supplied. You do not need previous experience or a license, but you do need to like water and be comfortable following an instructor’s directions.

Avoid alcohol and drugs before the activity. You should also be honest about heart problems, high blood pressure, seasickness, and body weight above 150 kilograms, since those conditions are listed as reasons the session may not be suitable.

Try not to judge the whole activity by the first minute in the equipment. The mouthpiece, mask, and breathing pattern can feel awkward at first. The bay practice is there to let you adjust before the outdoor portion.

Booking flexibility and cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity begins for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Costa Brava schedule is still moving around.

Starting times vary, so check availability before booking. The meeting point is the Dolphins Diving Center office, where you meet your instructor.

Who should book this first underwater experience?

I would recommend it to adults, teenagers, and eligible children who are curious about scuba but do not want to begin with a full course. It suits people who value a patient instructor, a sheltered practice area, and a short commitment.

It is also a good choice for a family looking for one shared activity. The family format has worked for mixed ages, provided each participant meets the age and health requirements.

You may want to choose something else if you already hold certification and want a longer, more challenging outing. The maximum depth is 12 meters, the session lasts two hours, and the emphasis is on first-timer instruction.

I would also think twice if you are uncomfortable in water, prone to seasickness, or likely to feel pressured by a group setting. The instructors appear ready to help when nerves take over, but no activity can remove every physical or emotional concern.

Should you book the Dolphins Diving Center session?

Book it if you want a carefully guided first taste of scuba in Costa Brava, with equipment included and a clear progression from theory to sheltered practice to open water. The strongest reasons are the calm starting area, multilingual instruction, small-group limit, and the instructors’ reported care when people become anxious.

At $118, the session makes the most sense as a special holiday activity, not a budget filler. Confirm the photo and video arrangement, ask about the 30 GBP personal trainer fee if you need extra help, and check the age rule for children between 8 and 10.

If those details suit you, this is a practical way to find out how it feels to breathe underwater without committing to a full qualification. You may finish with more than a few underwater memories. You may also discover a new hobby.

FAQ

Is previous scuba experience required?

No. The activity is designed for beginners, and no previous experience or license is required.

How long does the activity last?

The session lasts two hours, including the theory briefing, equipment explanation, sheltered practice, and outdoor underwater portion.

What is the maximum depth?

The maximum depth is 12 meters.

Where do I meet the instructor?

You meet the instructor at the Dolphins Diving Center office in Lloret de Mar.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in Spanish, English, French, Russian, and Dutch.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. All necessary scuba diving equipment is included in the price.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included in the listed price.

Is the activity suitable for children?

The information says the activity is available for everyone above 10 years old and not suitable for children under 8. Since the information does not clearly address ages 8 to 10, confirm the rule with the provider for children in that range.

What health restrictions apply?

The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems, high blood pressure, seasickness, or a body weight over 150 kilograms. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity begins for a full refund.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact Dolphins Diving Center in advance to discuss the exact arrangements for your needs.