REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA
Gran Canaria: Morning Scuba Dive
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Blue Water Diving · Bookable on GetYourGuide
I love that this trip is small group and runs on a clear plan, so you’re not stuck waiting around with a crowd. The other big win is the usual great visibility—often 20–30 meters or more—so even if you’re not a total marine-life nerd, you’ll still come away grinning.
The possible snag: you’ll need to bring your own scuba certification and you’ll still be responsible for insurance paperwork, since scuba insurance isn’t included. If you don’t like early mornings, this one starts at 8:30am.
You also get to choose the kinds of underwater locations that match your comfort level, from reefs to deeper walls, caves, and wrecks. And because the marine life mix comes from Atlantic, Mediterranean, and African waters, the scene feels more varied than a one-note reef.
In This Review
- Key points you’ll actually care about
- Morning Start at Blue Water: Gear, Paperwork, and a Tight Schedule
- Choosing the Right Underwater Locations: Reefs, Walls, Caves, Wrecks
- Boat to the Underwater Spots: Why the Morning Feels Efficient
- Two Underwater Sessions (or One): How Your Level Shapes the Plan
- Marine Life Mix You Can Actually Spot: From Angel Sharks to Octopus
- Price and Value: $118 for Two Guided Sessions (With a Few Extras)
- What to Bring (and What to Skip)
- Who Should Book This Morning Scuba-Style Outing
- A Quick Reality Check on Timing and Comfort
- Should You Book It?
- FAQ
- What time does the experience start?
- How long is the experience?
- How many underwater sessions will I do?
- Are equipment and a guide included?
- Do I need scuba insurance?
- Is food and drinks included?
- What should I bring?
- Is the instruction in English?
Key points you’ll actually care about

- 20–30m+ visibility often makes the water feel roomy, not murky
- 1 or 2 underwater sessions depending on certification and your recent experience
- A mix of underwater habitats: shallow reefs, deeper walls, caves, wrecks, and current-friendly drifting
- Small group limit of 10 with an English-speaking instructor/guide team
- Optional insurance available for an extra daily fee, but not included in the base price
Morning Start at Blue Water: Gear, Paperwork, and a Tight Schedule

The day begins at 8:30am at the Blue Water centre. First comes the admin: paperwork, then getting your kit sorted. If you’ve done scuba before, you’ll recognize the routine. If you haven’t, don’t panic—this part is there so your equipment setup matches your certification level.
This matters more than it sounds. Getting your weights and gear dialed early reduces fiddling later, and it keeps your first underwater moment calm. You also won’t be guessed-and-checked on the spot—your instructor uses your certification level and even when you last got in the water to pick suitable underwater spots.
The overall outing runs about 6 hours, with a return to the centre around 1pm after the two guided underwater sessions.
You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Gran Canaria
Choosing the Right Underwater Locations: Reefs, Walls, Caves, Wrecks

Gran Canaria’s underwater world is a toolbox of different scenes. Based on your level, you’ll go to a combination of what the team considers a good match—typically including some mix of shallow reefs and deeper walls.
Here’s what you can expect from the menu of locations they use:
- Shallow reefs for a more relaxed profile and great cruising
- Deep walls if you’re ready for a longer depth range and want dramatic drop-offs
- Caves for sheltered, character-filled underwater “rooms”
- Wrecks when conditions and your certification make it appropriate
- Drift-style spots that can mean you move with current instead of constantly finning
If you’re newer, you may not hit every category. That’s a good thing. The point of this outing is guided comfort and control first, eye-candy second (though you’ll get plenty of both).
Boat to the Underwater Spots: Why the Morning Feels Efficient

This is a boat-based outing, meaning you’re not limited to what’s directly off the shore. Boat departures usually help because they open up better underwater sites without burning your whole day commuting.
It also keeps the timing tidy. You’re set up early, head out after the initial paperwork and gear organization, and then you’re back around 1pm. That’s valuable if you want the rest of your day for beaches, lunch, or a second activity on Gran Canaria.
Practical tip: bring a towel and wear your swimwear under your clothes if you can. You’ll get changed fast after you return, and you won’t waste time hunting a dry space while everyone else is doing the same.
Two Underwater Sessions (or One): How Your Level Shapes the Plan

You’ll do 2 underwater sessions as part of the included experience, but the exact number can be 1 or 2 depending on your certification level and factors like your date of last underwater activity.
That flexibility is worth paying attention to. If you’re very current, you may get the full plan. If you haven’t been in the water in a while, you’ll likely start with a safer, more comfortable option. Either way, you’re not being treated like a checkbox—you’re being matched.
You’ll be guided around the underwater locations by an instructor or guide team. That guidance is the difference between seeing “some fish” and actually enjoying the route, the depth, and the small moments—like when the guide points something out and you suddenly realize it’s right there.
Also, no matter what your profile is, there’s a clear flow: go out by boat, do your guided underwater sessions, then return to the centre around 1pm.
Marine Life Mix You Can Actually Spot: From Angel Sharks to Octopus
The standout promise here is variety. The experience notes a mix of Atlantic, Mediterranean, and African marine species. That’s not just trivia—it usually means you’re more likely to see a wider range of animals and colors rather than the same look everywhere you go.
One review I found especially memorable included Risco Verde and mentioned an angel shark, sting ray, octopus, and lots of other fish. Even if your sightings aren’t identical, that gives you a good picture of what the guides aim for: larger, recognizable animals plus steady “interesting fish” cruising.
Visibility helps a lot here. When the water is commonly 20–30 meters or more, you can actually track movement and notice details. With lower visibility, you spend more energy on navigation. With better visibility, your brain relaxes and you can focus on watching.
If you’re the type who likes photographing or just “seeing clearly,” ask yourself: do I want a morning where I can actually make out what I’m looking at? If yes, this is the right style of outing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gran Canaria
Price and Value: $118 for Two Guided Sessions (With a Few Extras)

At $118 per person for a 6-hour morning plan, this can be good value if you factor in what’s included. You’re getting:
- Equipment hire
- A guide
- Boat-based access to underwater locations
- Two underwater sessions (typically)
What you don’t get:
- Food and drinks
- Scuba insurance
Insurance is the only real “budget surprise” for most people. The info says it’s required, and you can bring your policy paperwork. If you don’t have coverage, the provider can provide insurance for an additional 9 euros per day.
So how do you judge value? If you’re staying on Gran Canaria for a short trip or you don’t want to fuss with local kit rentals, equipment hire included plus two guided underwater sessions adds up fast. If you already have insurance and your own gear, the value is still strong—though your main cost savings might come from not paying for equipment.
Also keep this in mind: smaller groups mean the guide can spend more time on your comfort and buoyancy cues, which often makes the experience feel less stressful.
What to Bring (and What to Skip)
You’ll want to pack in a way that makes the morning easy and dry.
Bring:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Your scuba certification
Not allowed:
- Alcohol and drugs
That last point isn’t just rule-following. It’s a safety and responsibility thing, and it helps keep the whole outing running smoothly.
Also, since you’re likely doing gear setup at the centre, wear clothes that come off and go back on quickly. You’ll be happier when you’re not stuck in soggy layers.
Who Should Book This Morning Scuba-Style Outing
This is best for people who are ready for guided underwater sessions with a realistic structure. It’s not designed for everyone.
It’s not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
It’s a good fit if you:
- Want a morning plan that finishes around 1pm
- Like guided structure (so you’re not guessing where to look)
- Prefer a small group up to 10 people
- Enjoy a mix of underwater scenery, from reefs and walls to caves and wrecks
- Speak English (instruction is listed as English)
If you’re new-ish but certified, your certification level and recent experience will help shape the plan. If you’re experienced and current, you’ll probably get the full two-session rhythm.
A Quick Reality Check on Timing and Comfort
Early starts sound simple until you try them while still thinking about breakfast. This one starts at 8:30am, so plan to be ready before that.
Comfort-wise, the itinerary is straightforward. Paperwork and equipment take place first. Then you head out by boat. After two underwater sessions, you’re back around 1pm. That makes it easy to schedule lunch and not feel like your day got eaten.
If you want extra flexibility, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also supports reserve now and pay later. That can help if your weather or travel timing is still a bit uncertain.
Should You Book It?
I think you should book this morning outing if you want guided underwater sessions in clear water and you like the idea of seeing different underwater habitats rather than doing only one type of spot. The small group setup and the focus on visibility and varied locations are the reasons it works.
You might hesitate if you don’t have scuba insurance sorted yet or if an early start is a problem for you. Also, this isn’t the right choice if you fall into the pregnancy or mobility-impairment categories listed as unsuitable.
If you’re a certified diver and you want a high-likelihood morning with good visibility and a chance at memorable marine life like angel sharks, sting rays, and octopus, this is a solid pick.
FAQ
What time does the experience start?
You meet at the scuba centre at 8:30am.
How long is the experience?
The total duration is listed as 6 hours.
How many underwater sessions will I do?
Depending on your certification level and when you last had underwater experience, you’ll do 1 or 2 sessions. The included plan is for 2 sessions.
Are equipment and a guide included?
Yes. Equipment hire, a guide, and boat-based access are included.
Do I need scuba insurance?
Yes. Scuba insurance is not included, and you need to bring a copy of your policy. The provider can also provide insurance for an additional 9 euros per day.
Is food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and your scuba certification.
Is the instruction in English?
Yes, the instructor/guide team provides instruction in English.


































