Do I need previous experience for a Discover Scuba Diving experience?
No. The Discover Scuba experience is designed for people with no prior experience. You just need to be 10 years old or more, be able to swim and have no serious health problems. A certified instructor will be with you at all times.
How long does the Discover Scuba experience last and what is included?
A theory session and a 35-40 minute dive to a maximum depth of 9 metres. Allow around 2 hours in total. Includes all equipment and the instructor. Video footage will be taken during the activity if safety allows. Maximum 2 people per instructor.
Does the experience take place from the beach or from a boat?
From the beach (Platja del Morro del Vedell, right in front of the centre) or from a boat. You can check available dates in the Upcoming Courses section.
What is the difference between Discover Scuba, Scuba Diver and Open Water?
Discover Scuba: a one-off experience with no certification, a single guided dive.
PADI Scuba Diver: first official certification, diving up to 12 m always with a PADI instructor or divemaster.
PADI Open Water: full entry-level certification, independent diving up to 18 m anywhere in the world.
Can I give a dive experience or a course as a gift?
Yes. Gift cards available for discover dives, courses and boat trips. You receive the code immediately by email. Valid for 1 year.
What is included in the PADI Open Water Diver course?
PADI eLearning code, full equipment, air fills, 1 snorkelling session, 4 confined water dives, 4 open water dives (one from a boat), access to PADI eLearning theory and international PADI certification.
How many days does the Open Water course take and what are the hours?
3 consecutive days or 2 weekends. Hours: 9:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:30.
Can the theory be done online from home?
Yes. With PADI eLearning you study the theory at your own pace on your phone, tablet or computer. The in-water training always takes place in person in Palamós.
What is included in the PADI Advanced Open Water course?
5 dives in different environments, at least 3 from a boat. Underwater Navigation and Deep Dive are compulsory; you choose the other 3. On completion you will be able to dive to 30 metres.
Which PADI speciality courses are available at Gidive?
Nitrox, Deep Diver (up to 40 m), Underwater Scooter DPV, Wreck Diver, Underwater Photography, Navigation, Buoyancy Control and Fish Identification. Most require Advanced Open Water and a minimum age of 15.
Can I train to become a diving instructor at Gidive?
Yes. We are a PADI 5 Star IDC Centre. The path is: Open Water -> Advanced -> Rescue -> Divemaster -> Instructor.
What is technical diving and which courses do you offer?
We are a PADI TecRec Centre. We offer: Discover Tec, Tec 40, Tec 45, Tec 50, Tec Trimix 65 and Tec Trimix Diver.
What do I need to do the PADI Open Water course?
Be 10 years old or more, be able to swim and have an official medical certificate no more than 2 years old. Those aged 10-14 receive the Junior Open Water certification, which automatically becomes a full Open Water at age 15.
What do I need for the PADI Advanced Open Water?
Open Water certification (or equivalent), 12 years old or more, valid medical certificate and diving insurance.
What do I need for the PADI Rescue Diver?
Be an Advanced Open Water diver, hold a valid EFR (Emergency First Response) certificate (you can do it with us), be 15 years old or more, have a valid medical certificate and diving insurance.
Does the medical certificate need to be issued by a specialist?
No. Any general practitioner can issue it, confirming that you are fit for recreational diving. Maximum validity: 2 years.
My certification is from another organisation (SSI, CMAS…). Can I do courses?
Yes. Certifications are mutually recognised between PADI, SSI, CMAS, NAUI and others. Bring your certification card and logbook and we will advise you.
Are there any health restrictions for diving?
The main contraindications are: serious ear problems, severe respiratory conditions, uncontrolled heart conditions, epilepsy, severe claustrophobia and pregnancy.
Which dive sites do you visit?
The best sites on the Costa Brava: the Boreas wreck (a 40-metre ship sunk in 1989 off Palamós), Els Ullastres (underwater mountains off Llafranc), the Formigues Islands (between Palamós and Calella), La Llosa de Palamós and La Roca Roja. The site is chosen based on sea conditions and the group's experience level.
Do the trips include an underwater guide?
Standard trips do not include a guide. A guide is a diving professional (divemaster or instructor) who accompanies and leads the group during the dive, and must be booked separately.
When is it recommended to hire a personal guide?
We recommend hiring a personal guide in the following situations:
— You have not dived in over 1 year.
— You are not able to set up your diving equipment independently.
— It is your first time diving from a boat.
Contact us and we will help you assess your situation.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my trip?
If conditions are not suitable, the trip is postponed or the site is changed. You can check the sea conditions in real time on our Port Marina Palamós webcam. We will notify you as soon as possible.
Can I hire the boat for a private trip?
Yes. The Piola (11.5 m, 36 passengers) is available with skipper for a half day or full day for private diving, snorkelling, corporate events or film shoots.
What diving equipment can I rent?
25 full Aqualung sets (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, weights), all regularly serviced, 115 tanks of 10, 12 and 15 litres, 1,800 lm LED torches and full technical diving equipment. We are also a Suunto Test Centre.
Do you fill Nitrox and Trimix?
Yes. Our Bauer Pure Air station (installed 2020) fills Air, Nitrox and Trimix, standard or custom blends, up to 300 bar.
Do you service and repair diving equipment?
Yes, at Gidive Store. Official service centre for Apeks, Aqualung, Scubapro, Cressi, Mares, Halcyon, Poseidon, Seac, Suunto and Shearwater.
Do I need diving insurance and can I get it through you?
Mandatory for speciality courses, technical diving and PRO courses. Recommended for all dives. We can arrange DAN, Extrasub or Dive Travel insurance directly.
What is the difference between the Freediving Discovery and the PADI Freediver course?
Freediving Discovery: a 3-hour introduction with no certification, minimum age 12.
PADI Freediver: first course with official certification, minimum age 15. No scuba diving experience required.
Which PADI freediving levels do you offer?
Freediving Discovery, PADI Skin Diver, PADI Freediver, PADI Advanced Freediver and PADI Master Freediver.
How can I book an activity?
Directly from the Book section on our website. If you cannot find your preferred date, contact us by WhatsApp or phone: 603 78 13 54.
Do I need to wait before flying after diving?
Yes. Wait at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18-24 hours if you have done multiple dives on the same day or on consecutive days.
Is Gidive officially authorised?
Yes. Authorised by the Generalitat de Catalunya, we are a PADI 5 Star IDC Centre and PADI TecRec Centre (Dive Centre 26404) since 2020.
How long have you been in business?
Founded in 2007, over 17 years on the Costa Brava. In 2018 we completely renovated our facilities: over 250 m² designed specifically for divers.
Which languages do you speak?
We speak Spanish, Catalan, English and French, both at the centre and on our website.
Where is Gidive Store?
Carrer Celler 1, Unit 5 — 17251 Calonge, and also online at gidivestore.com. Brands: Aqualung, Apeks, Scubapro, Mares, Cressi, Suunto, Shearwater and more.