Do I need previous experience to do the Discover Scuba Diving?
No. The Discover Scuba Diving is designed for people with no experience at all. You just need to be 10 years old or over, be able to swim and have no serious health problems. A certified instructor accompanies you at all times.
How long does the Discover Scuba Diving last and what does it include?
A theory session and a 35-40 minute dive to a maximum of 9 metres. In total around 2 hours. Includes all equipment and instructor. If safety permits, videos will be recorded during the activity. Maximum 2 people per instructor.
Where is the Discover Scuba Diving done: beach or boat?
From the beach (Platja del Morro del Vedell, in front of the centre) or from the boat. You can see available dates in the Upcoming Courses section.
What is the difference between the Discover Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver and Open Water?
Discover Scuba Diving: one-off experience with no certification, one guided dive.
PADI Scuba Diver: first certification, diving up to 12 m with a PADI instructor or divemaster.
PADI Open Water: complete certification, autonomous diving up to 18 m anywhere in the world.
Can I gift a Discover Scuba Diving or a course?
Yes. Gift cards for Discover Scuba Diving sessions, courses and trips. You receive the code immediately by email. Validity: 1 calendar year.
What does the PADI Open Water Diver course include?
PADI eLearning code, all equipment, air fills, 1 freediving session, 4 confined water dives, 4 open water dives (one from the boat), access to PADI eLearning theory and international PADI certification.
How many days does the Open Water last and what is the schedule?
3 consecutive days or 2 weekends. Schedule: 9:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:30.
Can I do the theory online from home?
Yes. With PADI eLearning you study the theory at your own pace from your mobile, tablet or computer. Practical sessions are always in person in Palamós.
What does the PADI Advanced Open Water course include?
5 dives in different environments, minimum 3 from the boat. Underwater Navigation and Deep Dive are compulsory; you choose the other 3. Upon completion you will be able to dive to 30 metres.
What PADI specialties can I do at Gidive?
Nitrox, Deep Diver (up to 40 m), DPV Underwater Scooter, Wreck Diver, Underwater Photography, Navigation, Peak Performance Buoyancy and Fish Identification. Most require Advanced Open Water and a minimum age of 15.
Can I train as a diving instructor at Gidive?
Yes. We are a PADI 5 Star IDC Centre. Itinerary: Open Water → Advanced → Rescue → Divemaster → Instructor.
What is technical diving and what 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?
Be 10 years old or over, be able to swim and hold an official medical certificate no older than 2 years. Children aged 10-14 obtain Junior Open Water, which upgrades to Open Water at age 15.
What do I need for the PADI Advanced Open Water?
Open Water certification (or equivalent), 12 years old or over, 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 certification (you can do this with us), be 15 years old or over, hold a medical certificate and diving insurance.
Does the medical certificate have to be issued by a specialist?
No. Any general practitioner can issue it. Maximum age: 2 years.
My certification is from another organisation (SSI, CMAS…). Can I take courses?
Yes. Certifications are mutually recognised between PADI, SSI, CMAS, NAUI… Bring your card and logbook and we will advise you.
Are there health restrictions for diving?
The main contraindications are: serious ear problems, severe respiratory diseases, uncontrolled heart conditions, epilepsy, severe claustrophobia and pregnancy.
What dive sites do you visit?
Boreas Wreck (ship sunk in 1989 off Palamós), Els Ullastres (underwater mountains off Llafranc), Illes Formigues (between Palamós and Calella), La Llosa de Palamós and La Roca Roja. The site is decided based on sea conditions and the group's level.
Do the trips include an underwater guide?
Standard trips do not include a guide. A guide is a dive professional (divemaster or instructor) who accompanies and leads the group during the dive, and must be contracted separately.
When is it advisable to hire a personal guide?
We recommend hiring a personal guide if any of the following apply:
— You have not dived for more than 1 year.
— You are unable to assemble your diving equipment independently.
— It is your first time diving from a boat.
Contact us and we will help you assess this.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?
If conditions are not suitable, the trip is postponed or the site is changed. You can see the sea in real time with our Port Marina Palamós webcam. We will notify you with as much notice as possible.
Can I hire the boat for a private trip?
Yes. The Piola boat (11.50 m, 36 passengers) with skipper for half a day or full day for private diving, snorkelling, corporate events or filming.
What diving equipment can I hire?
25 complete Aqualung sets fully serviced, 115 cylinders of 10, 12 and 15 litres, LED torches 1,800 lm and full technical diving equipment. We are a Suunto Test Centre.
Do you fill Nitrox and Trimix?
Yes. Bauer Pure Air filling station (2020): Air, Nitrox and Trimix, standard or custom mixtures, up to 300 bar.
Do you carry out equipment repairs and servicing?
Yes, at Gidive Store. Official technical service for Apeks, Aqualung, Scubapro, Cressi, Mares, Halcyon, Poseidon, Seac, Suunto and Shearwater.
Do I need diving insurance and can I take it out with you?
Mandatory for specialties, technical diving and PRO courses. Recommended for trips. We arrange DAN, Extrasub or Dive Travel directly.
What is the difference between Discover Freediving and the PADI Freediver course?
Discover Freediving: 3-hour introduction with no certification, minimum age 12.
PADI Freediver: first course with official certification, minimum age 15. No scuba diving experience required.
What PADI freediving levels do you offer?
Discover Freediving, PADI Skin Diver, PADI Freediver, PADI Advanced Freediver and PADI Master Freediver.
How can I book an activity?
From the Book section of our website. If you cannot find the date, contact us by WhatsApp or telephone: 603 78 13 54.
How long do I need to wait before boarding a plane after diving?
Minimum 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 Center 26404) since 2020.
How many years have you been operating?
Founded in 2007, over 17 years on the Costa Brava. In 2018 we renovated the facilities: over 250 m² designed for divers.
What languages can you serve us in?
Spanish, Catalan, English and French, both at the centre and on the website.
Where is Gidive Store?
Carrer Celler 1, Nave 5 — 17251 Calonge, and also online at gidivestore.com. Brands: Aqualung, Apeks, Scubapro, Mares, Cressi, Suunto, Shearwater and more.