Starting out in the world of diving is exciting and special, and one of the best places on the entire Spanish coast for it is La Herradura. Located on Granada’s Costa Tropical, it boasts ideal conditions for enjoying quality diving for all levels, from beginners to experts.
If you’re one of those people determined to take the first step into the world of diving, a Discover Scuba Diving experience awaits you in the best possible location in all of Spain: La Herradura.
What is a Discover Scuba Diving Experience?
A Discover Scuba Diving experience is known as an introduction to the world of diving. Unlike the Open Water Diver certification, for example, no official certificate is issued after a course; it’s simply an experience that gives you your first taste of diving. It’s usually divided into three phases:
1. Theory session: The instructor will explain how the equipment works and how communication will be carried out.
2. Adaptation: To build confidence, your first breaths and tank use will be done in shallow water.
3. The Dive: This is a guided dive lasting no more than 45 minutes, where the instructor will be in charge at all times. You just focus on enjoying the incredible underwater landscape that surrounds you.
Why is La Herradura perfect for first dives and introductory dives?
La Herradura has numerous reasons that make it the ideal place for dives, whether for an introductory dive or for experienced divers. It boasts calm waters, being a bay flanked by Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo.
La Calita, or the beach, can be the starting point for diving, so you’ll have a gradual, comfortable, and easy entry. The final factor that makes La Herradura the perfect place for your dives is its rich marine life. You don’t need to descend to a great depth to discover it; descending to just five meters, you’ll already find octopuses, starfish, and salema porgies.
Requirements for a Discover Scuba Diving Experience
You don’t need many requirements to do your Discover Scuba Diving experience. Of course, you should be in normal physical condition, nothing extraordinary. You will almost certainly have to sign a consent form. And don’t worry about age, because Discover Scuba Diving experiences are permitted from the age of 10.
Another piece of good news is that you can forget about equipment, as everything will be provided on site. You will have a mask, fins, wetsuit, buoyancy compensator (BCD) that will make you float or sink, and, of course, an oxygen tank.
The only safety aspect you should be aware of afterward is that you should not fly for 24 hours after the dive, due to the nitrogen levels in your body.
Common Scuba Diving Myths
Before your introductory dive, you’ll probably have some doubts or fears, but don’t worry about a thing. Your ears won’t hurt, because you’ll be taught how to equalize. You also don’t need to worry about running out of air; you have everything you need to prevent that from happening, with an instructor watching over you. Remember that 90% of this process is mental. If you control your mind, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
What comes after the introductory dive?
Afterward comes the joy and the realization of what a fantastic experience you’ve had. You’ll probably still be itching to dive, so the next natural step would be to get your Open Water Diver certification. If you stay in La Herradura, the dive schools here might even offer you a discount if you did your introductory dive with them.
