Q) What is the water temperature?
A) The water temperature is between 14 degrees in the winter (February) to 27 degrees in the summer (August).
Q) How many divers do you take on a dive?
A) On the boat the maximum is normally 10 divers to 2 instructors.
Q) What is the Minimum & Maximum age for divers?
A) 10 to100 so no excuses there.
Q) How long is a dive?
A) Dive time varies depending on depth and location and your air consumption but generally from 30 mins to 1 hour, average would be 45 mins.
Q) What do I have to bring?
A) Swim wear and a towel Dive Centres can provide the rest. If you are qualified you will need your certification card and proof of dive insurance
Q) I haven't dived in a while.
A) No problem. You buddy up with an instructor on a nice gentle dive.
Q) Can I snorkel?
A) Yes there are lots of great spots for snorkelling all onlong the Costa Blanca
Q) Do I need Insurance?
A) Yes you do. If you are doing a course most Dive centres will cover you on their professional isurance. However fun divers who are not on a course must have their own personal insurance which covers then for diving. With some travel insurance companies, diving is not covered so check with your tour operator before you travel. Holiday dive insurance is available for single dive or dive packs, you can arrange this when you arrive at the centre.
Questions on Courses
PADI is the largest most widely recognized SCUBA certification agency in the world. PADI has the widest network and most dive shops and resorts around the world are PADI. If you loose your card or want more training you'll always be able to find PADI.
All Scuba Certification agencies use the same standards and teach about the same scuba certification course. Just like a learning to drive a car, all driving schools will teach you the same rules. Some scuba instructors claim their agency is better and their competition is bad, but in fact we are all about the same.
Below is a list of commonly asked questions about scuba diving on the Costa Blanca
Q) Do I have to be able to swim to do a Discover Scuba Diving lesson?
A) NO, as long as you want to have a go there is no reason why you couldn't try it. By having a floatation device attached to you, you are in no danger, and you will have an instructor with you all the time you will walk into the sea all fall forwards and gently drift along watching the fish. However you would need to be able to swim to complete your open water diver course.
Q) What do divers breathe?
A) It is a common misconception that divers' tanks are filled with pure oxygen, not so! In fact most divers' tanks are actually filled with compressed air - the very same that you and I are breathing right now.
Q) How old do I have to be to learn to Scuba dive?
A) The minimum age is 10, while there is no maximum age.
Q) Isn't Scuba diving dangerous?
A) No. Statistics show that diving is one of the safest sports, providing you remain within the simple PADI guidelines taught to you.
Q) Do I have to be a strong swimmer to learn to Scuba dive?
A) No, as long as you can swim comfortably and tread water you will be able to learn to Scuba dive safely.
Q) Is Scuba diving expensive?
A) Initially diving may appear relatively expensive. However, when compared to a life long adventure that is different every time and enables you to visit parts of the world you would never normally see, then it really isn't. A lifetime of experience can be gained by simply forgoing a few beers at your local!
Q) How many people will on the course?
A) A Discover Scuba Diving lesson is a maximum of 4 customers to 1 instructor or even 1 on 1 if you're a little nervous.
Q) Do I need to have my own equipment?
A) No, we will provide all course materials and equipment you will require to learn to dive. .
Q) How deep do you go?
A) With the necessary training and experience, the limit for recreational scuba diving is 40 metres/130 feet. Beginning scuba divers stay shallower than about 18 metres/60 feet. Although these are the limits, some of the most popular diving is no deeper than 12 metres/40 feet where the water's warmer and the colors are brighter.
Q) What happens if I use up all my air?
A) That's not likely because you have a gauge that tells you how much air you have at all times. This way, you can return to the surface with a safety reserve remaining. But to answer the question, if you run out of air, your buddy has a spare mouthpiece that allows you to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface. There are also other options you'll learn in your scuba diving training.
Q) What if I feel claustrophobic?
A) People find the "weightlessness" of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern scuba masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer if a mask makes you feel closed in. During your scuba diving training, your instructor gives you plenty of time and coaching to become comfortable with each stage of learning. Your scuba instructor works with you at your own pace to ensure you master each skill necessary to become a capable scuba diver who dives regularly.
Q) Will I be able to dive worldwide with my certification?
A) Yes, PADI is the largest diver training organisation in the world.
Q) I am currently a diver with another organisation. Can I cross over to PADI courses?
A) Yes, although the level of cross-over depends on individual circumstances.
Q) Can I go straight from PADI Open Water Diver to the PADI Advanced Course?
A) Yes, PADI encourage the new diver to acquire further dive skills under the supervision of a PADI professional, the Advanced Course is specifically designed for this.
