A
Scuba Experience with a Difference, Diving in Lanzarote and
the Canary Islands.
Frequently
Asked Questions.
Questions about Courses.
I've always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel).
How do I get started?
Simple. At Dawn Dives in The Canary Islands, we offer a range
of scuba diving courses to suit your needs and time constraints.
We just need to know when you want to start your course and
we can work out the best package for you. Before you know
it you will be scuba diving.
Is
learning to scuba dive difficult?
No, it's probably easier than you imagine. Our PADI entry-level
scuba diver course consists of sheltered (confined) water
diving, some theory and open water dives. The diving course
is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn
and demonstrate knowledge and skill. We regularly teach all
ages and abilities and we progress at your pace. The secret
is to relax and enjoy the scuba diving experience!
How
long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?
PADI scuba diving courses are performance based, which means
that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that
you've mastered the required skills and knowledge. Because
some learn faster than others, course duration varies. For
example, the PADI Open Water Diver course can be split into
five or six sessions over as little as three days.
How
old do I have to be to become a certified scuba diver?
In The Canary Islands you must be at least fourteen years
old to receive a PADI Junior Open Water Diver Certification.
14 year olds must dive with a certified adult. At age 15,
the Junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water
Diver certification. The final decision on whether an individual
is old enough to dive will be at the discretion of the Instructor
or as stipulated by the training agency for those undertaking
a diving qualification. Written parental / guardian consent
will be required for all divers under age 18.
Are
there any special qualifications or considerations to participate
in a scuba diving class in The Canary Islands?
So long as you are in good average health and at least 14
years old you can participate. You will, however, complete
a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire
indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, we will arrange
a local diving medicine doctor to see you to make sure you
are fit to scuba dive.
Do
I have to be a good swimmer?
You need only to be able to swim 200 metres with no time limit
or most people prefer a 300 metre/yard swim with mask, fins
and snorkel. You'll also perform a 10 minute tread/float.
Is
learning to scuba dive in The Canary Islands expensive?
No. At Dawn Dives, the cost of the diving courses includes
all equipment. Because most dive centers and resorts rent
equipment, once you are qualified you can invest in equipment
over time, renting what you don't have. There's probably good
diving not far from where you live, so travel costs can be
flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. Most
people find the costs of scuba diving similar to the cost
associated with snow skiing or mountain biking.
What
equipment do I need before I take scuba diving lessons?
Because our courses up to Dive Master level include full scuba
diving equipment, you only need to bring your swimming costume
and a smile!
Is
scuba diving dangerous?
No, but there are potential hazards, which is why at Dawn
Dives we offer proper training and certification.
Scuba
diving sounds exciting, but I'm not sure if it's for me. Can
I try it without signing up for a course?
Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience allows
you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by an instructor.
This usually takes a few hours and takes place in the warm
clear waters.
Questions
from Certified divers
What
is the water temperature whilst diving in The Canary Islands?
The temperature underwater varies little throughout the year
from 18 degrees Celsius in February to 24 degrees in August
and September. With temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius
from April to December. So a 5mm wet suit is good for the
summer months and a thick wetsuit (7mm) or dry suit is needed
for January to March.
What
type of boat does the dive centre use?
Our dive centre SUB MANIA has is own boat. We have a Zodiac
10 seater. Lanzarote offers a lot of possibility to dive wrecks,
caves, boat or shore dives, shallow or deep dives, wall or
reef dives.
Do
I need my own kit to dive in The Canary Islands?
We have a full range of scuba diving equipment to rent at
Dawn Dives. We offer scuba diving packages for divers with
or without equipment.
Most rental equipment is old or worn out, is yours?
We pride ourselves on professionalism and the standard of
our equipment is excellent. It is all under 2 years old and
serviced annually or more often.
I
see your dive centre is a PADI school, I am trained by another
organization, can I dive with you?
Of course. We recognize all of the major training agencies
worldwide, including CMAS, BSAC, SSI and NAUI to name but
a few.
When
is the best time to dive in The Canary Islands?
Diving is possible in the clear, warm waters of The Canary
Islands all year round. Of course with the slight changes
in temperature, we get different sea life, so if it is the
large pelagic species you like, then the cooler months of
October to April will suit you. If you like colourful fish,
turtles, spanish dancers and nudibranch, then the warmer summer
months are great for these. We even get the opportunity to
encounter whales and dolphins at certain times of the year.
Visibility is good year round.
Other questions
Do
you offer accommodation as well?
We can arrange accommodation in self catering apartments at
very good rates or we can help you make arrangements to stay
in the four star Hotel H10 Rubicon Palace. We also arrange
airport transfers and can even arrange car hire.
Do
I need a medical to dive in The Canary Islands?
In 2004, The Canary Islands introduced the self certification
system. There is a short medical questionnaire to complete
and so long as you are in reasonably good health, there will
be no need to see a doctor before you begin to enjoy diving
in The Canary Islands.
For more details and bookings please
contact
us about Diving in The Canary Islands
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