Dive guide · SCUBA DIVING FOR BEGINNERS

The World’s 15 Best Beginner Scuba Dives

86 dives  ·  from $20 a head

Shallow, sheltered, guided and forgiving, which is exactly what a second or third dive should be. The 15 below list depth, group size and price, and say plainly which ones want a certificate and which do not.

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos - Meeting at Magic Island Lagoon
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First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

1.First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,123 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Meet your guide at Magic Island Lagoon for a small-group scuba lesson in calm, waist-deep water. After gear fitting and safety practice, you’ll reach about 15 feet with an instructor nearby. Guides such as Alex, Nick, Danny, and Rida are praised for patient coaching, while free GoPro videos give you a keepsake.

“I had an amazing scuba discovery experience! I got to see so many incredible marine animals, including spotted boxfish, dolphins, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish — truly unforgettable. Huge thanks to my instructor, Rida, for being patient, friendly, and making me feel completely safe the entire time. He also took lots of beautiful photos for me, which I really appreciate. Highly recommend this experience and Rida as a guide! 🌊🤿”

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Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan - Why the shore entry is a smart choice for beginners
Diving with Turtles, Puerto Rico Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Tour Reviews

Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan

2.Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,743 reviews · from $109

Learn scuba basics from instructors such as Jordan, Andrew, Matt, Scott, or David, then enter the Caribbean from Escambrón Beach. This shore-based session suits beginners age 8 and up, with equipment, instruction, underwater wildlife, and complimentary videos included. Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours from check-in through video download.

“My boyfriend and I had an awesome time scuba diving! Our guide Andrew was great. He was very informative on how to use the equipment and kept checking in on us to make sure we were 👌🏼. Would highly recommend for anyone who’s it is their first time diving.”

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Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch - Hurghada - Equipment, briefing, and first-time nerves
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Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch – Hurghada

3.Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch – Hurghada

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,146 reviews · from $40

Spend about seven hours on a Hurghada boat with Sea Memories, learning basic scuba skills before two 15-minute underwater sessions. An instructor stays beside you, with guides such as Bassiouni and Badr praised for calm support. Hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, and drinks are included, but bring cash for the $5 marine fee.

“They made it easy to do. With clear instructions and responsive to everyone’s ability. Well organised and a very smart boat with a crew that worked hard to make our full day a great experience. Would recommend this!”

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Intro Diving Beginner and Discover Red Sea Underwater - The first underwater session near Abu Ramada or Giftun
Egypt Scuba Diving, Hurghada Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving for Beginners in Egypt, Scuba Diving for Beginners in Hurghada, Tour Reviews

Intro Diving Beginner and Discover Red Sea Underwater

4.Intro Diving Beginner and Discover Red Sea Underwater

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,092 reviews · 8 hours · from $61

Spend eight hours exploring two Red Sea sites near Hurghada with a professional instructor. You will learn basic scuba skills, make two short underwater sessions, enjoy lunch and drinks on the boat, and have time to snorkel. Instructors including Badr, Joo, Shady, and Islam are often assigned to beginners. Hotel pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna.

“Badr is a fantastic instructor who makes you you feel very calm, especially as a beginner like myself. Great experience that I would highly recommend!”

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Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu - The underwater session lasts 20 to 30 minutes
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Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu

5.Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 877 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $77

Learn basic scuba skills with instructor Kyle at Magic Island Lagoon, a protected site near Waikiki. After a safety briefing and shallow-water practice, you spend 20 to 30 minutes underwater with a group of no more than four. Equipment and an underwater video package are included.

“Kyle, our instructor, was GREAT. Very informative. Kyle makes sure you are comfortable with everything before the dive. Would highly recommend. An awesome experience for the first time diver.”

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Mallorca: Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners - Meeting points and the ride to Cabo Regana
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Mallorca: Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners

6.Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 805 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $176

You’ll learn scuba basics with two PADI instructors in a group of no more than six, then enter Mallorca’s protected marine reserve from shore. Practice breathing, ear equalizing, mask clearing, and hand signals before a guided descent to 6 meters. Guides speak English, Spanish, French, and German. Transport, equipment, insurance, and a PADI certificate are included.

“We dived for the first time with Diving and Adventure, and Marvin, Levi, and Uriel made it so easy and fun! The instructors were patient and professional, and the whole team was super helpful and always available. Highly recommend them for an unforgettable experience! 🌊🤿”

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Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners - The 45-minute safety lesson
Madeira Scuba Diving, Portugal Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving for Beginners in Portugal, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

7.Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 715 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $53

Start at Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton with a safety lesson and pool practice. Then, if you choose the ocean option, follow a PADI instructor to a private reef near Funchal for a first scuba experience among colorful fish, coral, starfish, and possible octopus sightings. English, German, Portuguese, and Spanish support is available.

“Our scuba diving course was an unforgettable experience overall! Our instructor was super friendly and, after a brief theoretical introduction, familiarized us with the equipment. After that, we went to the pool for some practice, which was a bit shorter than expected, before we headed straight into the sea – a fantastic experience! Another particularly positive aspect is that you have the opportunity to obtain a diving certificate and that German-speaking instructors are on-site. The only small downside: the time listed online didn't quite match the actual duration. Otherwise, it was really nice, and we would do it again anytime!”

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Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - The 15-minute speedboat ride south
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Tenerife: Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

8.Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 627 reviews · 2 hours · from $82

Meet Zero Gravity Tenerife at Puerto Colón for a beginner scuba session with full equipment, a 30-minute safety briefing, and a short speedboat ride to a secluded bay. You will spend about 45 minutes in the water at depths up to 10 meters, with one instructor for every two clients. Turtle sightings are possible, not promised.

“Great diving activity, our guide Rihan (sorry for misspelling ) was amazing!!thank you to the team and we will be back for next adventures!🌊🤿”

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Santorini: Scuba Diving Experience in Caldera for Beginners - Meeting the team in Emporio
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Santorini: Scuba Diving Experience in Caldera for Beginners

9.Scuba Diving Experience in Caldera for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 597 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Meet Alex, Irini, or another Santorini Scuba Academy instructor in Emporio for a three-hour beginner scuba session. You’ll learn equipment basics and underwater signals, then spend about 45 minutes exploring a volcanic reef in the caldera. Gear, water, and a snack are included, while hotel pickup and photos cost extra.

“Overall for a beginners experience we couldn’t fault it absolutely great experience”

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Scuba Diving Full Day Boat Trip for beginners With Lunch & Transfer – Hurghada - Morning pickup and the ride to the boat
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Scuba Diving Full Day Boat Trip for beginners With Lunch & Transfer – Hurghada

10.Scuba Diving Full Day Boat Trip for beginners With Lunch & Transfer – Hurghada

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 580 reviews · from $24Best value

Spend about eight hours on a Red Sea boat from Hurghada, with hotel pickup, equipment, two guided scuba stops, lunch, and time to snorkel or swim. Beginners receive patient instruction, while experienced participants can visit deeper sites. Guides may include Sultan, Mustafa, Hossum, Osama, or Mimo, depending on the day.

“The experience was great at least for us who tried it for the first time. We were suppose to try two spots(reefs) but that didn’t really happen. Price was very low but during and after the trip everyone was asking for bakshish(tip). Photographer also want money which is fair but we would prefer a fixed price rather then pay what you want”

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Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria - What you may see below the surface
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Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria

11.Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Gran Canaria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 561 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $107

Spend about three hours learning scuba basics, practicing in shallow water, and exploring Gran Canaria’s coast with a PADI instructor. Groups never exceed four, and guides such as Mike, Veronica, Miguel, Jessica, and Adriana are praised for calm, clear instruction. Pickup is included from southern coastal towns.

“Mon fils a fait pour la première fois de la plongée. Il a adoré. La dame était adorable, très à l'écoute et très professionnelle. Elle n'avait que deux jeunes à s'occuper et c'est important de ne pas être nombreux pour être en entière sécurité. Par contre, il n'y avait pas beaucoup de poissons. Je recommande cette activité avec cet organisme. Ils sont pro. Merci beaucoup pour tout ❤️❤️❤️”

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Heraklion: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners _Beach - The lesson keeps the theory short and useful
Crete Scuba Diving, Greece Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving for Beginners in Greece, Tour Reviews

Heraklion: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners _Beach

12.Heraklion: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners _Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 549 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $81

Meet Aquadive at Mononaftis Beach in Agia Pelagia, or use pickup from selected Crete resorts. You get a 30-minute digital lesson, full equipment, close instruction from certified guides such as George, and up to 45 minutes underwater. Expect a gentle shore entry, fish, rock formations, and possible wait time between groups.

“My 15 year old is working on his dive certification & wanted the experience of diving in Crete. This is a shore dive & is great for 1st time divers but a little slow for people with more experience. The instructor was great & a very nice guy. The transport is a comfortable a/c van a nice drive to a beach & a cute little town. The dive was about 30-40 minutes in about 5 meters of water. Good safety briefing. Wetsuit and equipment provided. Would have liked to have purchased a Tee-shirt commemorating his 1st dive in Crete. Maybe consider investing in some merch :-) Overall, a good experience…”

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Red Sea Diving Trip from Hurghada: Beginner to Advanced Divers - First underwater session for beginners
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Red Sea Diving Trip from Hurghada: Beginner to Advanced Divers

13.Red Sea Diving Trip from Hurghada: Beginner to Advanced Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 530 reviews · from $69

Spend about seven hours aboard a Hurghada boat, visiting two Red Sea sites for guided scuba sessions. Beginners receive close instruction, while certified participants can explore at a suitable depth. Equipment, lunch, drinks, tea, coffee, and hotel transfers are included. Instructors named by past guests include Abdo, Hady, Hamdy, Boudy, and Tohamy. Bring $5 for the national park fee.

“Unbelievable team, absolutely amazing! My daughter and I had our first ever dive at crazy dolphin and we felt so safe and reassured. Very professional, qualified and knowledgeable. They took us to the best snorkelling and diving spots and we even had a chance to see and sRead more”

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Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners - The 45-minute safety lesson
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Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

14.Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 494 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $53

Start with a short scuba lesson and pool practice, then head into Funchal’s Protected Area for a guided 45-minute visit to a private reef, reaching up to 12 meters. Patient instructors such as Rafa, Esme, Jessie, and Roberto help beginners manage the equipment and stay calm. Expect fish, octopuses, rays, and other Madeira sea life.

“A brilliant introduction for first time divers. I booked onto this as an advanced diver so that my partner could experience diving for himself and we both had a wonderful time. Our instructor Sam was energetic and supportive throughout the whole dive, informative without being confusing or long winded, and clearly in love with his profession. 10/10”

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Tenerife First Time Scuba Dive – Turtle Habitat, Small Groups - Fish, rock formations, and the turtle question
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Tenerife First Time Scuba Dive – Turtle Habitat, Small Groups

15.Tenerife First Time Scuba Dive – Turtle Habitat, Small Groups

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 456 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Meet at Puerto Colon for a safety briefing, wetsuit, boat ride, and a 25 to 30-minute beginner scuba session in water no deeper than 7 meters. PADI instructors such as Romana, Toby, Martin, and Francesco guide small groups, followed by 30 minutes of snorkeling. Turtles are possible, not guaranteed.

“I had a hard time believing you could go from 0 SCUBA experience to swimming at the bottom of the ocean in 2.5 hours, but you sure can. Very knowledgeable and kind instructors helped those who had challenges (which are all very minor.) If you would like to try SCUBA but are nervous, don't hesitate to go with this group.”

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New in Scuba Diving for Beginners

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★ 5.0Tulamben Bay Beginner’s Dive ExperienceFrom $11966 reviews
★ 5.0Plakias: Try Scuba Diving first time – Private, from 8 yrs.From $17421 reviews
★ 4.9Private Discover Scuba Diving for BeginnersFrom $20025 reviews
★ 5.0Basic Diver course for beginners with 1 dive in the OceanFrom $23441 reviews
★ 5.0Scuba Diving in Boracay: SSI Basic Diver for BeginnersFrom $6120 reviews
★ 5.0Try Scuba in Crete – Free Certification & Photos (Beginners)From $14451 reviews
★ 4.8Scuba Diving Experience for Non-Certified DiversFrom $5445 reviews
★ 5.0Daymaniat Islands Scuba Diving for BeginnersFrom $19418 reviews

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