What should I look for in my first dive course?
What should I look for in my diving course?
Why your dive course should be an experience and not a race against the clock
Taking a diving course is much more than learning to breathe underwater. It is the first step on a journey that can change your life. But as with any journey, the way you start it will have a big impact on your future experience. That's why choosing where and how to do your first diving course is an important decision. And this is where we want to explain what makes Dream Dive different and why we think it is worth paying attention to some details.
Small groups: more time for yourself, more safety, better learning
At Dream Dive we are very clear: learning to dive is not a mass activity. It is a very personal experience, and that is why our courses are always carried out with a maximum number of students. 3 students per instructor. This is not a coincidence, nor is it a marketing strategy: it is a conscious decision to ensure that every minute underwater is real learning time for you.
When you are in a large group - of 4, 6 or even more people - time is diluted. Imagine you're in the water doing a mask exercise and a buddy gets into trouble. What happens? The instructor has to stop and help him, while you and the rest of the group wait on your knees at the bottom. That waiting time is not only inefficient, it can also be frustrating. At Dream Dive, if there are only 2 or 3 of us, the attention is much more direct, the teaching is much smoother, and you get the most out of each dive.
Don't rush: learning well takes time
The courses of Open Water are demanding. They are not difficult, but they require time to assimilate, practice and, above all, for your body and mind to adapt to a completely new environment. That's why, at Dream Dive we never do a course in 2 days. We consider this to be irresponsible and counterproductive.
Many centres offer you the Open Water in two days. At first glance it seems like a good offer: faster, cheaper, right? But what they are selling you is less time underwater, less practice and, in the end, less time in the water, more doubts and insecurities when you're done. And that, in the long run, will cost you dearly. Because you will end up looking for other courses or guided dives to make up for what you couldn't practice well.
With us, the course is done the way it should be done: minimum 3 daysWe have time to rest so that your body can recover and so that you can assimilate everything you are learning. Security, confidence and tranquillity cannot be accelerated.
More dives, more practice, more learning
Another key question: How many times will I enter the water during the course? At Dream Dive we guarantee a minimum of 6 entries into the water (provided that the course takes place entirely at sea). And in each we change bottles. This means that each dive is long, productive and useful. There are centres where you only change tanks a couple of times in the whole course, which indicates that the dives are short or that you only do 2 or 3 real sessions in the water.
It is not the same to do 6 real sessions, with time and space to practice, than to do two short sessions and leave with a card but a lot of doubts. And underwater, doubts are not good company.
What you should ask before choosing a dive centre
If you are thinking of taking a diving course, we suggest you ask yourself and all the centres you compare us with these questions before you buy:
How many people will be on my course?
How many dives will I do?
How long will each dive last?
Will I have a certified and licensed instructor in front of me, dedicated to our group?
These questions are not demanding. They are basic. They will help you detect when a centre is prioritising your training and when they are simply selling you a card that says "Open Water".
Before you decide, talk to a diver.
And if you still have any doubts, we have one last suggestion: talk to anyone who dives on a regular basis.. Someone who loves diving. Ask them if these points seem important to them. They will all tell you the same thing: what you learn right from day one will stay with you for life. What you learn wrong, or too quickly, will haunt you on every dive.
At Dream Dive we do not sell express courses. We offer you confidence, security and an open door to a fascinating world.. And we do that with time, dedication and a lot of care.
Are you up for it?
But that's not all... BONUS TIP
If you've made it this far... you're already half convinced 😉.
And this is normal. When things are explained clearly and with common sense, everything starts to add up. But wait, because we still have a couple of tricks up our sleeve that might make you think: "these people have got it right".
Own hosting, tailor-made packs and zero worries
At Dream Dive we do not work with external hotels. We have own accommodationThe dive centre is just a stone's throw away. They are not luxury resorts, nor do they have a spa, but they are spaces clean, comfortable, well located and with all the essentials for a good night's sleep. after a day of diving. And that allows us to offer really interesting and personalised packsadapted to what you need: whether you come alone, as a couple, with friends, or with your dog...
And speaking of dogs: yes, animals are welcome. If for you travelling means sharing it with your furry friend, you won't have any problems here.
Another advantage of this formula? If the weather is not good, you don't have to worry about two separate bookings (course and accommodation). We take care of everything. We reorganise, relocate, offer alternatives and make it easy for you so that you don't lose money or patience. Because we know that time cannot be controlled, but we can the customer experience does.
And we have our own boat. And that makes a big difference
We are the the only dive centre in Tossa de Mar with its own boat. We are not the only ones who do boat trips, but we are the ones who do. unique with the flexibility to decide when and how to leave without depending on third parties. This gives us the freedom to better adapt to the sea, the weather conditions and, above all, to your level and objectives.
Are you coming for your first baptism? Let's go to a quiet cove. Are you doing your Open Water? We choose spots with progressive depth. Already a certified diver? Let's explore walls, islets or more demanding spots. All without imposed schedules or having to wait for shifts.
At Dream Dive we don't just dive: we take care of your entire diving experience.
When you add up: small groups, quality training, own accommodation, total flexibility with the boat, personalised attention and zero worries... the result is a diving experience. complete, calm and 100% designed for you.
We love the sea, but even more to see someone come out of the water with a huge smile on their face. The kind that says: "I've learned, I've felt safe and I've enjoyed it like never before".
Do you want this to be your case? Just write to us. We are waiting for you.
