Diving Adventure in Dénia: My Journey to Becoming a PADI Open Water Diver

This article highlights the unique advantages of choosing Dénia, Spain, for co-living and co-working during the winter and off-season. Dénia offers a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal escape from colder European regions. The reduced tourist crowds during the off-season provide a peaceful environment for exploring local markets, restaurants, and attractions. The international community at the co-living space fosters networking and collaboration, with hosts fluent in English, German, and Spanish ensuring a comfortable stay. Additionally, Dénia offers diverse leisure activities year-round, from hiking to cultural events. Overall, Dénia’s co-living and co-working space provides an inspiring and productive winter retreat.

Index

Introduction: Why Diving?
First Steps
Theory and Practice
Adventure in Open Water
Supervision and Safety
Conclusion and Costs

Introduction: Why Diving?

Last summer, I decided to fulfill a long-held dream by obtaining my PADI Open Water Diver certification. A major advantage was that the “Octopus Dive School” is only 550 meters away from our co-living space, roughly a nine-minute walk.

Diving in Open Water

First Steps: Introductory Diving

My diving adventure began with a boat dive introductory session that cost €75. During this session, an experienced instructor guided me through the fascinating underwater world, where I saw many fish and even an octopus. This initial experience of diving up to 6 meters deep made me eager for more.

Theory and Practice: The PADI Open Water Course

Motivated by the introductory dive, I signed up for the official PADI Open Water Course. I started with the necessary theoretical parts on an online platform, which were informative and emphasized safety aspects. Armed with theoretical knowledge, I then began practical diving sessions, starting in the pool at the dive school to practice the basics.

Adventure in Open Water


After the pool sessions, the exciting open water dives followed. We conducted two dives per day, four in total, often speeding across Javea Bay to new diving spots. Particularly impressive were the dives in wave conditions, where the motion of the waves across the seabed revealed a magical world.

Supervision and Safety


Our instructor, Patrick from Luxembourg, who is fluent in German, French, English, and Spanish, was an excellent mentor. He took great care with us diving students, always ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment.

Conclusion and Costs


The training cost €390 and was worth every cent. For anyone living near Dénia or staying in a co-living space, the “Octopus Dive School” offers an ideal opportunity to dive into the world of scuba diving. It’s an experience that goes far beyond the sport, bringing you closer to the beauty and diversity of the ocean.