Breathing underwater can feel strange at first. That’s exactly why this private first-scuba session in Mallorca works so well: calm coaching, shallow practice, and a clear path into the underwater world. You’ll go from shore to real marine life, with Alexandru Valentin Duta (often called Alex) guiding the safety side, and Jose showing you what to look for.

I especially like the slow, confidence-building setup. You get around 10 minutes of simple theory, then you start breathing at about 1 meter so your body learns the rhythm before you go deeper. I also love the photo-and-video plan: you’ll get GoPro Hero 10 media, so you don’t have to fumble with your own camera while you’re concentrating.

One thing to consider: the experience is timed. Expect about 50 minutes underwater within a total session of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, so it’s perfect for a first taste, not for a long day on the water.

Key things that make this Mallorca scuba session worth it

• True private coaching (1 instructor to 2 people): you’re not competing for attention.
• Shore start and shallow practice: you begin around 1 meter to get comfortable fast.
• Safety tools you can feel: if anything gets off, the equipment inflates so you can float with your instructor.
• GoPro Hero 10 photos and videos included: you leave with keepsakes, not just memories.
• Mallorca marine life on the route: octopus, cuttlefish, wrasse, sea bream, moray eel, and more.
• A short, focused format: about 2–2.5 hours total, with roughly 50 minutes underwater.

Private First-Scuba in Mallorca: what you’re really signing up for

This isn’t a “follow the group and hope for the best” kind of experience. You’re getting a private beginner-focused underwater session designed for people who’ve never done scuba before. The training is built around control: how you breathe, how you equalize, and what to do when something feels weird.

The setting in Mallorca matters too. Your underwater time happens at locations about 15 minutes by car from Palma city, which keeps the logistics simple while still getting you into good marine areas. And the water can be very fishy—part of the point is that you can learn the basics and still see the sea life you came for.

This is also a good fit if you’re not a strong swimmer. The plan is not “swim harder.” It’s “get stable, breathe calmly, and let your gear help you,” with the instructor close the whole time.

Meet the team: Alex and Jose’s calm, hands-on style

What makes this session consistently rated highly is the instructor mindset. Alexandru Valentin Duta brings 14 years of experience, and he’s a professional PADI instructor, which matters because first-timers need steady, repeatable explanations. Jose also shows up in many accounts as the calm, patient support during the water time—especially when first timers get overwhelmed or frustrated.

You’ll notice the difference in how problems are handled. When someone’s mask gets water inside or their body starts moving too fast, the response is not panic. You get calm corrections and help until you’re back in control.

That “you’re not on your own” feeling is the real value. You’re not just renting gear and getting a checklist. You’re getting hands-on support, plus clear guidance in English, and practical support in additional languages depending on the situation.

The 10-minute theory and how the training actually flows

Before you’re underwater, you get about 10 minutes of theory. It’s described as basic English and meant to be simple, so you can get your bearings without a long lecture. If you’re traveling in French, there’s an online theory option via phone, and they mention additional language support too.

Then the session moves quickly into practice. Instead of jumping straight to deeper water, you start from about 1 meter, where you can focus on breathing and comfort. This shallow start is smart because it reduces the number of unknowns on your first try.

If you want to know what the teaching style feels like, the best clue is the way the instructors respond to common first-timer issues. They guide you through the breathing rhythm, and they stay close so corrections are immediate, not delayed.

From the shore to stable breathing: what 1 meter to 6 meters feels like

Your maximum depth is 6 meters, which is a beginner-friendly range for learning control. But the more important detail is the progression: you start from around 1 meter, then you move deeper only as you feel ready. That makes a huge difference mentally. You’re not bracing for a sudden jump into the deep end.

You also don’t need to swim in this setup. The instructors plan for stability, and they hold you during the session. That sounds basic, but it changes everything for a first timer. You can focus on breath timing and buoyancy rather than trying to keep yourself moving.

If you hit a snag, the equipment helps. They explain that if you have any problem, the equipment inflates like a lifejacket, so you can float easily with your instructor. In plain terms: you’re not expected to “figure it out” underwater by yourself.

And yes, you’ll feel the weird parts at first—no gravity, different body movement, and the sensation of breathing underwater. That’s where close coaching matters most.

50 minutes underwater: marine life you can actually see

About 50 minutes underwater time is enough for real memories, but it’s also short enough that you’ll come back feeling accomplished, not exhausted. This works especially well for first timers who worry they’ll run out of patience or air.

During the session you can encounter marine life such as octopus, cuttlefish, moray eel, sea bream, and different wrasses like ornate wrasse and peacock wrasse. They also mention salpa, small grouper, and oblada, plus more you may spot depending on conditions.

If you’re thinking, do you need to be an expert to enjoy it? Nope. The way the instruction is described makes it clear you’ll be guided on what to look for. And because you’re in shallow water early, you can actually observe rather than just survive the experience.

GoPro Hero 10 photos and videos: how you get souvenirs without hassle

This experience includes a media package: GoPro Hero 10 media with photos and videos available. They specifically note 10 photos and videos, which is a great detail for first-timers. You get something tangible without having to manage a camera at the same time.

For me, that’s part of the value. On your first scuba attempt, attention should be on breathing, buoyancy, and staying calm. A photo plan that removes stress makes the whole session better—because you’re not constantly fiddling with a device while your brain is learning a new environment.

If you care about documentation, this is a smart add-on. If you don’t care about photos, it still helps because the goal becomes “enjoy the moment,” not “capture the moment perfectly.”

Getting to the meeting point from Palma city (and what to look for)

The meeting point is described clearly: you meet your instructor in front of the hotel street parking lot. They’ll be wearing a blue or white t-shirt with the IKIGAI logo, or you can look for a white car with a box on top and IKIGAI branding.

From Palma city, the direct bus costs about €2. They list bus lines 104, 105, 106, and a few other routes, plus it’s about a 10 to 15 minute walk depending on where you start.

If you take a taxi, expect roughly 15 minutes and around €18. This is worth considering if you’re carrying gear or you’re trying to keep the morning stress low.

Price and value: is $306 per person fair for a private session?

At $306 per person for a 2.5-hour-format experience, the price only makes sense if the package is doing real work. Here, the value comes from several concrete items:

• Private format: 1 instructor to 2 people, and they stress no other people in your group for the most personal coaching.
• Instruction quality: an instructor with 14 years experience and PADI credentials.
• Shallow, beginner-structured training: around 10 minutes theory, then practice starting near 1 meter.
• Insurance and equipment included: you don’t need to hunt down extras.
• GoPro photos/videos included: you leave with a file, not just a memory.
• Marine-life focus: the session is designed to be both educational and enjoyable.

So you’re not paying mainly for “getting wet.” You’re paying for the safety structure, the individual attention, and the media keepsakes. If you tried to piece these together on your own, it would usually cost more in time and coordination—even before you factor in professional support underwater.

Also, consider the training pathway. If you want to continue afterward, they mention a discount toward a course for people who enroll after this experience.

Flying after scuba: the pressure rule you should not ignore

One important know-before-you-go note: you’re not allowed to fly for the next 12 hours after the session because of pressure. This affects how you plan your travel day. If you’re catching a flight, schedule it for later, or add a buffer day if your schedule is tight.

This is the kind of rule that sounds annoying until you realize why it exists. For first-timers, it’s easy to forget timing. Build the plan around that 12-hour window.

Who should book this, and who might want a different option

You should book this if:

• You’re a first-timer and you want strong coaching and patience.
• You prefer a private experience where you can ask questions and get immediate help.
• You’re not confident in your swimming ability but you still want to try scuba.
• You care about photos/videos without handling your own camera.

You might want a different option if:

• You want a longer underwater time than about 50 minutes.
• You’re looking for a more advanced profile. This one stays within 6 meters and focuses on learning fundamentals.

For most people visiting Palma, though, this hits a sweet spot: short commitment, strong structure, and real marine life.

Should you book this Mallorca private beginner scuba session?

Yes, if you want a first scuba experience that feels controlled and supported. The biggest selling points here are the private 1-instructor-to-2 format, the shallow start around 1 meter, and the safety approach that uses buoyancy support if anything goes off. Add in GoPro Hero 10 photos/videos and the chance to see sea life like octopus and wrasse, and you get a complete first-timer package.

If you’re deciding between booking and waiting, I’d book. A beginner session is the fastest way to learn what scuba feels like on your body and how you handle the basics—then you can choose a course with confidence.

FAQ

How deep do you go during the session?

You start around 1 meter for comfort and training, and the maximum depth is 6 meters.

How long is the underwater time?

Plan on about 50 minutes underwater within a total experience time of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.

Is this a private experience?

Yes. It’s arranged as a private session with 1 instructor to 2 people, with no other people in your group.

What’s included with the experience?

The package includes scuba equipment, dive insurance, and photos/videos from a GoPro Hero setup. They also mention GoPro Hero photos and videos are available.

What meeting point do I use from Palma city?

Meet your instructor at the hotel street parking lot. Look for the instructor in a blue or white IKIGAI-logo t-shirt, or a white car with box on top and IKIGAI branding.

Can I fly soon after the session?

No. You’re not allowed to fly for the next 12 hours after the session due to pressure.

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