The first time you hear your own bubbles, it feels unreal. This scuba baptism of the sea in Formentera turns nerves into control, with hands-on coaching on how to breathe underwater and move like you’re flying. I love how practical it is, not showy. I also really liked the quality of the teaching style—Fabio comes up in the feedback as professional, patient, and focused on making sure you understand what to do.

You’ll also get a calm, safe setup: equipment help on land first, then simple underwater exercises that teach you breathing and comfort step by step. The main drawback to weigh is medical fit. This experience isn’t recommended if you have lung, heart, or ear issues, or if you have high blood pressure—so you’ll want to double-check that before booking.

Key things to know before you go

• A 1-hour experience centered on learning control, not pressure or performance.
• Small group (up to 6 participants), which means you get attention when you need it.
• You learn underwater breathing and how to move slowly as water density changes how you feel.
• Wetsuit + full underwater equipment are included, plus easy safety drills underwater.
• Photos/videos aren’t included, so plan how you want to remember it.
• Languages include English, Italian, Spanish, and French, which keeps instructions clear.

Where this happens: Orcasub Formentera and the “baptism” format

This experience starts at Orcasub Formentera, where the day shifts from land routine to ocean calm. The “baptism of the sea” idea is a good way to think about what you’re buying: a first meeting with scuba basics, not a long, technical course. You’re there to learn how it works—breathing, movement, and safety—so you can enjoy the underwater world without feeling rushed.

I like that the format is guided and structured. You’re not left to figure things out on your own, and you’re not expected to perform. Instead, the whole point is to help you feel at ease as you transition underwater.

One practical note: this is not listed as suitable for children under 8. So if you’re bringing family, the age cutoff matters.

Before you get wet: gear setup and instructor coaching

Your first stop is all about getting comfortable with the basics. You’ll meet your instructor and learn how to assemble the underwater equipment and put on the wetsuit. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, scuba feels different. You’re carrying gear, managing breathing, and coordinating your body in a new way. That’s why this step matters: it turns scuba from mystery into routine.

You’ll also learn some easy underwater exercises designed to build safety and calm. Think of it like practicing the rhythm before you try to relax and look around. The goal is simple: you should know what to do, why you’re doing it, and what happens next.

If you’re the type who worries about getting it wrong, you’ll probably appreciate the teaching approach emphasized in the feedback. People specifically point to instructors who explain and help with everything, with Fabio mentioned as especially professional and dedicated. That kind of attention is exactly what makes a first scuba session feel manageable.

The heart of the experience: learning to breathe underwater

The biggest skill you take away is breathing underwater. You’ll practice the mechanics while keeping things slow and controlled. This isn’t just technical instruction—it changes the whole mood of the water.

As you go underwater, you’ll be coached to slow your respiration and movements to adjust to how the water affects your body. That matters because moving quickly uses more effort, and more effort can make you feel stressed. When you slow down, your breathing becomes steadier, and the experience turns peaceful fast.

Then comes the part people remember: the sensation of serenity as you explore. You’ll listen to the silence, only broken by the noise of your bubbles. That bubble sound is strangely comforting once you realize it’s just your breath moving through the system. It’s the ocean doing what it does—while you learn how to fit into it for a short, well-guided hour.

Moving like you’re flying: how control makes the underwater world better

There’s a reason this experience highlights moving like you’re flying. In practice, it’s about buoyancy and calm motion. When you move smoothly, you spend less energy and you get to enjoy more of the actual view.

The instructions you receive during the exercises focus on coordination: where to position yourself, how to slow your body down, and how to let the water support you instead of fighting it. For first-timers, this can feel like magic, but it’s really just learning the correct pace.

And yes, it’s normal to feel awkward at first. The training is set up so that awkward phase doesn’t last long. By the time you’ve practiced the basics, you’re more likely to float comfortably and look around instead of thinking about every breath.

Safety and comfort: what the session is designed to teach

This experience is built around “safe and fun” for a reason. The underwater exercises are not random. They’re specifically meant to provide safety and calm, so you can enjoy what’s happening instead of bracing for what might happen.

The structure typically follows a simple pattern:

• learn gear and setup on land
• practice easy drills
• then explore at a pace that matches your comfort

Also, the medical note is not a suggestion you should ignore. It says the activity isn’t recommended for people suffering from lung, heart or ear diseases or high blood pressure. If any of that applies to you, talk to your doctor first, then decide. Scuba is amazing, but safety comes first.

Group size and language support: why up to 6 people matters

Small groups can be a big deal when you’re new. With a limit of 6 participants, you’re more likely to get quick help if something feels unclear—especially during equipment setup and early underwater practice.

Language support is also built in. Your instructor can teach in English, Italian, Spanish, or French. That means you’re not stuck guessing during safety steps. Clear communication is one of the biggest factors behind why people come away feeling proud instead of overwhelmed.

From the feedback, the teaching style seems to be a core strength. People highlighted guides who explain, assist, and keep the experience upbeat. If that’s what you want for your first scuba session, this small-group structure is a good sign.

Value for $108: what you’re actually paying for

At $108 per person for about 1 hour, this is priced as a focused introduction—not a full course, and not a long day of training. So the value question is: what’s included versus what’s not.

Included:

• underwater equipment
• wetsuit
• easy underwater exercises
• instruction on how to breathe underwater

Not included:

• underwater photos and videos

In other words, you’re paying for instruction and gear support. That’s usually where the real cost sits in first-time scuba experiences, because guidance and safety setup take real time from trained staff.

If you care about photos, plan ahead. Since photos/videos aren’t included, you might feel a little “I wish I had a memory” later. (If that matters to you, factor that into your budget or make a plan with the provider before you go.)

Still, for many first-timers, the included equipment and wetsuit alone can make this feel more reasonable than options that charge separately for gear rental and training guidance.

Your checklist: what to bring so you’re comfortable

The experience is simple on supplies, which I like. You’ll want to bring:

• swimwear
• a change of clothes
• a towel

That’s it. No special gear required on your own side because the underwater gear and wetsuit are included. The main comfort trick is to think ahead about drying off and changing quickly after you finish.

Who should book this scuba baptism (and who should skip)

This is a great fit if:

• you want a first, guided experience that teaches underwater breathing and calm movement
• you like hands-on instruction and short practice drills
• you’re comfortable following safety steps and listening closely underwater

It may not be the right fit if:

• you’re under 8 (not suitable)
• you have lung, heart, or ear conditions, or high blood pressure (not recommended)

Also, if you’re the type who gets anxious about medical restrictions, it’s worth taking the medical note seriously. I’d rather you feel confident about your fit than hope it will be fine.

Practical expectations: what the hour feels like

Because the session is about one hour, it tends to move at a beginner-friendly pace. You’ll spend time on land getting kitted out and learning the basics, then you’ll practice underwater exercises. The “explore the depths” part is tied to comfort, not speed or distance.

The most memorable moment is often not what you see first—it’s what you feel once you’ve settled into breathing. When your breathing slows and your movement gets smoother, the underwater world stops feeling like a problem to solve and starts feeling like a calm place to be.

And yes, the bubble sound is real, and it’s strange at first. Then it becomes part of the experience. You start paying attention to your surroundings rather than monitoring your nerves.

Should you book this experience?

I’d book it if you want a first scuba session that’s focused, supportive, and safety-minded. The small group size, instructor guidance, and emphasis on breathing and calm movement are exactly what you want when you’re new. The fact that Fabio is singled out for professionalism and dedication in the feedback is a positive signal for anyone who values patient coaching.

I’d think twice before booking if you’re dealing with any lung, heart, ear issues, or high blood pressure—this is not the time to gamble. And if you care deeply about underwater photos, remember that pictures/videos aren’t included, so you may want to plan how you’ll document the day.

If you fit the health guidelines and you’re okay with a one-hour introduction, this is a smart, cost-conscious way to meet the underwater world for the first time.

FAQ

How long is the scuba baptism experience?

The duration is about 1 hour.

Where does the experience start?

It starts at Orcasub Formentera.

What’s the group size?

It’s a small group limited to 6 participants.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes underwater equipment, a wetsuit, easy underwater exercises, and instruction on how to breathe underwater.

Are underwater photos or videos included?

No, underwater photos and videos are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel.

What languages are offered for instruction?

Instructors can teach in English, Italian, Spanish, and French.

Is this suitable for children?

It’s not suitable for children under 8.

Who should avoid this activity?

It’s not recommended for people with lung, heart, or ear diseases, or for those with high blood pressure.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.