Exploring the mysteries of the Mediterranean, with fish swimming inches from your face is a mind-blowing experience. It can also be rather daunting and slightly claustrophobic at times, which is why training is required before plunging into the big blue. Open Water Diver is the standard course that first-time divers opt for: it involves theory classes over three to four days and training sessions in a swimming pool or at the beach. Once the training is out of the way, you will do three or four open water dives. ‘Bautizos subacuáticos’ are for those who want to get a feel for diving by literally just dipping their head in.

During ‘underwater baptisms’, as they are translated in English, you are accompanied hand in hand by a qualified instructor and will probably not dive lower than four or five metres. The official organisation behind the sport is the worldwide Professional Association of Diving Instructors, commonly known as PADI. For more information on professional courses, visit their website (www.padi.com). For general information on diving centres and companies in Spain, check www.bajoelagua.com.