Planet Ocean

Planet Ocean sits on France's Basque Coast, about 20 kilometers south of Biarritz, opposite the bay of Txingudi (Chingoudi in French) in Hendaye. The center is based within the Water Sport Center, DECATHLON's global design hub, where Planet Ocean serves as a technical partner and Subea brand ambassador — so the gear you'll use is quality kit.

Courses and diving

A PADI 5 Star IDC center with 6 PADI instructors, all trained in-house, Planet Ocean runs the PADI Open Water Diver course via eLearning over roughly 3 days, from USD 751. Dives explore local sites including Playa de los frailes, Las Cuevas, la caseta and Cala de los frailes.

The center keeps things relaxed rather than luxurious: 32% Nitrox at no extra charge, hot tea after the dive, individual showers and an on-site restaurant. With an onsite training pool and classroom, four languages spoken — English, Spanish, French and German — and adaptive services welcoming divers of all abilities, it suits newcomers and those who value a close-knit, environment-minded team.