Open Water Diver Course
During the PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll learn what you need to know to explore the underwater world using scuba. Most people find it a rewarding challenge.
The PADI Open Water Diver course includes three parts: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives, and Open Water Dives. Knowledge Development covers the principles, concepts and terms you need to know for dive safety and enjoyment. During the Confined Water Dives, you learn and practice scuba skills in a pool or water with pool-like conditions. You’ll enjoy making one or more minidives, which take you through the same steps you follow when you make open water dives. To complete training you practice, apply and demonstrate what you learn during four Open Water Dives at a local dive site.
Earning a PADI Open Water Diver certification shows that you met the course requirements. Dive centers and resorts require proof of certification before they will rent scuba equipment, fill scuba cylinders or book dive excursions. As a PADI Open Water Diver, you’ll be trained to a maximum depth of 18 metres/60 feet, and are qualified to dive in conditions as good as, or better than, those in which you trained. It’s just the beginning of a lifetime filled with dive adventures.
The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main phases:
- Knowledge Development (online, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving
- Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills
- Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore!
You may be able to get college credit for the Open Water Diver course.
Short on time? The PADI Scuba Diver course might be right for you.
In the PADI Open Water Diver course, you learn to use basic scuba gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device and a tank. The equipment you wear varies, depending upon whether you’re diving in tropical, temperate or cold water.
Enroll in the course and speak to a PADI Instructor about scheduling time for inwater training. Your instructor will also answer any questions you have along the way and check your progress to make sure you understand important scuba diving information.
OPTION #1:
FULL COURSE OPTION (Includes Confined Water Sessions, Academic Sessions, Open Water Checkout Dives & Course Academic Materials Crew Pack)
Components of course included in this option:
What's Included in the Full Course? | Academic Materials / Classroom | Confined Water Pool Sessions | Open Water Check Out Dives |
YES | YES | YES |
Pricing for this course option:
Open Water Diver (Full Course) | Standard Class (4+ participants) | Semi-Private Class (3 participants) | Private Class (1-2 participants) |
SRP | $700 (per person) | $750 (per person) | $800 (per person) |
Our Price* | $495 (per person) | $545 (per person) | $595 (per person) |
OPTION #2:
CONFINED WATER/ACADEMIC OPTION (Complete Checkout dives while on vacation as a referral. Includes Confined Water Sessions, Academic Sessions, & Academic Materials Crew Pack)
Components of course included in this option:
What's Included in the Confined Water / Academic Option? | Academic Materials / Classroom | Confined Water Pool Sessions | Open Water Check Out Dives |
YES | YES | NO |
Pricing for this course option:
Open Water Diver (Confined / Academic Only) | Standard Class (4+ participants) | Semi-Private Class (3 participants) | Private Class (1-2 participants) |
SRP | $525 (per person) | $575 (per person) | $625 (per person) |
Our Price* | $370 (per person) | $420 (per person) | $470 (per person) |
OPTION #3:
CONFINED WATER ONLY OPTION (Complete Checkout dives while on vacation as a referral. Includes Confined Water Sessions Only - This assumes you have already completed the online academic component)
Components of course included in this option:
What's Included in the Confined Water Only Option? | Academic Materials / Classroom | Pool Sessions (Confined Water) | Open Water Check Out Dives |
NO | YES | NO |
Pricing for this course option:
Open Water Diver (Confined Water Only) | Standard Class (4+ participants) | Semi-Private Class (3 participants) | Private Class (1-2 participants) |
SRP | $445 (per person) | $495 (per person) | $545 (per person) |
Our Price* | $290 (per person) | $340 (per person) | $390 (per person) |
OPTION #4:
SCUBA DIVER to OPEN WATER DIVER UPGRADE (Includes Confined Water Sessions 4 & 5, Academic Sessions 4 & 5, Open Water Checkout Dives 3 & 4 - This assumes you have already completed the online academic component or own an Open Water Diver Crew Pack)
Components of course included in this option:
What's Included in the Confined Water Only Option? | Academic Materials / Classroom | Pool Sessions (Confined Water) | Open Water Check Out Dives |
YES | YES | YES |
Pricing for this course option:
Open Water Diver (Confined Water Only) | Standard Class (4+ participants) | Semi-Private Class (3 participants) | Private Class (1-2 participants) |
SRP | $475 (per person) | $525 (per person) | $575 (per person) |
Our Price* | $320 (per person) | $370 (per person) | $420 (per person) |
*Must provide own Mask, Fins, & Snorkel. All other Gear Rental is included in the cost
of this course. (up to a $100 value)