If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. Get your SCUBA diving certification with the PADI® Open Water Diver course – the world’s most popular and widely recognized scuba course. Millions of people have learned to scuba dive and gone on to discover the wonders of the aquatic world through this course. To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course (or Junior Open Water Diver course), you must be 10 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with SCUBA diving is required.
Step 01 - Knowledge Development
The knowledge development portion of the course is designed so you can learn at your own pace and when it's convenient for you. Complete the academics online through PADI eLearning.
Step 02 - Confined Water Dives
Develop and practice SCUBA skills in a pool or water with pool-like conditions under direct instructor supervision. As you learn new skills, you’ll build the abilities and confidence needed for diving in open water, such as in a lake or the ocean. Rental gear is included for this portion of the course.
Step 03 - Open Water Dives
Get ready to experience everything you've learned with the freedom of open water. As soon as your open water training dives are approved by your instructor you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, enabling you to embark on unforgettable adventures.
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.
Time Commitment
PADI courses are performance-based, enabling you to progress at your own pace. This type of learning ensures competent and prepared divers. Course completion varies by individual and normally takes 2 days.
Cost
Learning to SCUBA dive is comparable to other popular adventure sports and outdoor activities. You can expect to pay about the same as you would for a full day of surf lessons, a weekend of rock climbing lessons or about three hours of private golf lessons.
Essential Gear
The fit and comfort of your personal equipment are keys to having an enjoyable diving experience. At a minimum, you’ll be required to own your own mask, snorkel, fins, cutting tool and surface marker buoy (SMB) when you begin your first course. The Key Largo Dive Center can help you select gear that’s right for you.
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 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 remaining gear required can be rented from Key Largo Dive Center. View our rental gear.
