Training · PADI Open Water Diver

Get scuba certified in Puerto Rico.

The PADI Open Water Diver course: eLearning at home, then 2 days in the water with your instructor, from shore in San Juan or Vega Alta. You finish certified to dive anywhere in the world.

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A diver hovering beside a tall red rope sponge in clear water

At a glance

PADI Open Water Diver

From $550 per person, plus tax · PADI eLearning bought separately

For anyone ready to become a certified diver.

Age: 10 and up (ages 10–14 earn Junior Open Water)
Time: PADI eLearning at home, then 2 days in the water (under 8 hours each day)
Where: A protected shore site in San Juan or Vega Alta. You pick the town when you book; the meeting point and directions are in your confirmation email.
Group: Up to 4 students. Private training is available on request.
Gear: Included: all the scuba gear you need for the course
You need: To be able to swim, be comfortable in the water, and be medically fit to dive

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How the course works

PADI eLearning, at home. About 12–15 hours on your phone or computer, at your own pace: how pressure affects your body, how your gear works, and how to plan a safe dive. Finish it before your first day in the water. It’s bought separately from PADI; our link is connected to our dive center.
Skills practice. In calm, shallow water with your instructor: setting up your gear, breathing, buoyancy and what to do if something goes wrong. You practise each skill until it feels easy.
Four open water dives. You use your new skills on real dives over 2 days. When you finish, you’re a certified PADI Open Water Diver.

What the certification lets you do

You can dive to 18 m (60 ft) with a buddy, anywhere in the world, rent gear and join dive trips. Your certification doesn’t expire.

Ages 10–14 earn a Junior Open Water certification, with depth limits for their age:

10–11: down to 40 ft, with a certified parent, guardian or dive professional
12–14: down to 60 ft, with a certified adult

At 15, it becomes a regular Open Water Diver certification. More for parents.

Before your first day

Finish your eLearning. Bring proof that it’s complete (your eRecord).
Fill in the diver medical questionnaire and bring it with you: download it in English (PDF) or en español (PDF). If it says you need a physician’s evaluation, bring your doctor’s signed approval before your first session in the water. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian signs.
Bring: swimsuit, towel, sun protection and a change of clothes. We provide the scuba gear.
Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point in your confirmation email.

Already started somewhere else?

If you did the knowledge and pool training with another PADI dive center, you can finish with us. Do all 4 open water dives, or just the final 2.

See referral options

Not sure yet?

Try it first with Discover Scuba Diving: about 3 hours, from a protected beach, no experience needed.

Open Water questions

How long does it take to get certified?

About 12–15 hours of PADI eLearning at your own pace, then 2 days in the water with your instructor, each under 8 hours.

How much does the Open Water course cost?

From $550 per person, plus tax. PADI eLearning is bought separately from PADI. All the scuba gear you need for the course is included.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You need basic swimming ability and to be comfortable in the water. During the course you show that you can swim and float without stopping. It isn’t a race.

What is the minimum age?

10 years old. Ages 10–14 earn Junior Open Water, with depth and buddy limits for their age. Children aged 8 and 9 can try PADI Bubble Maker.

Where do the in-water days happen?

From shore at a protected site in San Juan or Vega Alta. You pick the town when you book, and the meeting point and directions are in your confirmation email. Training is not done from the boat.

How many students are in a class?

Up to 4. There may be other students on your training days. Private training is available on request.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If we cancel because of weather or something else outside our control, you choose: a full refund, or a new date at no extra cost.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled time for a full refund. Later cancellations and no-shows are charged in full. You can reschedule once, depending on availability. Read the full policy.

Ready to start?

Book your in-water days online, then do your PADI eLearning before you come. Questions? Call (787) 436-7047 or WhatsApp us.

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