What is a Discover Scuba Dive?

PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program is a one-day, try-diving experience for anyone aged 10+. It is not a full dive certification but a great way to connect with the underwater world and discover if scuba diving is for you. In this experience, you will learn about diving safety, how to use scuba gear, perform basic scuba diving skills in shallow water, and take your first breaths underwater. An optional open water dive is also available.

How long is a Discover Scuba Dive?

The experience varies from person to person depending on how quickly (or slowly) you breathe the air in your scuba tank. Most recreational dives last between 30 and 50 minutes.

How much is Discover Scuba Diving?

The price of Discover Scuba Diving varies depending on where you do the experience. Contact your Dive Shop for pricing.

How deep can Discover Scuba Diving go?

First of all, it’s important to know that you will not go any deeper than you feel comfortable with. The maximum depth for a Discover Scuba Diving experience is 6 meters (20 feet) for the initial pool session and 12 meters (40 feet) if you do the optional open water dive, but that does not mean you have to go that deep.

Is Discover Scuba safe?

Discover Scuba Diving experiences are conducted by PADI Instructors. PADI Pros undergo rigorous training and exams to ensure that they can safely accompany and teach those who are new to scuba diving.

A couple of divers setting to take a deep dive.

A group of divers sending hand signals while diving.

A couple of divers coming upon coral reef.

Discover Scuba Diving

About the Course

Want to find out what scuba diving is like before deciding to get your PADI Open Water Diver scuba diving certification? During a Discover Scuba^® Diving experience, you can try scuba diving for the first time in a pool or calm water environment.

A highly-trained PADI^® Professional will provide scuba gear, explain basic scuba diving skills and answer any questions you may have.

Try Scuba Diving

If you’re interested in scuba diving, but unsure if you want to enroll in a scuba certification class, Discover Scuba Diving is the perfect way to test the waters. In a very short time, you’ll learn basic scuba skills and take your first breaths underwater.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

Prepare for your Discover Scuba Diving experience with PADI DSD eLearning™. Use your computer or mobile device to learn diving safety fundamentals before you get in the water. Contact a PADI Dive Shop or PADI Professional for access to DSD eLearning and to schedule your first scuba diving experience.

eLearning time commitment: 20-30 mins

Step 2

With Your Instructor

A PADI Professional will fit you with scuba gear and explain how to use it. In a pool or calm water environment, you'll practice basic diving skills followed by free time to play underwater or go on a guided open water dive.

Prerequisites: None
Total time commitment: 2-3 hours
Minimum age: 10

The PADI Difference

For over 50 years, PADI has undeniably been the Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle.

30,000,000+: (and counting) PADI certified divers to date!
6,600: PADI dive centers and resorts across the globe
128,000: PADI Professional members worldwide

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