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Learn to Scuba Dive

Learn to Scuba Dive

Learning to dive is easy and fun!

No previous experience required.

The PADI Open Water Diver course is rated 4.6 out of 5 from a survey of 67,000 PADI Open Water Diver students.

  • PADI® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level.
  • A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.
  • Learn the steps to getting your scuba diving certification, find the right beginner course for you, explore diving locations.
  • Find answers to all your questions about your course.

3 easy steps

Basic Dive Theory
Basic Dive Theory

Learn independently at your own pace with PADI eLearning. Gain the knowledge and fundamentals needed to confidently progress to your in-water.

Pool Dives
Pool Dives

Practice diving in a pool, or pool-like environment and learn to use your scuba gear under the guidance of a PADI Instructor. Build your confidence before your open water dives.

Open Water Dives
Open Water Dives

Practice your skills in the ocean, lake, or quarry and complete four open water dives with a highly-trained PADI Instructor. Achieve your PADI scuba diving certification.

Beginner scuba diving courses

PADI offers beginner courses with flexible options to start and complete your scuba diving certification. Choose the course that works best for you.

4.6 (67,000 reviews)

PADI Open Water Diver

Learn to dive in as little as 2–4 days

  • PADI Open Water Diver is the most popular beginner certification level.
  • A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.
  • When you finish the course, you will have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad with another certified diver.
Take this course if you want to...

Learn to dive in as little as 2-4 days

Unlock the full potential of scuba diving with comprehensive training

Get certified to dive up to a maximum depth of 18 m/60 ft

Get certified to dive independently without the need for a dive professional to guide you.

What to expect

PADI eLearning

5 dives in a pool or pool-like environment

4 open water dives

After the course
  • Improve your skills and take Advanced Open Water Diver.
  • Continue your adventure with a PADI Specialty course like PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course.
4.6 (67,000 reviews)

PADI Scuba Diver

Learn to dive in as little as 1–2 days

  • PADI Scuba Diver is a great way to get started if you're short on time.
  • Includes approximately half of the PADI Open Water Diver course training and allows you to learn the basics to get diving in half the time.
  • At the end of the course, you can easily continue your training to become a certified PADI Open Water Diver.
Take this course if you want to...

Learn to dive in as little as 1-2 days

Learn the basics of scuba diving

Get certified to dive up to a maximum depth of 12 m/40 ft

Get certified to dive in a guided environment under the supervision of a PADI Professional.

What to expect

PADI eLearning

3 dives in a pool or pool-like environment

2 open water dives

After the course
  • Complete your in-pool scuba skills and 2 more dives.
  • Continue your adventure with a PADI Specialty course like Digital Underwater Photography.

Frequently asked questions

💙 Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness.

View Health Requirements

28 Million Divers Can't be Wrong

“Throughout my participation in the Open Water Course, my instructor taught us the concepts of scuba diving in a fun and engaging way, which made the idea of going scuba diving much less daunting.”

C-K Crosbie
Open Water Diver

“I could not be happier with the support I received during this dive. My instructor was caring and supported me through the whole dive experience. I cannot thank her enough for her professionalism.”

Kristie Morgan
Discover Scuba Diving

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

69 million

Ocean Torchbearers

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* PADI is offering a 10% discount on online sales of select PADI eLearning courses sold on PADI.com. Valid 1 per customer. Code expires 30 days from email sign-up date.

Savings

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