PADI Open Water Certification Course
Two days on the water with a small group, four ocean training dives on living coral reef, and a certification recognized in every ocean on earth.
Duration
2 days
Location
Key Largo
Certification
PADI
Course overview
Complete a two-day PADI Open Water course with pool training and four ocean training dives in Key Largo.
This is for you if
- First-time divers with no prior experience
- Snorkelers ready to go below the surface
- Travellers who want a certification valid worldwide
- Families training together — ages 10 and up
Skip this course if
- Divers already certified — book the Advanced course instead
- Anyone unable to swim 200 yards unassisted
- Travellers flying within 18 hours of the final dive
Requirements & prerequisites
Be at least 10 years old
Divers aged 10–14 earn a Junior Open Water certification with depth limits that lift automatically at 15.
Swim 200 yards and float for 10 minutes
No time limit and any stroke is fine. We assess this on day one in the pool before any scuba work begins.
Complete a medical questionnaire
A short yes/no form. Certain conditions — asthma, heart conditions, recent surgery, pregnancy — need a physician's sign-off before you can dive.
Finish the eLearning before you arrive Roughly 8–12 hours of self-paced theory. Start it the day you book; arriving without it finished usually costs you a third day.
No flying for 18 hours after your last dive Plan your departure accordingly. We will help you sequence your travel dates when you book.
Curriculum
Knowledge Development (eLearning or Classroom)
The academic portion of your certification covers the theory and science behind scuba diving. You'll complete this through PADI eLearning (self-paced online) or in-person classroom sessions with your instructor.
Module 1: Introduction to Diving
- Basic scuba equipment and how it works
- Being a buddy and dive site orientation
- Basic safety guidelines and practices
- Environmental awareness and conservation
Module 2: Physics of Diving
- Pressure and its effects on your body and equipment
- Buoyancy principles and how to control it
- Air consumption and tank management
- Thermal changes and staying comfortable underwater
Module 3: Physiology & Health
- Breathing underwater and respiratory system
- Equalization techniques for ears and sinuses
- Decompression sickness and nitrogen absorption
- Staying healthy and fit for diving
Module 4: Dive Planning & Tables
- Using the Recreational Dive Planner (RDP)
- Dive computer usage and interpretation
- Safety stops and no-decompression limits
- Planning repetitive dives and surface intervals
Module 5: Dive Environment & Management
- Boat diving procedures and etiquette
- Shore and beach entry techniques
- Navigation methods and compass usage
- Emergency procedures and problem solving
Assessment
- Knowledge reviews after each module
- Final exam (50 questions, 75% passing score)
- Review of any missed questions with instructor
Time commitment: PADI eLearning typically takes 12-15 hours to complete at your own pace. You can start before arriving in Key Largo and complete it on your schedule.
Schedule
Day 1
7:30 AM check-inPool skills, then your first ocean dives
Morning
- Paperwork, medical review and gear fitting
- Swim and float assessment
- Five confined-water skill circuits in the pool
Afternoon
- Boat briefing and reef safety
- Training dives 1 and 2 at 25–40 ft
- Log book review and debrief with your instructor
Day 2
7:30 AM check-inNavigation, deeper reef and certification
Morning
- Training dive 3 — underwater navigation
- Surface rescue and tired-diver skills
Afternoon
- Training dive 4 — reef tour to 60 ft
- Final skill sign-off and instructor debrief
- PADI certification processed the same afternoon
Weather day
Built-in contingency
Morning
- If the Atlantic closes, we move you to the next available day at no cost
Afternoon
- Pool and theory work can proceed in almost any conditions
Included
- Professional PADI instructor
- All scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, tank, weights)
- Pool/confined water training session(s)
- 4 open water certification dives
- Boat transportation to dive sites
- Tanks and weights
- PADI certification processing
- Digital certification card (eCard)
Not included
- Crew gratuity: Optional but appreciated for exceptional service
- Personal gear: You can purchase your own mask, fins, and snorkel if you prefer (rentals included)
Outcomes
You earn
PADI Open Water Diver
A lifetime certification with no renewal fee. Your digital card is issued the same day you finish; the physical card arrives by mail in 2–3 weeks.
Dive anywhere in the world
Independently with a buddy, to 60 ft, no instructor required.
Rent gear and fill tanks
Any dive shop on the planet will serve a certified Open Water Diver.
Book charter boats
Operators require proof of certification — you will have a digital card immediately.
Continue to Advanced
Open Water is the prerequisite for every specialty and professional rating.
Book PADI Open Water Diver
Key Largo
Choose your format
Safety
- Every boat carries oxygen, an AED and a DAN-trained crew member
- Regulators serviced on a 6-month cycle, not annually
- Dive computers issued to every student, not shared
FAQs
Yes. You must be able to swim 200 yards using any stroke with no time limit, and float or tread water for 10 minutes. We assess both in the pool on day one before any scuba training begins.
From $645
per diver