Schedule Your Certification
Starting at $489 per student • Book In Advance, Trips Sell Out
Course Details
Course Pricing & Enrollment
Training Journey Overview
PADI Open Water Diver—complete eLearning, master pool skills, then make 4 ocean training dives over two days.
Course Curriculum & Skills
A clear breakdown of what you’ll complete before arrival (eLearning), what you’ll master in confined water (pool), and what you’ll demonstrate during your open‑water training dives.
Course Level
Perfect for starting your diving journey
eLearning & Knowledge Development
Before you arrive, you’ll complete PADI’s self‑paced eLearning so your in‑person time is focused on coaching, skills practice, and real dives. The goal is to understand how scuba works, why we do each procedure, and how to plan safe dives with a buddy.
Topics you’ll cover
- Equipment basics & how your life-support system works
- Pressure, equalization, buoyancy and basic dive physics
- Breathing gas management and staying within safe limits
- Dive planning with tables/computer concepts and no‑stop diving
- Underwater communication, buddy procedures, and problem prevention
- Environmental awareness and responsible reef diving
How it helps in the water
- Arrive knowing the terminology and core safety concepts
- Understand how to plan a simple no‑stop dive with a buddy
- Know what to expect in the pool and on the boat
- Be ready for knowledge reviews and the final exam
Confined Water (Pool) Skills
Confined water (pool) sessions build comfort and muscle memory. You’ll practice each skill step‑by‑step, then repeat it until it’s smooth—so the ocean dives feel fun instead of stressful.
Setup & Safety
- Assemble kit, buddy check (BWRAF), and pre‑dive briefing
- Proper entries/exits and basic surface procedures
- Hand signals and underwater communication
Core In‑Water Skills
- Regulator recovery & alternate air source use
- Mask clearing and full/partial removal & replacement
- Finning, trim, and controlled ascents/descents
Buoyancy & Control
- Weighting checks and neutral buoyancy fundamentals
- Hovering and breath control
- Positioning and propulsion to protect the reef
Problem Management
- Out‑of‑air and buddy air‑sharing procedures
- Basic emergency procedures and staying calm under stress
- Surface signaling and safe diver habits
Open Water Training Dives (4)
Your four open‑water training dives are where everything comes together. You’ll demonstrate required skills and also spend real time exploring Key Largo’s reefs with your instructor supervising and coaching.
Training Dive 1
Training Dive 1 — Comfort & Fundamentals
Get comfortable in the ocean, practice core skills, and build confidence while you start exploring the reef.
- Equipment setup, buddy check, and controlled entry
- Mask and regulator skills in open water
- Buoyancy checks and basic underwater movement
Training Dive 2
Training Dive 2 — Buoyancy, Navigation & Buddy Skills
Refine buoyancy and learn to stay oriented, communicate, and handle small issues while diving.
- Neutral buoyancy practice while swimming
- Natural navigation and/or compass basics
- Buddy positioning and situational awareness
Training Dive 3
Training Dive 3 — Emergency Practice & Refinement
Perform additional required skills and keep improving trim and control so you can dive relaxed.
- Emergency procedures and basic problem responses
- Ascents/descents with proper equalization and control
- Improved finning techniques and reef-friendly skills
Training Dive 4
Training Dive 4 — Confidence Dive & Final Sign‑Offs
Final performance checks, plus time to enjoy the reef with the confidence you’ve built.
- Remaining required skills and evaluations
- Dive planning habits (limits, air, and buddy checks)
- Controlled exit procedures and post‑dive debrief
Note: your instructor may adjust the sequence based on sea conditions and the group’s pace while still meeting PADI standards.
How you’re assessed
- Instructors evaluate skills to PADI performance requirements—not speed—so you can dive comfortably and safely.
- You’ll complete knowledge reviews, a final exam, confined‑water skill sign‑offs, and open‑water performance requirements.
- Exact sequencing can vary with conditions, but standards and required skills remain the same.
What you’ll be able to do
- Set up, check, and use scuba equipment correctly
- Maintain control: buoyancy, trim, and safe ascents/descents
- Communicate and dive responsibly with a buddy
- Plan no‑stop dives within your limits
What you earn
- PADI Open Water Diver certification (upon successful completion)
- Lifetime cert recognized worldwide (dive with operators globally)
- Training that prepares you for the next step: Advanced Open Water, specialties, and more
Important Requirements & Prerequisites
- Minimum age 10 (Junior Open Water) or 15 for full certification
- Complete PADI Medical Questionnaire; physician clearance if required
- Swim 200 m/yards continuously (or 300 m with mask/snorkel/fins) and float/tread 10 minutes
Upgrades & Add-Ons
Card grid shows optional upgrades with copy slots for value propositions. Add or remove cards without touching layout utilities.
Why Choose PADI Certification in Key Largo?
Learn to scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys with experienced PADI instructors and world-class dive sites
PADI Standards
PADI Dive Center
Earn the most globally recognized scuba certification available. Lifetime certifications prepare you for unlimited exploration.
Small Class Sizes
Maximum 6 students per instructor ensures personalized attention and faster skill development in a safe learning environment.
World-Class Location
Train in the pristine waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America's first underwater preserve.
Your 2-Day Training Plan
Structured path from knowledge development to in‑water skills and certification
Knowledge & Pool
Advanced Pool
Certification Dives
Everything Included in Your Course
No hidden fees - complete certification package
Professional Equipment
- BCD (buoyancy control device)
- Regulator and octopus
- Wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel
- Weight system and weights
- Tank and air fills
Learning Materials
- PADI Open Water manual and eLearning
- Digital certification card
- PADI logbook and slate
- Dive tables and planning materials
- Certificate processing fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about PADI certification
What is the minimum age for PADI Open Water certification?
Students must be at least 12 years old for Open Water certification. We also offer PADI Bubblemaker for kids 8+ and Seal Team for ages 8-12.
Do I need to know how to swim before starting?
Yes, you must be able to swim 200 meters (any stroke) and tread water for 10 minutes. We can assess your swimming ability during your first session.
How long is my PADI certification valid?
Your PADI Open Water certification never expires! However, if you haven't dived in a while, we recommend a refresher course to brush up on your skills.
What if weather conditions prevent diving?
Safety is our priority. If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule your open water dives at no additional cost. Pool sessions can usually continue regardless of weather.
Can I complete the course if I have medical concerns?
Most people can safely learn to dive. You'll complete a medical questionnaire, and some conditions may require physician approval before participation.
What's the difference between Open Water and Advanced certification?
Open Water allows diving to 60 feet with a certified buddy. Advanced Open Water extends this to 100 feet and includes specialty dive training like night diving and deep diving.
Ready to Start Your Underwater Adventure?
Join thousands of satisfied students who earned their PADI certification in the beautiful waters of Key Largo