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All gear includedReef training dives

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

Paperwork, medical review and gear fitting
Swim and float assessment
Five confined-water skill circuits in the pool

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-in

Pool 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-in

Navigation, 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.

Course Options & Pricing

Choose the course format that best fits your learning style, budget, and schedule. All courses follow the same PADI standards and result in the same globally-recognized certification.

Most Popular

Group

$695per person

Learn with other students in a supportive group environment. Perfect for solo travelers or those on a budget.

  • Maximum 4 students per instructor
  • PADI eLearning included
  • Pool and confined water training
  • 4 open water certification dives
  • All scuba equipment rental included

Buy 4 tickets, get a free private boat upgrade

Book this course

Semi Private

$795per person

Ideal for couples, families, or friends who want a more personalized experience with flexible scheduling.

  • Maximum 3 students per instructor
  • Everything in the group course
  • More one-on-one attention
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Personalized pace of instruction
Premium

Private

$1,149per person

Ultimate personalized instruction with your own dedicated PADI instructor. Maximum flexibility and attention.

  • Dedicated 1-on-1 instruction
  • Everything in the semi-private course
  • Completely flexible schedule
  • Fastest path to certification
  • Tailored to your learning style

Book PADI Open Water Diver

Key Largo

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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.

Start your Open Water certification

Tell us your travel dates and we will line up the training days that fit. Most students book two to three weeks ahead in season.

Free reschedulingNo hidden fees

From $645

per diver

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