Open Water Diver
Your Open Water Diver Certification is your passport to a lifetime of underwater adventures.
Earn your lifetime diving certification
The scuba certification course consists of three parts: home study, academic review and pool sessions, and open water training dives. You will enjoy practicing your skills in the comfort of our 90° pool that has both a four-foot shallow end and a 14-foot deep end.
Our open water diver classes have a student-to-instructor ratio of no more than 8:1, for a personalized experience that focuses on scuba diver education and skill development. This course is available to those 12 years old and up. Children ages 10 and 11 may be certified through private classes at an additional cost.
Get Started
Select your location
Course
Choose between weekend, weekday and private class options.
- Home study
- Academic review
- Pool sessions
- Gear
Snorkeling System and Safety Gear
It’s important that your mask, snorkel and fins fit you properly and are appropriate for your specific diving needs. Having your own safety gear and knowing how to properly use it is crucial, so you must own the following gear:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Boots
- Surface marker buoy
- Reel
Open Water Diver Certification Dives
These dives can be completed on a Diventures Certification Vacation or locally. Our team members are happy to help with referrals. We also have gear available to rent if you do not own your own.
- Buoyancy control system
- Dive computer
- Air delivery system
- Wetsuit
BUY YOUR SNORKELING SYSTEM AND SAFETY GEAR AT DIVENTURES AND SAVE $225!
Purchasing your gear at Diventures earns you a $100 credit towards your Open Water Diver course along with Diventures branded swag and other benefits.
- + Diventures rash guard
- + Diventures mask strap wrapper
- + $80 Landlocked Scuba Club membership
Training all in one place
It’s easy to complete your open water diver training at Diventures with both your classroom and pool sessions all happening within our cutting-edge facility. Our comprehensive training is led by experienced instructors who are eager to share their knowledge and passion. Our extensive retail shop includes the best gear and our expert staff is here to help you find the right gear for you.
Kids can get certified too
Scuba is a great family activity! Children ages 10-14 can get certified to dive as a Junior Open Water Diver, which is automatically upgraded to an Open Water Diver at age 15. For kids ages 8-12, we offer Diventures Explorers, a program designed for younger kids interested in scuba, with opportunities to advance their training through nine different Diventures Explorer Specialties.
Why Diventures?
Diventures is your one-stop solution for scuba diving. From education and equipment to full-service dive travel, we provide you with everything you need. We guarantee your comfort underwater, no matter how long it takes. Our years of experience have taught us that comfort is key to enjoying scuba diving. We want you to be safe and confident – ready for your journey in the underwater world.
Cutting-edge facilities
Our natatoriums are built with your comfort in mind, with 88-90° air and water, ensuring the ideal learning environment. We sanitize our pools using sand filters, chlorine, and UV light. Filtration systems eliminate microorganisms and UV filters reduce chloramines and skin irritants. Our classrooms are spacious and use the latest technology.
Our knowledgeable staff is here to help. Our large retail store includes a wide selection of the newest gear from top vendors, so we can recommend the right equipment for you and your budget.
Experienced and passionate instructors
Our scuba instructors are SSI certified and hold the highest level of recreational dive training. With tens of thousands of hours of diving experience and more than 50,000 logged dives at locations all around the world, they have the experience and knowledge to educate you to be a safe and confident diver. You’ll learn from a dedicated staff, focused on your success.
Proven training
There are four ingredients to create a diver: knowledge, skills, equipment, and experience. Our signature water training and curriculum focuses on comfort through repetition. That means you can expect to learn new skills in each class, plus review and practice the skills from prior classes. First, you’ll develop the ability, then increased confidence, and finally, skills come naturally – ensuring you become a safe diver.
Open water diver course FAQs
How much do scuba diving classes cost?
Course and training dive costs vary by location. Snorkel and safety gear is required, and prices for this equipment vary. We offer a wide selection of gear across many price points to fit most budgets. Our knowledgeable team members will recommend the best gear for your needs and budget.
Where do open water training dives take place?
Local dives are available during our summer diving season, and Diventures Certification Vacations (domestic and international) are available year-round. Your Open Water Certification dives must be completed within six months of completing your scuba training.
Is scuba diving safe?
Yes! At Diventures, safety is our number one priority and fun is our number one goal. Open water dive training is all about learning how to use the skills you’ve learned in introductory scuba diving courses and applying them in the open water. We’re so passionate about safety, we promise that we will work with you until you feel safe and confident both in the pool and out in the open water.
To be open water certified, do I need my own scuba gear?
Yes. Before starting your open water dive training, you will need to purchase a personal snorkeling system and safety gear. These items are required by the Diventures team before you take part in your first class.
Is open water diving dangerous or scary?
Not at all! There are a lot of myths about scuba diving, but Diventures takes every diver through comprehensive skills and safety training – both in the pool and in the classroom – before heading out into the open water. By the time you’re open water certified, scuba diving will feel like second nature!
Should I buy or rent my own gear?
At Diventures, while we believe it’s much safer to dive with your own gear that you are familiar with, we offer high-quality rental gear for those not ready to purchase a total diving system. All our gear, for purchase and for rent, is the most current gear from today’s leading scuba diving gear manufacturers.
How long does open water diver training take?
Most scuba diving students can complete their in-classroom work, home study, and pool sessions in just one of our open water diver training courses. But some divers may need more time, and Diventures is happy to help you get comfortable in the water at your own pace.
How long does my certification last?
Your Open Water Diver Certification is a lifetime certification, it never expires. If it’s been a year or more since your last dive, we highly recommend a scuba refresher class to ensure your comfortable with your gear and skills.
What other diving courses are available?
We offer a wide range of specialty diving classes to improve the quality and enjoyment of your dives. For those interested in becoming an Advanced Open Water Diver or Master Diver, we can help you plan which classes to take and in what order.
Contact Diventures
Want to learn more about the Open Water Diver Certification? Contact us today.