Open Water Diver: Diver Certification Begins Here!
If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure, and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. There are different paths you can take to achieve certification. Deciding which is right for you depends on how you prefer to learn, and how much of your vacation time you want to spend on your diver education.
All options involve completing the PADI eLearning prior to arrival.
No matter which path you select, all PADI Open Water Diver courses consist of three main phases:
The first part of the course is theoretical; the knowledge development portion. This is accomplished by completing the eLearning. After you sign up with Go West Diving, we will send you a code to gain access and get started!
The second step involves completing five confined water (shallow) dives where you will practice and master new skills with your dive instructor.
The third and final step is participating in four open water dives during which you will perform some important dive skills underwater. This is the real deal – the chance to use your skills and explore our famous house reef called Alice in Wonderland. (It’s one of the best on Curacao!)
PATH #2: PADI eLearning® Course Price
- $452 per person
- $552 for a Private Course
Begin by purchasing and completing the PADI E-learning program online on your computer or now with the Open Water Diver TouchTM on your tablet. Learn the academics at your own pace at home. (Note: The PADI eLearning program cost is an additional $190.00 USD subject to change).
Both options integrate the PADI Open Water Diver manual curriculum, learning objectives, video clips, quizzes, and Knowledge Reviews and exam into a rich, interactive learning environment. The theory learned gives you the background information you need to dive safely and allows you to study at your own pace.
Once on-island, you will meet with your instructor to do a quick review of the academics then complete your confined water skills sessions and open water dives on our lively house reef.
To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course (or Junior Open Water Diver course), you must be 10 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
All students must read and complete a PADI Medical Statement prior to participating in any course.
Should any of the medical history items noted on the Statement apply to you, you will need to consult with a physician prior to participating in scuba diving. So please be sure to download and review this statement in advance.
Duration: 3 Days
Before You Arrive: Click here to purchase and register with PADI for the online course. (Current price is $185.00 US subject to change without notice.) Complete the knowledge development portion of the course online, at your own pace. Once you have completed all of the segments, print your eLearning Record to provide to your on-line PADI Instructor.
Day One: You will meet with one of our PADI instructors to review your course paperwork and review what you learned online. Immediately following begin the Confined Water training sessions. During these practice session, which are conducted in the shallow water immediately in front of the dive center, you will learn how to set up and adjust your equipment, practice skills and learn safety procedures.
Day Two: Complete two or three Open Water dives on our house reef. During your Open Water dives, you will practice some of the skills you mastered in the pool and learn more about actual dive procedures and planning, while gaining confidence and experience.
Day Three: Take your final Open Water dives on our house reef, complete the certification paperwork, and congratulations! You are a now certified PADI Open Water Diver!
- Brief academic review.
- 5 confined water practice sessions in shallow water.
- 4 open water shore dives on the beautiful house reef, Alice in Wonderland.
- Certification fees.
Included Equipment
- Mask
- Fins
- BCD
- Regulator
- Tanks & Weights
Not Included: PADI eLearning course module is not included in the price.
PATH #3: Full Open Water Diver Certification Course Price
- $425.00 per person for two or more people
- $452.00 for private course experience
Not everyone prefers self-study, or missing the chance for direct interaction with their instructor during the knowledge development process. For these individuals, taking the Full Open Water Course is likely the best option.
Your course will begin with theory: learning the fundamentals of scuba diving from video and textbook followed by knowledge reviews, quizzes, and a final exam or via eLearning. Once this is completed, you can begin your confined water skills sessions and open water dives on our lively house reef.
To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course (or Junior Open Water Diver course), you must be 10 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
All students must read and complete a PADI Medical Statement prior to participating in any course.
Should any of the medical history items noted on the Statement apply to you, you will need to consult with a physician prior to participating in scuba diving. So please be sure to download and review this statement in advance.
Duration: 4 Days
Day One: Begin with the academic knowledge development sessions with your instructor. Begin your Confined Water training sessions. During these practice session, which are conducted in the shallow water immediately in front of the dive center, you will learn how to set up and adjust your equipment, practice skills and learn safety procedures.
Day Two: Continue with the academic knowledge development followed by the final exam. Complete the remaining Confined Water training sessions.
Day Three: Complete two or three Open Water dives on our house reef. During your Open Water dives, you will practice some of the skills you mastered in the pool and learn more about actual dive procedures and planning, while gaining confidence and experience.
Day Four: Take your final Open Water dives on our house reef, complete the certification paperwork, and congratulations! You are a now certified PADI Open Water Diver!
- Padi eLearning Module OR PADI Open Water Manual.
- 5 confined water practice sessions in shallow water.
- 4 open water shore dives on the beautiful house reef, Alice in Wonderland.
- Certification fees.
Included Equipment
- Mask
- Fins
- BCD
- Regulator
- Tanks & Weights
