PADI Open Water Diver Program

Dive into the Essentials
BOOK NOW at escambrón Marine Park @ San JuanBOOK NOW at Copamarina Resort @ Guánica

Hey there, ready to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver program, brought to you by Scuba Dogs – Diver’s Best Friend? This scuba certification course is recognized worldwide and will have you geared up to explore the depths with a buddy, no babysitters needed. Plus, you can wrap it all up in just four days or take your sweet time over a year.

Let’s break down the three main phases:

  1. Knowledge Development: Here, you’ll get the lowdown on scuba diving basics. You can jump straight into it online here: PADI.COM. We’ll dive into topics like how pressure affects your body, picking the right gear, and dive planning. At the end, you’ll face a final exam to make sure you’ve got the scuba essentials down pat.
  2. Confined Water Dives: Now, we’re diving into five sessions of controlled waters with PADI certified instructors. It’s like your own underwater playground, usually in a swimming pool. You’ll learn the nitty-gritty of setting up gear, mastering buoyancy, diving with your partner, and other cool and essential skills. These skills are your ticket to acing the open water dives coming up.
  3. Open Water Dives: Here’s where the rubber meets the road. You’ll have four open water immersions, usually spread over at least two days. It’s time to put all that knowledge and skills you’ve soaked up into practice. Each dive is like a mini adventure, building your confidence and making you a water pro. The instructor keeps an eye on your skills checklist. Some skills are dive-specific, while others are flexible and can be done whenever you fancy a dip.

Last but not least, all that knowledge development and dive skills you’ve acquired will now be put to the test in those four open water immersions. We typically dive from the shores of the Escambrón Marine Park, where we’ve got all the gear and facilities. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to do some or all of your training on a boat at GuánicAmazing in Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa.

Once you’ve rocked these three phases, you’re officially a PADI Open Water Diver. That means you can dive down to 18 meters (60 feet) with your buddy, rent or buy scuba gear, join dive boat adventures, and get your tanks filled at local dive shops.

Now, if you’re thinking of signing up, here’s the scoop: You gotta be at least 10 years old, fit for diving, and a decent swimmer. If you’re between 10 and 14, you’ll score a Junior Open Water certification. And everybody, no matter their age, needs to fill out a medical waiver to make sure you’re all set for your underwater adventures.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive on in with Scuba Dogs and become a certified Open Water Diver!

BOOK NOW at escambrón Marine Park @ San JuanBOOK NOW at Copamarina Resort @ Guánica
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3 options

The first full PADI certification for independent diving.

3 options

The first full PADI certification for independent diving.

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING

This option gives you the control to determine the specific dates to conduct the aquatic sessions; always considering the weather and staff availability. It is the preferred mode because of the small group logistics allowing more individual quality training with a maximum of 5 participants. The full required training can be done in either two (2) or three (3) days, typically running from 8am until 2pm. Our recommendation is the 3-day program to separate the confined water from the open water sessions, which can be done in our heated pool in Guaynabo. However, the 2-day program is typically the most popular among our clients for scheduling logistics. Your flexibility is greatfully appreciated in order to coordinate accordingly.

Private training

This is a unique service that we are happy to offer for exclusive private training. This allows our customers to receive a higher level of training and personalized attention scheduling the aquatic sessions at their best convenience.  For private training, the rate is simply double of the Individual Training mode and no other participants may join the group aside from your party.

This option may be required to complete the training if no other participant signs up for your specific date, or reschedule at a more convenient time. Your flexibility is gratefully appreciated in order to coordinate accordingly.

If you would like to book this exclusive service, kindly click here to coordinate.

BOOK Private training

Group Training

As with the group events, this training modality is available with a 50% discount from the regular Individual Training mode, when a group of fifteen (15) or more friends and family participants is formed. This training mode is coordinated with a minimum of two (2) PADI Professionals to assure safety and can be provided in different dive sites, again subject to weather and staff availability. Beginning with an orientation meeting, your PADI Instructor will discuss the dive theory review and logistics to provide an amazing experience for your group.

Special Offers

Hey, who doesn’t love a bargain? We are happy to offer the following discounts on all tours and trainings to our customers:

$25 off per person when booking for 2+ participants

50% off for groups of 15+ participants, perfect for birthdays,  special celebrations, and corporate events

$10 off when bringing your full gear

$10 off for Copamarina Resort guests in Guánica

50% discount optional for a GoPro video camera rental

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Included

  • Theory discussion on the science of diving with a “Quick Review” quiz.
  • Skills training circuit with five (5) modules in confined environment.
  • Four (4) open water dive training immersions.
  • SCUBA gear rental with BCD, regulator and tanks.
  • Snorkeling gear with mask, snorkel, fins, and weights rentals.
  • Excellent facilities with lockers, showers, restrooms and gift shop.
  • All stages under direct supervision by a certified PADI Instructor.
  • PADI Open Water Diver certification license upon completion.

What's not Included

  • Towels; please bring one with a bathing suit.
  • Swim wear; rashguard or wetsuit are available for purchase or rent if desired.
  • Transportation; rental car, taxi or Uber are recommended.

Requirements

  • Must be 12+ years old. Children between 10-11 years old can take this course, but must comply with one of the following:
    • First take the PADI Seal Team program in the pool to learn and master both swim and scuba skills before diving in open water environment.
    • Sign up for a private training so that our certified Instructor can focus on providing your child with a one-on-one personalized attention to assure his or her safety and provide the best possible level of training.
    • If any of these options should interest you, kindly send us an email to customerservice@scubadogs.net so that we may coordinate it.
  • Successfully complete a water skills assessment swimming a distance of 200 meters or snorkeling 300 meters, and be able to float for 10 minutes in water too deep to stand up in
  • A Medical Statement must be signed to confirm that you are in good health, otherwise get a signed physician approval before your aquatic training
  • A Liability Release and Statement of Understanding must be filled and signed by all participants
  • Purchase and complete the E-learning theory on-line directly with PADI.COM.

Disclaimer Clarification

Our tours and trainings require all participants to be in good health and dully qualified for the respective services. If unsure, kindly contact us via email, we’ll be happy to advice in order to assure your safety.

Availability Agreement

All bookings are subject to change due to factors like weather conditions, staff availability, quorum and unexpected events.

Cancellation Policy

Payment is required to make your reservation; this confirms your commitment with us. Our duty is to coordinate all resources needed to render the best available service; that is our commitment to you. Full refunds are applicable for cancellations notified 48 hours prior to the reservation date. A 50% refund is applicable for cancellations notified 24 hours prior to the reservation date. We do not offer refunds for no-show, cancellations made less than 24 hours, or extreme circumstances on-site that may be life threatening like a storm, near drowning scenarios, or a “Mayday” call. Safety is always our #1 priority. At Scuba Dogs we strive to be “Diver’s Best Friend”. We sincerely appreciate your support and understanding.