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PADI Open Water Certification

PADI, or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of scuba diving education. Founded in 1966 by two passionate divers, John Cronin and Ralph Erickson, PADI has since grown into the world's leading diving organization, setting the standard for diver training and certification.

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At the heart of PADI's mission is a dedication to making diving accessible to all who seek adventure beneath the waves. The PADI Open Water Diver course, the cornerstone of their curriculum, has empowered millions of individuals to explore the underwater world safely and responsibly. This comprehensive program not only imparts essential diving skills but also fosters a deep appreciation for marine conservation and environmental stewardship.

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What sets PADI apart is its global reach and network of affiliated dive centers and instructors. Wherever your wanderlust takes you, you're likely to find a PADI dive shop ready to guide you on your underwater journey. PADI-certified professionals undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring that every dive experience is both thrilling and secure.

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Beyond the Open Water course, PADI offers a diverse array of specialty courses catering to every interest and skill level, from wreck diving to underwater photography. Whether you're a novice seeking your first certification or a seasoned diver aiming to expand your horizons, PADI has something to offer.

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In essence, PADI isn't just an organization—it's a global community of passionate divers united by a love for exploration and a commitment to protecting the oceans. Through education, conservation efforts, and a shared sense of adventure, PADI continues to inspire generations of divers to dive deeper, dream bigger, and make a splash in the underwater world.

Rates & Times

  • Seasonal pricing starts at $699 for four Open Water dives on our boat done over two days. Peak season pricing is $799.

  • PADI eLearning and the Confined Water session must be completed prior to the Open Water dives. If you would like to schedule these with us, they cost an additional $202 and $250 respectively.

  • We run the full three day Open Water course on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday/Saturday/Sunday each week.

  • Check in time is 8:00 am each day, usually finishing around 1:00 pm.

  • If you would like to customize your course schedule, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Requirements

  • Age requirement: Must be at least 10 years old and in reasonably good physical health.

  • Completion of PADI Medical Statement is required.

  • Proficiency in swimming and floating unassisted in the ocean.

  • Ability to understand and speak English (for safety reasons).

  • Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult on our boat.

  • If you have a 10 or 11-year-old in your group, reserving a private guide is necessary for the best possible experience.

  • Note: Divers aged 10-14 will receive a Junior Open Water certification.

Open Water Course

  • Our confined session takes place in an infinity pool with a premium view of the Kona coastside, providing the perfect backdrop for refining your diving abilities.

  • Open Water Dive One introduces you to essential skills applicable to all dives, the exhilaration of underwater exploration, and the nuances between confined water and open water environments. Open Water Dive Two builds upon these foundations, offering further practice of skills honed in the pool.

  • Open Water Dives Three and Four serve as checkout dives, providing you with the opportunity to review any skills alongside your instructor.

  • Upon completing these four dives, you'll attain official certification! Your certification is lifelong, recognized worldwide, and opens doors to advanced dive training.

What We Provide

  • In the Open Water Diver course, you'll learn how to use essential SCUBA gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, and tank.

  • You'll have access to high-quality SCUBA gear from our rental inventory.

  • Our course is taught at a 4:1 student to instructor ratio, the smallest in Kona.

What To Bring

  • Reef-safe sun protection

  • Towels

  • A sense of adventure

  • Gratuity for your guides

Day One Begins Here

Rahul S
January 2024

We had a 'whale' of a time. The boats, equipment, snacks, crew and supporting staff in the office were all A+. The diving was super fun and we saw a turtle, lots of dolphins, all kinds of fish and other underwater life including 3 sharks. Also, were fortunate enough to see whales while we were cruising to our dive spot. Tara was an amazing captain, she's knowledgeable, friendly and super supportive, along with Mary who was the dive instructor. They were very accommodating with the scheduling, all done online with no hiccups, all the paperwork was handled, and we didn't have to deal with that while on vacation since it was all electronic. They're an amazing outfit and when on the Big I., I'll definitely look them up again.

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