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You’ve seen Blue Planet and know that underwater exploration is next on your bucket list. But where to start? Here is a brief guide to your options to start your journey toward becoming a certified scuba diver.
Try scuba diving before you buy a complete dive course
For some people, it is evident that scuba diving will be their thing and they want to ‘dive right in’. Starting a complete course before they have tasted the sensations is daunting for others. If you are not sure that diving will be your thing, why not do a ‘Discover Scuba Diving ‘(DSD) experience first, and get a feel for the activity? A short pool session and then a couple of dives in the sea will soon tell you if you are a future scuba lover.
Some of the dive training at home, some away
After some research, you like the idea of doing a 3-4 day Open Water diver course, but with limited holidays, this will take a chunk of your time off. Why not start the course in a local dive center (most towns have one), do the theory at home and the skills in the local pool, then save the ocean dives for the beautiful destination you have planned and only use up two days of your away time. This is commonly done; talk to your local dive operator and put them in touch with the dive center you will dive with abroad/elsewhere.
Split the theory and the practical of the dive course.
The theory for the PADI open water course is quite comprehensive, taking you through all of the basics of diving knowledge. If you don’t feel like doing homework during your holiday but like the idea of doing the rest in a tropical pool and sea, why not opt for the PADI e-learning option and do the theory before you go and in your own time? Get in touch with the dive center you wish to get certified with, and after paying a small deposit, they can send you your e-learning to get started. Alternatively, you can buy it directly from the PADI website and register it at your dive center. If you change your mind about where you want to dive, the e-learning is yours and can be easily transferred to another operator.
If you are short on time to learn to dive
If you only have two days but want to get certified, PADI has created the Scuba Diver option. It covers approximately 2/3 of the Open water course and can be easily upgraded to open water diver later if you wish to do so. It limits you a little in-depth and autonomy but is a great way to leave a diving paradise with a cert in your pocket if you are very limited in time.
Which destination to learn to dive?
Where to go… Consider these when choosing where to take your course: budget comparison, resistance to the cold, language skills, time, and what you want to experience.
Budget Comparison: While going abroad may incur travel expenses, the course cost could be lower, and the quality of diving higher. Check for hidden costs like equipment rental and additional fees for specific dive sites.
Resistance to Cold: Consider warmer waters for your course if you’re sensitive to cold. Southern summer diving or tropical destinations may be more comfortable.
Language Skills: If English isn’t your first language, look for dive centers with instructors who speak your language. Many centers offer theory instruction in multiple languages so you can learn comfortably.
Personal Preference: Choose a destination based on what you want to experience. Do you dream of exploring wrecks, encountering whale sharks, or marveling at coral reefs?
We highly recommend Koh Tao, Thailand. It’s renowned for its stunning dive sites and affordability, making it one of the best places in the world to learn to scuba dive. It is well documented in almost every travel guide, article, blog, and forum that Koh Tao diving prices are among the cheapest in the world. That applies to courses as well as scheduled dives for certified divers.
Whatever option you choose, remember that your choice of dive center will ultimately impact your experience, so do some research on both the destination and the dive center you will train with and ask all the questions you want.
Enjoy the dives and happy bubbles!
