Open Water Certification

• Your instructor will call each diver before the class begins, so you’ll be able to get to know each other and ask any questions you might have.
• Your class will be conducted at the beautiful Casino Point Dive Park, which is a world-class marine preserve located in Avalon with a shore entry down a short flight of stairs. (Adaptive accommodations are available.)
• Pacific water is considered cold water year-round (upper 50s-low 60s F in winter and upper 60s – low 70s in summer), so you will be wearing a 7mm wetsuit, boots and possibly a hood.
• As you saw in the video above, Open Water certification has several components. This is the standard flow for the minimum 3-day class:

DAY ONE

1. The price of your course includes the required eLearning, which you’ll complete at home before your arrival on Catalina Island. On your first day we’ll review the information you learned to make sure you have a clear understanding of the information.
2. Next, you’ll complete a swim and float exercise to allow your instructor to evaluate your abilities and level of comfort in the ocean.
3. We’ll train you on the use and function of scuba gear, so you’ll be comfortable independently setting up and breaking it down.
4. The Confined Water portion of your class includes 5 sets of skills over multiple dives. We’ll discuss the skills on land, and in the water your instructor will teach and demonstrate the skills for you to repeat.
5. During these dives you’ll get a chance to actually swim around and explore a bit with your instructor right by your side, so you’ll feel safe and comfortable. We’ll take regular short breaks for water and healthy snacks.

PLEASE NOTE: The Park is considered Confined Open Water by PADI standards.  None of your class will be conducted in a pool – there are no pools available on the island.

DAY TWO

• If there are any Confined Water skills that still need to be completed, you’ll finish those first.
• The Open Water portion of the class consists of a minimum of 4 training dives over the course of at least 2 days, with a maximum of 3 training dives per day.
• We’ll review the skills we learned on Day 1, and once we enter the water, you’ll perform those skills without demonstration. (If you need a little help, that’s just fine.)
• We will take surface intervals between each dive, with time for resting, water and a healthy lunch.

There’s always time for questions – we’re here to help you every step of the way!

DAY THREE

1. We’ll begin where we left off and complete a maximum of 3 additional training dives. Some divers need additional time to complete the class, and multiple options are available to do so.
2. If you’ve completed all performance requirements, TA-DA! You’re now an Open Water Certified Diver!

 Please feel free to contact us with questions, but here’s some additional information straight from PADI.

• For Open Water, we prefer to keep the class size to a maximum of 3 divers in one party so that everyone has enough time to learn in comfort at their own pace. However, if you have a larger family group, please call us and we will try to accommodate your needs.
• We have had requests by certified friends or family members to join divers on certification classes. Generally this is not allowed, as both the student and instructor need to be focused on diver skills and safety. If this is something you feel strongly about, please call us to discuss your concerns.
• Minimum Age: While PADI standards allow for divers as young as 10 to earn a Jr. Open Water Diver certification, we have found that generally students under the age of 12 learn better in a pool to start. However, you know your child best, so please call us to discuss.  If we do make an exception, they will be the only diver in the class and depth restrictions will apply per PADI standards.
• All certification classes require medical clearance before arrival on the island. Please download and complete this form immediately, returning it signed via email as soon as possible before your arrival.
• Depending on each diver’s unique circumstance, signoff by a medical doctor may be required. Please contact us immediately if you have any concerns whatsoever. If you need medical signoff and you do not have that before your arrival, you will not be allowed to proceed with your class.
• If anyone under the age of 18 is participating, there are additional forms which will be provided, and which must also be completed and signed by a parent or guardian and returned via email as soon as possible before your arrival.
• Not a great swimmer? You don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer to dive but you do need to be in reasonably good health and comfortable in the ocean. Give us a call to discuss any concerns.
• Do bring your own bathing suit and towel. We also recommend bringing a warm jacket for surface intervals.

• eLearning: The price of your class includes the required eLearning, which must be completed prior to your arrival on Catalina Island. Once you’ve purchased your class, a link to your personal e-Learning will be provided.
• Private Instruction: Your class will be yours alone. No one you don’t know will be participating.
• Logbook: You will receive your physical logbook upon arrival. Time to start collecting all those stickers! If you prefer a digital logbook, please download the PADI app on your phone prior to arrival and sign in with the same credentials you used for eLearning. Either way, we’ll show you how to log both Training and Recreational dives.
• Gear: We provide everything you need for your day of diving from quality high-end gear, to shade, mats and chairs – even locked storage for your valuables and fresh water to rinse off after your dive. All included for no extra charge. Learn more

Gear Package includes:

• • • 7mm wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves, as needed
    • Computer, if needed
    • Mask, fins and snorkel
    • BCD, regulator, tanks and weights

• Insurance: We provide DAN Diver Medical insurance for the duration of your certification class, but we encourage you to purchase your own for any diving outside of this class.

• Sizing: Please indicate the correct body weight, height and shoe size for each diver. Because we bring your gear to you, we would need to leave Casino Point to exchange sizes or retrieve necessary items. This may not leave enough time for all dives planned per day, incurring additional fees for the time needed to complete the class.
• If you already have your own gear, we’ll fit you and help you learn to use it properly.
• If you have your own computer, please download and carefully read the user manual before you arrive.
• Proof of Certification: We will process your certification and PADI will issue a certification e-Card upon completion of your class. Physical cards may be purchased from PADI at an additional charge.
• Drinks and Snacks: We provide water (and hot beverages if it’s chilly), but please feel free to bring your own light snacks and we’ll keep them in a cooler if needed.
• Catering: Healthy catered lunches including options for protein shakes are available at an additional fee.

Our Environmental Commitment ensures that our gear, products and packaging are as eco-friendly as possible. Learn more  

Open Water Certification Class – 3 days, including 5 Confined and 4 Open Water dives

Use Code OFFSEASON to receive a 25% Discount!

• Solo Diver: $1495
• 2-3 Divers: $1295 per person

Additional Training Days

Purchase of a class does not guarantee certification. Additional days may be required to complete training dives (at the discretion of your PADI instructor) in order to meet PADI standards for certification.

• Additional full training day: $350 per person
• Additional half training day (less than 4 hours): $250 per person
• NOTE: For Adaptive Divers, different add-on rates may apply. Please call us to discuss your unique situation

Add-ons

• Add PADI AWARE Specialist certification: $55 per person Learn more
• Add Enriched Air/ Nitrox certification: $195 per person
  • A second certification may be earned during your Open Water class at a reduced rate from purchase of a stand-alone class. There is no separate in-water dive, but Nitrox may be used during a training dive.
  • Nitrox tank rental may be done on-site through a local vendor at an additional fee. Learn more
• Bundling Classes: If you are interested in bundling other certifications, please call us to discuss your options.
• Add catered food or beverages for your surface interval. See Menus

All prices are in US dollars.

 Please carefully review our full Terms, Conditions and Cancellation Policy before purchase.