From eLearning to certified diver
Open Water training is broken into manageable stages so you build knowledge, skills and confidence before becoming certified.
PADI eLearning
Complete the required scuba theory before or as part of your course, depending on the option you choose.
Pool Training
Learn equipment setup and practice the core skills needed to dive safely and comfortably.
Four Open-Water Dives
Put your skills into practice across four instructor-led certification dives.
Become an Open Water Diver
Successfully complete your course requirements and earn your PADI Open Water certification.
Learn in the pool, then take your skills to the reef
The course moves from controlled skill practice into open-water training on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Your three half-day training sessions
Once your required academic learning is complete, your practical training is normally completed across three half-day sessions.
Pool Training
Begin with equipment setup, confined-water skills and the practical foundations you'll need before heading into open water.
Open-Water Dives 1 & 2
Complete your first two certification dives, typically at Hol Chan when conditions allow.
Open-Water Dives 3 & 4
Finish the certification dives during a local 2-tank reef training trip.
Hol Chan and local reef sites are the typical training plan, but final dive locations are always dependent on weather, sea conditions and instructor discretion.
Build experience progressively
Your first dives stay shallower while you become comfortable applying your skills in open water. The final dives then allow you to progress to the standard Open Water training depth.
Your first two open-water dives focus on applying your core skills and becoming comfortable on the reef.
Your final training dives expand your experience and complete the practical certification requirements.
PADI Open Water requirements
Students must be at least 10 years old to begin Open Water certification training.
Students should be comfortable swimming and spending time in the water.
Scuba training is an active experience, so students should be physically able to participate in pool and open-water sessions.
PADI academic learning must be completed as part of the certification process.
Maximum 4 students per instructor
BPDC limits Open Water training groups to a maximum of four students per instructor, allowing more direct supervision throughout pool and open-water training.
What's included?
Practical Training
- Instructor-led training
- Pool / confined-water sessions
- Four open-water training dives
- Required scuba equipment
- Tanks and weights
- Equipment setup instruction
- Small training group
Taxes, Fees & Pickup
- 12.5% Government Sales Tax
- Marine park fee if applicable
- Pickup transportation when applicable
Pickup can be coordinated upon request. Additional charges may apply depending on location.
PADI Open Water Diver Course
Your course includes the required PADI eLearning along with your practical training in San Pedro. Complete the academic portion before your scheduled pool and open-water sessions so you can focus on developing your diving skills once you're in Belize.
Your course includes:
- PADI Open Water eLearning
- Instructor-led knowledge review
- Pool / confined-water training
- Four open-water certification dives
- Required scuba equipment
- Tanks and weights
- Maximum 4 students per instructor
Marine park fees are additional when applicable to the training location. Pickup can also be coordinated upon request, with additional charges depending on location.
Already purchased PADI eLearning? The course price is $500 USD + 12.5% GST.
PADI Open Water FAQs
How long does the practical Open Water training take?
BPDC normally completes the practical portion across three half-day sessions.
What happens on each day?
Day 1 focuses on pool training. Day 2 normally includes Open-Water Dives 1 and 2, typically at Hol Chan when conditions allow. Day 3 includes Dives 3 and 4 during a local 2-tank reef trip.
How many open-water dives are required?
The PADI Open Water course includes four open-water certification dives.
How deep will I dive during the course?
Dives 1 and 2 are limited to approximately 30 ft / 9 m. Dives 3 and 4 can reach a maximum of 60 ft / 18 m.
Will my training dives definitely be at Hol Chan?
Hol Chan is typically used for the first two open-water dives when conditions allow. Final training locations depend on weather, sea conditions and instructor discretion.
What is the maximum class size?
BPDC limits Open Water groups to a maximum of four students per instructor.
Do I need to be very athletic?
You don't need to be an athlete, but students should be comfortable in the water and have a reasonable level of physical fitness for pool and open-water scuba training.
Is scuba equipment included?
Yes. Required scuba equipment is included with BPDC's practical Open Water training.
Is PADI eLearning included in the course price?
Yes. The $625 USD course price includes the required PADI Open Water eLearning along with your practical pool and open-water training.
Are GST and marine park fees included?
No. A 12.5% Government Sales Tax is additional. Marine park fees are also additional when applicable to the training site being used.