Open Water Diver Elearning + Pool Private
Learn to Dive with Great American Divers for an Unforgettable Experience! Our expert team offers a unique and exciting approach to scuba diving. With a blend of at-home study, pool instruction at a local facility, and open water dives—either with us or on your vacation—you'll gain the skills to become a safe, confident, and comfortable diver.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
PADI® Open Water Diver Course
About the Course
The PADI® Open Water Diver course is your gateway to exploring the underwater world and earning your first scuba certification. Taught by a highly-trained PADI Instructor in a relaxed and supportive environment, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to dive confidently at home or abroad. By the end, you'll not only be a certified diver but also an ambassador for the wonders beneath the waves.
How to Get Certified
Step 1: Complete Your eLearning at Home
Cost: $450 (includes pool dives)
Begin your scuba journey with the convenience of PADI eLearning, allowing you to study at your own pace from the comfort of home. Complete the essential knowledge development portion before attending your pool sessions. This stress-free option is perfect for busy schedules and helps you prepare fully for in-water practice.
Step 2: Complete Your Pool Dives
We offer flexible scheduling with both weeknight and weekend classes:
- Weeknight Classes: Two evening sessions
- Weekend Classes: Two morning sessions
Registration Tips:
- Register at least two weeks before your desired class date.
- Submit all required paperwork one week prior to the session.
Gear Requirements:
Each student needs personal scuba gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. Purchase these items from us when you sign up, and you’ll receive an instant $100 rebate on your gear.
Private Classes:
For a more personalized experience, private classes are available for $650.
Step 3: Complete Your Open Water Dives
Cost: $220
Finish your certification with four open water dives under the supervision of an instructor. You can choose from:
- Dive Locally: Join one of our instructors at our affiliate dive site near Metropolis, IL.
- Vacation Referral: Complete your dives with another PADI operation while traveling. Be sure to coordinate schedules and fees with the destination operator.
What’s Included for Local Dives:
- Rental scuba gear (excluding mask, snorkel, fins, and boots)
- Certification fees
What’s Not Included:
Travel, meals, dive site admission, air fills, and accommodations.
Private Open Water Dives:
Opt for a private instructor for an enhanced experience, starting at $320.
Whether you're dreaming of underwater adventures close to home or in far-off destinations, the PADI Open Water Diver course is your first step to making it a reality. Let’s dive in!
Enhance Your PADI Open Water Course Experience
When you enroll in the PADI Open Water course, we offer exciting upgrade opportunities to elevate your diving skills and experience. Choose from the following options to complement your training. Please note, only one discount can be applied, and discounts are available at the time of Open Water course sign-up.
Upgrade Options
15% Off Enriched Air (Nitrox) Class
Dive smarter and stay underwater longer with Enriched Air (Nitrox). This class is held at the pool following your Confined Open Water session on Sunday at 2 PM.
- Cost: $150.00
- Discounted Price: $127.50
15% Off Peak Performance Buoyancy Class
Achieve perfect buoyancy control and effortlessly glide over reefs or explore underwater treasures at Mermet Springs. This class includes two additional dives, helping you refine your buoyancy skills developed during the Open Water course.
- Cost: $120.00
- Discounted Price: $102.00
Drysuit Diver Add-On
Stay warm and dry during your Open Water dives with this specialized training. This upgrade includes an additional class and pool session, one extra open water dive, and the use of a rental drysuit during your Open Water dives.
- Cost: $255.00
- Availability: Offered in April, May, September, October, and November at Mermet Springs.
Explore these unique options to make the most of your diving journey!