OW Dives
Learn to Dive with Great American Divers—Where Your Adventure Begins
At Great American Divers, learning to scuba dive is more than just a class—it’s the start of an unforgettable journey underwater. Our friendly, experienced instructors take the time to ensure you feel comfortable, confident, and excited every step of the way.
We’re proud to be the only dive shop in the area with our own private, heated indoor AquaCenter, giving our students a relaxed, controlled environment to truly learn before heading into open water. Starting in our pool allows you to focus on skills, buoyancy, and comfort without distractions—building strong foundations that make open water diving safer, easier, and far more enjoyable.
Our program combines flexible at-home learning, in-depth pool training in our AquaCenter, and open water dives that can be completed locally or while traveling. When you’re ready, you can take your skills to Mermet Springs—Home of First-class Diving where you’ll explore unique underwater attractions like a school bus, airplane, ambulance, and much more, or complete your dives on one of our many trips to warm, tropical destinations.
This step-by-step approach means you enter open water feeling prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience—not overwhelmed by it. From your first breath underwater to your first open water adventure, you’ll be supported by a team that genuinely cares about your success and your enjoyment.
Join our dive family and discover just how incredible the underwater world can be—wherever your fins take you.
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!
