PADI Open Water Diver

Learning to dive with Great American Divers is a unique and exciting experience.

Through our professional staff and a combination of at home study, pool instruction at a local pool and open water dives (with us or on your vacation) you will learn to become a safe and comfortable diver.

About the Course

PADI® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad and be an ambassador for the underwater world.

HOW DO I GET CERTIFIED? 

STEP ONE: COMPLETE YOUR ELEARNING AT HOME

$450.00 (includes pool dives)

Prior to attending your pool sessions, you will need to complete some home study. Using the PADI eLearning system, you will complete your basic knowledge development at home at your own pace. This option also gives you the ability to complete all studying at home and at your own pace with no pressure.

STEP TWO: COMPLETE YOUR POOL DIVES

We offer both weeknight and weekend classes to meet your busy schedule. Weeknight classes are 2 evenings, and weekend classes are 2 mornings. Registration can be done by calling the store or stopping in. We recommend registering at least 2 week prior to the class date. All paperwork is due at the office 1 week before your scheduled class.

Each student is required to have their own personal gear including a scuba mask, snorkel, fins and boots. When you purchase these 4 items from us after signing up for open water you will receive an instant $100 rebate. 

Private classes are also available, and cost $650

Each student is required to have their own personal gear which includes scuba quality mask, snorkel, fins & boots. When your purchase your 4 items from us, you’ll receive an instant $100 rebate on the gear.

STEP THREE: COMPLETE YOUR OPEN WATER DIVES

$220.00

To complete your certification, you will do 4 open water dives with an instructor. This can be done with one of our instructors at our affiliate dive site near Metropolis, IL or on vacation with another operation. The latter option is called a “referral.” When choosing the “referral” option, consult the destination operation for scheduling and fees. Our open weekends include admission to the dive site, rental scuba gear (excluding mask, snorkel, fins and boots), certification fees and air fills (travel, meals and overnight accommodations not included). Check our online registration system for dive dates and availability. You can also register by visiting the store or giving us a call.

Complete your open water dives with a private instructor for $320