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PADI Open Water Diver Course – Guided Scuba Certification

  • 3dDuration
  • English, Spanish, French, Italian, PortugueseSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration3 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFunchal
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese
Scuba Diving Certification

PADI Open Water Diver Course — 3-Day Scuba Certification

Your gateway to certified diving adventures at depths up to 18 meters, recognized worldwide.


The PADI Open Water Course is the world's most widely recognized scuba diving certification, giving beginners a structured, safe, and rewarding path into the underwater world. Over three days, participants move from theory to pool practice to real ocean dives under the guidance of a qualified instructor. This course has introduced millions of divers to the sport and remains the gold standard for entry-level certification.

The program is structured to build confidence progressively. Participants begin with five theory lessons that cover dive physics, equipment use, and safety protocols, followed by five supervised swimming pool sessions where core skills are practiced in a controlled environment.

The final phase takes divers into the open sea for four guided ocean dives, where newly acquired skills are applied in real conditions. Upon successful completion, students receive a globally recognized PADI certification valid at dive sites around the world.

Teaching materials are available in any language, and the team of instructors is multilingual, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable learning experience for international participants.

Course Highlights

Earn a worldwide recognized PADI Open Water certification valid for dives up to 18 meters globally.

Five theory lessons taught by a qualified PADI instructor, with materials available in any language.

Five pool sessions provide a safe environment to practice and master essential scuba skills.

Four open-water ocean dives put your skills to the test in real, supervised conditions.

DiveAssure scuba diving insurance is included throughout the entire duration of the course.

Complete scuba diving equipment is provided — no personal gear required to start.

Course Itinerary

1
Theory Sessions — Understanding the Underwater World

The course opens with five structured theory lessons covering dive science, equipment function, safety procedures, and dive planning. Materials are provided in the participant's preferred language, ensuring full comprehension before entering the water.

2
Pool Training — Building Core Diving Skills

Five confined-water sessions in a swimming pool allow students to practice mask clearing, buoyancy control, regulator use, and emergency procedures. Instructors provide hands-on guidance to build skill and confidence in a controlled setting.

3
Open Water Dives 1 and 2 — First Ocean Experience

The first two ocean dives introduce students to real diving conditions under close instructor supervision. Skills practiced in the pool are demonstrated in the sea, and participants begin exploring the marine environment firsthand.

4
Open Water Dives 3 and 4 — Certification Dives

The final two ocean dives complete the open-water requirements and consolidate all learned techniques. Successful completion of all course components qualifies participants for their official PADI Open Water Diver certification.

What Is Included

Included

  • 5 theory lessons with a qualified PADI Instructor
  • 5 swimming pool training sessions
  • 4 open-water ocean dives
  • Complete scuba diving equipment
  • PADI teaching and learning materials
  • Scuba diving insurance via DiveAssure
  • Worldwide recognized PADI Open Water certification

Not Included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • Meals and beverages
  • Optional post-certification dives

Important Information

Please read all course requirements carefully before booking. Medical fitness to dive is required, and a standard health questionnaire will be completed prior to the first session.
Duration
The full course runs over 3 days, combining theory, pool, and ocean sessions scheduled across the program timeline.
What to Bring
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. All diving equipment is provided. A government-issued ID may be required for certification registration.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary — please review the specific terms provided at booking. Weather-related rescheduling may apply for ocean dive days.
Accessibility
Participants must be in good general health and able to swim. A medical questionnaire is required before the course begins to confirm fitness to dive.
Age Range
The minimum age for the PADI Open Water Diver certification is 15 years. Juniors aged 10 to 14 may enroll in the PADI Junior Open Water Diver program.

Ready to Dive In?

The PADI Open Water Course opens the door to a lifetime of underwater exploration. Secure your place today and begin your certified diving journey.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior diving experience to enroll?▼
No prior experience is required. The PADI Open Water Course is specifically designed for complete beginners and guides students from the very basics through to certification.
What certification do I receive upon completion?▼
Graduates receive a worldwide recognized PADI Open Water Diver certification, which permits independent buddy diving to a maximum depth of 18 meters at dive sites globally.
Is scuba diving equipment provided during the course?▼
Yes, complete scuba diving equipment is included for all pool and ocean sessions. Participants do not need to own or bring any personal dive gear.
What languages are the teaching materials available in?▼
PADI teaching materials are available in any language. The instructor team speaks English, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish.
Is diving insurance included in the course?▼
Yes, scuba diving insurance provided by DiveAssure is included as part of the course package for all enrolled participants.
What is the minimum age to take this course?▼
The minimum age for the standard PADI Open Water Diver certification is 15 years. Younger participants between 10 and 14 may enroll in the Junior Open Water Diver program instead.
PADI CertificationOpen Water CourseScuba DivingBeginner DivingLearn to Dive3 Day CourseDive CertificationOcean DivesDiveAssure InsuranceMultilingual InstructorPool TrainingUnderwater Adventure
Last updated: 2025-07-10 | Product ID: padi-open-water-course-001

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