PADI Open Water Diver Certification
IN MESA, ARIZONA
Certification Course Cost: $559.00
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eLearning
-
In-person Class Session
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4 Lake Training Dives
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PADI Certification
PADI Open Water Diver Certification
IN MESA, ARIZONA
Certification Course Cost: $559.00
-
eLearning
-
In-person Class Session
-
4 Lake Training Dives
-
PADI Certification
PADI Open Water Diver Certification at Saguaro Scuba
Explore the captivating realm of scuba diving with our PADI Open Water Diver course at Saguaro Scuba. This immersive program provides you with the fundamental skills and understanding needed to dive confidently. With our experienced instructors and flexible scheduling, you’ll delve into dive theory and practical techniques in a welcoming atmosphere. Build your skills and boost your confidence as you embark on an exciting underwater adventure. Enroll now and unlock the mysteries of the sea with PADI Open Water Diver certification!
Step 1: eLearning Course (4-8 Hours)
Start your scuba diving adventure with our easy-to-use online learning program. This first step, which takes about 4-8 hours, can be done from home or anywhere with internet access. It’s a simple way to learn diving basics at your own pace, no long classes required!
Step 2: Pre-Pool Classroom Session (2-3 Hours)
During the pre-pool session, our fantastic PADI Open Water Instructors will assist you in reviewing the eLearning material. They will patiently address any questions, ensuring you are fully prepared for the pool session. Additionally, you’ll need to bring or purchase your personal dive gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. Lastly, our team will fit you for any rental dive gear needed for the training.
Step 3: In-Pool Skill Development (5-8 Hours)
Advance to the pool where you’ll spend approximately 5-8 hours under the guidance of experienced PADI Instructors. This session is designed to build your confidence and skill in a controlled water environment. Here, you’ll practice essential scuba diving techniques, preparing you for the open water dives.
Step 4: Open Water Lake Dives (2 Days/4 Dives)
The final leg of your training involves four open-water dives over two days. These dives are your opportunity to apply your academic learning and pool training in a real-world setting. Under the supervision of our expert instructors, you’ll gain practical experience and lessons that are invaluable for your development as a diver.
To sign up for a class, simply complete the purchase online. One of the Saguaro Scuba staff will reach out to help you register for eLearning, confirm in-person class dates, and review necessary equipment.
Note: The training provided in this package fulfills the essential requirements for certification. If extra training is desired, sessions can be arranged at $110 each.
What does the PADI Open Water Diver Course Cover?
The PADI Open Water Diver course includes everything you need to earn your open water diver certification. Our friendly staff and experienced instructors are here to support you, ensuring a fantastic experience for all. Our upfront pricing ensures peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your new hobby.
The PADI Open Water Diver Certification- Complete Includes:
- PADI eLearning Code– Open Water Diver
- Pre-pool Class
- Pool Training Session
- Lake Training Dives
- Lake Parking Pass
- All Registration Fees
- Rental Gear (Tanks, Weights, BCD, Regulator, Wetsuit, Hood/Gloves, and Gear Bag) for Duration of Training
The only gear students need to purchase is a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. It’s best to try them on at your dive shop first to ensure the perfect fit. Well-fitted gear ensures comfort and enhances your diving experience, letting you fully enjoy every underwater adventure. Follow the link for Saguaro Scuba Staff Recommendations.
PADI Open Water Diver Flexible Training Options
At Saguaro Scuba, we recognize that every diver’s path is different. That’s why we provide personalized training choices that are designed to meet your specific needs and timetable. These packages include our PADI Private Certification and PADI Referral Course.
What are the PADI Open Water Diver course prerequisites?
To be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, you need to be at least 10 years old*, fit for diving, and able to swim. To be able to participate in the PADI eLearning Open Water online program, you simply need to be at least 10 years old.
*In some regions the minimum age is higher.
PADI Open Water Diver Private Certification
Private Lessons Starting At $790.00
Do you want personalized training from one of our top-rated PADI scuba professionals? We understand that you have a busy life and we want to make your scuba experience as convenient and enjoyable as we possibly can. Your personal instructor will work with you or your group to create a customizable schedule so conflicts will not get in the way of your learning. Not only do we tailor this personal training to your schedule, but to your individual needs as a diver. At Saguaro Scuba, we understand that everyone learns in different ways and works at their own pace. This one-on-one training gives students the personal attention they need to dive into their next excursion feeling confident and comfortable.
Individuals and groups of 4 or fewer people pay $790 per person which includes:
- PADI eLearning
- In-person class learning
- All pool dives
- All lake dives
- Rental equipment (BCD, regulator, octopus, tanks, wetsuit, dive computer)
- Mask, snorkel, and fins are purchased or rented at an additional cost
Do you have a group of more than 4? We would love to have private sessions with your group for just $559.00/ person. In-person learning and lake dives will be scheduled specifically for your group. However, please be aware that you may have a predetermined pool date due to limited pool availability for groups of over 4 people. The group may be required to come in for a pool day with a class, but at the pool, you will be separated from the class with your very own instructor to work individually with your group.
Groups over 4 people pay $559.00/person which includes:
- eLearning
- In-person class learning
- All pool dives
- All lake dives
- Rental equipment (BCD, regulator, octopus, tanks, wetsuit, dive computer)
- Mask, snorkel, and fins are purchased or rented at an additional cost
april 2024
06apr9:00 am5:00 pmSDI / PADI PrePool / Scuba Review
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study. Before attending the pool session there is a mandatory “pre-pool class” where you will meet with staff members, academics are reviewed where necessary, and introductions are made to Dive Computers to be used in the pool and all other Scuba equipment is addressed.
Typical Session will last approximately 2 hours.
We have several sessions starting each day.
Usually sessions at 9:00AM, 11:30AM, and 2:00PM
more
Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm(GMT-11:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
07aprAll DaySDI/PADI Open Water Pool
Event Details
The pool segment of your Open Water training is scheduled as a one day event. Students and Instructors will meet at Saguaro Diving, generally at 8am, and start the day
Event Details
The pool segment of your Open Water training is scheduled as a one day event. Students and Instructors will meet at Saguaro Diving, generally at 8am, and start the day with SCUBA gear assignment and set-up. The student is responsible for having their personal gear; mask, fins, dive boots and snorkel; prior to this day of training. From the shop we will head out to a designated Mesa Parks & Rec pool for a day of training and fun. Before donning SCUBA gear there is a swim evaluation; 200 yards, any stroke, and a 10 minute float/tread; as required by the certifying agency, PADI/SDI. It is during your water time that the required skills are accomplished to make you a safe diver. Later, during your Open Water certification dives, you will be evaluated on some of the skills that you learned in the pool. Because PADI/SDI training is standardized the student will accomplish the same skills/be evaluated on specific skills no matter where the training is conducted. Although you will not need your educational materials for this session, please pack a picnic style lunch, beverages, a bathing suit & towel, and sunscreen, along with your personal gear. Let’s get wet and make some bubbles!
more
Time
All Day (Sunday)(GMT-11:00)
Location
Kino Junior High School
848 N Horne Ave, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA
13apr(apr 13)9:00 am14(apr 14)2:00 pmOpen Water Lake Dives
Event Details
Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm (approx) Sunday 9:00am – 12:00pm (approx) The completion of Open Water training involves a total of four certification dives conducted over the course of 2 days. During the
Event Details
Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm (approx)
Sunday 9:00am – 12:00pm (approx)
The completion of Open Water training involves a total of four certification dives conducted over the course of 2 days. During the dives, students are evaluated on skills learned during the pool session. Saguaro Diving conducts training dives at Lake Pleasant. Times and meeting places are determined by the certifying instructors and students are informed accordingly. Students are responsible for securing their SCUBA gear from Saguaro Diving a day or 2 prior to the scheduled lake date and for providing their own transportation to the lake. Upon successful completion of Open Water training, the student will receive a temporary certification card. The student must provide a passport size photo that will be mailed in with their paperwork to PADI/SDI for issuance of a permanent cert-card.
more
Time
13 (Saturday) 9:00 am - 14 (Sunday) 2:00 pm PST(GMT-11:00)
Location
Desert Tortoise Campground
Desert Tortoise Campground, Peoria, AZ 85383, USA
20apr10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
may 2024
18may10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
june 2024
15jun10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
july 2024
20jul10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
august 2024
17aug10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
september 2024
21sep10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
october 2024
19oct10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
november 2024
16nov10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
december 2024
21dec10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
january 2025
18jan10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
february 2025
15feb10:00 am12:00 pmEnriched Air / Nitrox Course
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will
Event Details
The academics portion is offered on-line through the certifying agency. You can progress at your own pace, on your own schedule. This includes quizzes and final exam. Saguaro Diving will be notified when you register and again upon your completion of the on-line study.
What you can expect to learn:
Physiology of using different breathing gas mixtures and equipment considerations for using nitrox
How to safely use nitrox mixtures up to 40 percent with a dive computer
Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing Nitrox / Enriched Air mixtures, how to analyze a Nitrox/Enriched Air mixture
more
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Saguaro Scuba
908 E Impala Ave, Mesa, Arizona 85204The best scuba shop in ArizonaSaguaro Scuba
PADI ONLINE OPEN WATER COURSE
$129.00 – $790.00
For complete certification all three options below must be purchased. If you are outside of Arizona and want to take advantage of our $56 in savings you may also purchase just the ELearning Course by itself. For additional savings, please consider the SDI Open Water ELearning course. It is a different certifying agency, but is a well respected and universally accepted certification as well and a direct comparison to the PADI Open Water Course. Click here to get started with SDI ELearning.
Product Description
- A flexible way to complete the classroom portion of the PADI Open Water Diver Course
- Complete all chapters and tests online through PADI eLearning
- Purchase from us and we send you a unique log-in code
- Confined water/Open water dives still required for certification
Free Shipping Terms and Conditions:
- Applies to orders greater than $100.00 on selected items. (Does not apply to tanks or weights)
- Applies to UPS GROUND shipping rates only, within the Continental United States. Expedited shipping requests will be charged at applicable shipping rates.
- Available only to the Continental United States.
- Refunds for shipping on any returned items will be deducted by the amount charged for the non free shipped items only on the original order.
- Valid with gift certificates & promotions.
- We reserve the right to modify or cancel free shipping at any time.
Full Return Policy For Saguaro Products
New Product Returns: Your purchase can be returned within 90 days for a hassle-free exchange or refund provided that the merchandise is in its original saleable condition, in original packaging, and with the original receipt. Returns without the original receipt will be made at Saguaro Scuba Inc.’s discretion. Buyer will pay for return postage (except in cases of warranty). A refund will be issued within 2 business days of receiving the item(s) if the item(s) is deemed to be in returnable condition. Specific details and exceptions are as follows:
Product Exchanges: Saguaro Scuba does not offer product exchanges. Products must be returned (subject to Saguaro Scuba Inc.’s return policy) and replacement items purchased in a new transaction.
Regular Stock Product Returns: Regular stock products can be returned within 90 days of purchase to Saguaro Scuba Inc. There is no restocking charge when returning regularly stocked merchandise.
Special Order Product Returns: Special order items can only be returned within 90 days of purchase and are subject to a 20% restocking fee. All special order items will be clearly labeled both individually and on the shopping cart page for easy identification.
Non-returnable Products: Computers, Electronics & Cameras are returnable only if they have not been installed or used and if they are in new original saleable condition and packaging. Clearance items are non-returnable. eLearning codes are non-returnable.
Warranty Product Returns: Your purchase can be returned for a hassle-free replacement/repair provided that it is returned within the warranty terms and warranty period. The original receipt is required. Warranty returns without the original receipt will be made at Saguaro Scuba’s discretion. Products with a replacement warranty will be exchanged free of charge. Products with a repair-only warranty will be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s and/or Saguaro Scuba Inc.’s terms and conditions. Warranty claims are limited to replacement/repair of the product only. Saguaro Scuba Inc. not cover additional costs such as labor, incidental, or consequential damages.
More Info
Weight | 5 lbs |
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Dimensions | 4 × 4 × 2 in |
Brand |
- All PADI Courses – Divers Medical Questionnaire and Medical Statement
- PADI Liability Form
- PADI Discover Scuba® Diving Participant Statement and Medical Questionnaire
- PADI Bubblemaker Statement and Medical Questionnaire
- PADI Seal Team Statement and Medical Questionnaire
- PADI TecRec Technical Diving – Diving Safe Practices Statement
- Padi OW Referral
Getting Started With Scuba Diving – Which Certifying Agency Should You Choose?
So you have decided you are interested in becoming a scuba diver. You are considering starting your training and the first thing you come across is the fact that there are multiple training agencies that offer Open Water Courses. What is the difference? Which should I choose? Are both accepted around the world? Let us answer these questions for you.
The first thing you should know is that all of the major dive agencies are governed by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC). The WRSTC ensures that all of these agencies’ courses meet certain minimum requirements for all of their courses. This is then relayed to the instructors from each of those agencies, which is then passed unto the students. The fact of the matter is that the core curriculum in most of these courses is almost identical. So much so, that we often have students taking the PADI and SDI Courses alongside each other in the pool and during the open water dives with the same instructor completing both.
Why Is The PADI Course More Expensive?
The PADI eLearning portion of the course with Saguaro is priced at $175.50 while the SDI eLearning portion of their course is priced at $99. This is a significant difference and the only real explanation is that PADI has put a higher price point on their course. PADI is a much larger company with significantly more overhead and more marketing money being spent than SDI. If you buy the PADI eLearning Course directly through PADI, it will cost you $217. If you purchase the SDI eLearning Course directly through SDI, it will cost you $129. It certainly pays for you to shop through us rather than directly through the agencies!
With Saguaro Scuba we charge the exact same thing for your confined water portion ($104) and the 4 open water dives portion ($195) whether you are doing the PADI or SDI Certification. In total your SDI Certification will come out to $398 while the PADI Certification will come out to $474.50.
Are Both Certifications Accepted Around The World?
Absolutely. Any certification done with any of the agencies in the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) is accepted around the world. One great thing about SDI is that you will have an account with SDI where you can login and get a digital copy of your certification card if you ever happen to forget it on a trip. PADI offers a service to PADI Professionals where they can search up a customer’s certification based upon name and birthday.
Do Both Have Options For Continuing Education?
Of course! PADI has a full range of courses that run from Discover Scuba right up to the professional level. SDI offers very similar advanced learning options. One thing that makes SDI unique is that their sister company TDI (Technical Diving International) offers a range of technical diving learning opportunities should you be interested as well.
In Summary
Which certifying agency and which course you choose is a personal decision for most divers. The quality of the course and the information and the knowledge which you will gain is very similar in both options. We tend to recommend new students to go down the SDI route. The $60 you save on the course can get you started with a bit of your own dive equipment! Mask, fins, snorkel, and boots sets at Saguaro start at $169.