From eLearning to certified diver
Open Water training is broken into manageable stages so you build knowledge, skills and confidence before becoming certified.
PADI eLearning
Complete five self-study chapters and the final exam at your own pace before arriving in Belize.
Pool Training
Practice equipment setup and core skills in BPDC's onsite pool from 7:30–8:45 AM before the open-water dives each day.
Four Open-Water Dives
Put your skills into practice across four instructor-led certification dives.
Become an Open Water Diver
Successfully complete your course requirements and earn your PADI Open Water certification.
Learn in the pool, then take your skills to the reef
The course moves from controlled skill practice into open-water training on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Two half days of practical training
After completing your eLearning, attend an onsite pool session each morning before completing two open-water dives on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Pool Training + Dives 1 & 2
Complete confined-water training from 7:30–8:45 AM, then complete your first two certification dives, typically at Hol Chan Marine Reserve when conditions allow.
Pool Training + Dives 3 & 4
Begin with confined-water training from 7:30–8:45 AM, then complete the final two certification dives beyond the reef.
Hol Chan and local reef sites are the typical training plan, but final dive locations are always dependent on weather, sea conditions and instructor discretion.
Build experience progressively
Your first dives stay shallower while you become comfortable applying your skills in open water. The final dives then allow you to progress to the standard Open Water training depth.
Your first two open-water dives focus on applying your core skills and becoming comfortable on the reef.
Your final training dives expand your experience and complete the practical certification requirements.
PADI Open Water requirements
Students must be at least 10 years old to begin Open Water certification training.
Students should be comfortable swimming and spending time in the water.
Scuba training is an active experience, so students should be physically able to participate in pool and open-water sessions.
PADI academic learning must be completed as part of the certification process.
Maximum 4 students per instructor
BPDC limits Open Water training groups to a maximum of four students per instructor, allowing more direct supervision throughout pool and open-water training.
What's included?
Practical Training
- PADI eLearning digital course manual
- Instructor fees
- Pool / confined-water sessions
- Four open-water training dives
- Required scuba equipment
- Tanks and weights
- Equipment setup instruction
- PADI certification e-card upon completion
- Free equipment rental for life when diving with BPDC
Taxes, Fees & Pickup
- 12.5% Government Sales Tax
- $15 USD marine park fee, paid in cash
- Pickup transportation when applicable
Pickup can be coordinated upon request. Additional charges may apply depending on location.
PADI Open Water Diver Course
Complete PADI eLearning before arriving in Belize, then finish your onsite pool training and four certification dives over two half days on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Your course includes:
- PADI Open Water eLearning
- Instructor-led knowledge review
- Pool / confined-water training
- Four open-water certification dives
- Required scuba equipment
- Tanks and weights
- Maximum 4 students per instructor
- PADI certification e-card upon completion
- Free equipment rental for life when diving with BPDC
The $15 USD marine park fee is paid separately in cash. Pickup can be coordinated upon request; additional charges may apply depending on location.
$100 USD non-refundable deposit per person. The deposit is applied toward the final course cost.
PADI Open Water FAQs
How long does the practical Open Water training take?
BPDC completes the practical portion across two half days, with onsite pool training from 7:30–8:45 AM before the open-water dives each day.
What happens on each day?
Day 1 runs from 7:30 AM–11:30 AM and includes pool training plus Dives 1 and 2, typically at Hol Chan. Day 2 runs from 7:30 AM–12:30 PM and includes pool training plus Dives 3 and 4 beyond the reef.
How many open-water dives are required?
The PADI Open Water course includes four open-water certification dives.
How deep will I dive during the course?
Dives 1 and 2 are limited to approximately 40 ft / 12 m. Dives 3 and 4 can reach a maximum of 60 ft / 18 m.
Will my training dives definitely be at Hol Chan?
Hol Chan is typically used for the first two open-water dives when conditions allow. Final training locations depend on weather, sea conditions and instructor discretion.
What is the maximum class size?
BPDC limits Open Water groups to a maximum of four students per instructor.
Do I need to be very athletic?
You don't need to be an athlete, but students should be comfortable in the water and have a reasonable level of physical fitness for pool and open-water scuba training.
Is scuba equipment included?
Yes. Required scuba equipment is included with BPDC's practical Open Water training.
Is PADI eLearning included in the course price?
Yes. The $625 USD course price includes the required PADI Open Water eLearning along with your practical pool and open-water training.
Are GST and marine park fees included?
The course total is $703.13 USD, including $78.13 USD GST. A $15 USD marine park fee is paid separately in cash.