How Much Does a Scuba Certification Cost?
If you see scuba lessons that cost only USD $99 US or even USD $199 — buyer beware. Typically, any beginner scuba course that costs less than USD $200:
- Is a half-day scuba experience, not a certification
- OR is for your in-water tuition only
Avoid getting fished in by a course price that’s too good to be true. Read on to learn what questions to ask when shopping for a scuba certification and how to get scuba certified when you have a limited budget.
Scuba Certification Pricing: What You Need to Know
There are three parts to a scuba certification regardless of the training agency.
- Knowledge development (typically an online course)
- Skill practice in a pool or pool-like environment (a.k.a. confined water)
- Four dives in a large body of water (a.k.a. open water)
The knowledge and experience you gain during your Discover Scuba Diving program may be credited toward a PADI Open Water Diver certification. Just be sure to:
- Verify you’ve enrolled in a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience and not a “try dive.” These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
- When you sign up for your DSD, tell the dive shop you may want to earn credit toward a scuba certification
Other Ways to Save Money on Scuba Lessons
- Subscribe to PADI’s email updates and save 10% off an eLearning course
- Choose shore diving over boat diving, if given the option
- Read “Tips & Tricks for Scuba Diving on a Budget”
- Book a group class instead of a private class — and invite friends to learn to dive with you!
Is Scuba Diving Expensive?
When I got scuba certified back in the ‘aughts, my PADI certification cost approximately USD $400. I was unemployed, and I agonized over spending that kind of money (no surprise, I’m a Capricorn). The scuba certification course would take four full days, and I figured I could easily spend USD $100 a day on other activities.
Ultimately, it was USD $400 well spent. For one thing, a scuba certification is good for life.
- An eco-friendly activity
- An accessible sport you can enjoy throughout your entire life
- A great way to meet new and interesting people
Also, and I’m not proud of this, I’ve easily spent four or more days and USD $400+ on surf lessons over the years, and I can’t surf. I can stand up for a few seconds at best.
But after four days and USD $400 spent on scuba lessons — I became a diver. After the course, I knew how to set up scuba gear, deal with common problems and I even saw a sea turtle!
Ready to find out what the other two-thirds of our ocean planet has to offer? Start your scuba training online – FREE or contact a PADI Dive Shop near you for information on scuba lessons or a Discover Scuba Diving experience.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Scuba Diver – Everything You Need to Know
- Discover Scuba vs. Scuba Certification: What’s the Difference?
- How to Choose a Scuba Instructor
