Get certified in scuba diving with our PADI or PSS Open Water Course
Explore the underwater world anywhere in the world with confidence and safety!
PADI/PSS Open Water Course
If you’ve always wanted to explore the stunning underwater world and get up close with marine life, the PADI/PSS Open Water Course is your first step to become a certified scuba diver. Our course is designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely explore the underwater world.
During the course, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment, diving techniques, dive planning, and underwater communication. You’ll also learn important safety skills, such as emergency procedures and problem management.
At the end of the course, you’ll be a certified Open Water Diver, which allows you to dive up to 60 feet/18 meters deep anywhere in the world.
What is included in the PADI/PSS Open Water Course?
- Worldwide scuba diving license (PADI or PSS)
- Professional PADI/PSS Instructor
- Shallow (confined water) training dives
- 4 Open Water training dives at nearby divesites
- PADI or PSS learning material
- Complete rental equipment
- First aid equipment & Emergency Oxygen
- Maximum of 4 students per Instructor
- Log Book
- Snacks and Drinks on all boat dives
- Fotos/Videos (additional cost)
What skills will you learn during the PADI/PSS Open Water Course?
This course consists of three sections to prepare you best for the underwater world:
In the knowledge development part you will learn about the basic concepts of scuba diving, such as the effects of pressure, the correct breathing techniques and how to prepare and check your equipment. Your instructor will make sure you understand all the concepts to prepare you for the final exam.
Next, you will develop and practice the basic diving skills in confined waters. Each skill will be demonstrated by your instructor. Afterwards you will have the time to try and practice the skills. We will provide you with a safe and relaxed atmosphere so you can practice these skills at your own pace and get comfortable breathing underwater.
Lastly, it’s time to get excited and explore the beauty of the ocean. In four Open Water training dives you will master the skills learned before in some of the best dive sites around Puerto Lopez.
Some of the skills you will learn in your Open Water Course include:
- Regulator recovery and clearing
- Mask clearing
- Alternative Air source use
- Buoyancy Control
- Descent and Ascent techniques
- Correct swimming techniques and body positions (Trim)
- Hand Signals for underwater communication
What is the schedule for the PADI/PSS Open Water Course?
The schedule for our PADI/PSS Open Water Course is flexible to allow adjustments for personal needs and timeframes.
A exemplary schedule could look like this:
Day 1 – Classroom session to cover dive theory and equipment basics.
Day 2 – Confined water training, where you’ll practice essential skills in a pool-like environment
Day 3 & 4 – Open water training, where you’ll complete four dives in the ocean or a lake, each dive building on the skills learned in the previous one
Congratulations, you are now a certified Open Water diver!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the Open Water Course?
- Must be at least 10 years old (for Junior Open Water certification) or 15 years old (for Open Water certification)
- Good physical health and fitness
- Basic swimming skills
How safe is it to go scuba diving?
Diving is a safe recreational activity as long as you follow the rules and regulations recommended by dive schools and dive instructors. Don’t worry we will make sure you know all rules of scuba diving before going for a dive. Our instructors will always be near you to assist in any kind of situation.
What dive organization do you certify with?
Our instructors are PADI and PSS certified instructors. You can freely decide in which organization you want your certification. If in doubt, feel free to contact us.
What is the minimum age for scuba diving?
The minimum age is 10 years old.
Between the ages of 10-11 children need to be accompanied by a parent guardian or PADI Professional. Maximum depth is restricted to 12 m/40 ft.
Between the ages of 12-14 children must dive with a certified adult.
I'm not sure if scuba diving is something for me. What do you recommend?
If you are interested in scuba diving, but are still not sure if you will like it then don’t hesitate to talk to us. We are happy to explain everything about scuba diving and remove all doubts you might have.
What makes Isla de la Plata the best dive site in mainland Ecuador?
Short answer: Giant Manta Rays. Recent research estimates the area around Isla de la Plata to be the home to the largest manta ray population in the world.
We can also find a variety of schools of fish, green and hawksbill turtles, lobsters, octopus, seahorses, eagle rays, coral reefs, hard and soft coral.
Occasionally if we are very lucky we can also observe species such as tropical whales, dolphins, whale sharks, mola mola, sea lions, orcas, and sharks.
Additionally, the different types of underwater topography makes each dive site on Isla de la Plata unique.
Do you have a first-aid-kit and trained first-aid personnel?
Yes! Our boats have first-aid-kits on board in case of any emergency. All of our crew members is trained to offer immediate first-aid assistance during emergencies.
Do you have Emergency Oxygen available on your boat?
Yes! Your safety and comfort is very important to us. We always carry Emergency Oxygen on our boat dives and our staff is trained in the use of Emergency Oxygen.
What languages do you speak?
We provide service in both, Spanish and English.
Can I leave my luggage at the office after checkin-out from my hotel?
Sure! You can leave your luggage in the office. Please contact us to arrange this.
Do I have to make my reservation in advance?
We strongly recommend to make your reservation in advance as the regulations of the Machalilla National Park restrict the maximum number of passengers per tour.
How can I make my reservation?
You can make your reservation through our contact form, by E-Mail, phone, WhatsApp, or visiting us in our office.
I have a dietary restriction. Can you accomodate for this?
Sure! In any case of dietary restrictions or allergies we will provide you with a personalized menu. Please mention your dietary restriction in your reservation!
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
In case of early reservations: 50% has to be deposited one month before the tour. The remaining 50% are due, 15 days before the tour.
In case of last minute offers (less than 15 days): 100% payment necessary at time of booking to reserve your spot.
Cancellations:
If you cancel 15 days before your first tour, we refund 100% of your payment (minus possible bank charges).
If you cancel between 14 days and 48 hours before your first tour, we refund 50% of your payment (minus possible bank charges).
For cancellations less than 48 hours before your first tour we cannot make any refund.
Do you provide discounts?
If you book multiple tours with us or book for a large group you can get in contact with us to check if you are eligible for a discount.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash payments, bank transfer and credit card payments.
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