Open Water Diving Course Guide: is SCUBA Diving certification hard? (complete beginner's guide 2025)
Getting your open water diver certification might just be the easiest adventure you'll ever love. Here's everything you need to know about scuba diving lessons, costs, and what to expect.
So, you're thinking about scuba diving certification but wondering, "Can I actually do this?" If you've been scrolling past those stunning underwater photos thinking the open water diving course looks challenging, just keep reading. Not only can you do this, but you might wonder why you waited so long.
Why take an Open Water diving course? 🤿
Your open water diver certification is literally your passport to 70% of the planet. This scuba diving course opens the door to an entirely new world where you can:
Dive to 18 meters (60 feet) and explore coral reef systems
Swim alongside sea turtles and tropical fish
Travel the world as a certified diver to destinations like the Maldives, Red Sea, or Great Barrier Reef
Join the global diving community of over 6 million certified divers
Unlike advanced open water or specialty courses, this diving course for beginners is designed for newcomers. No scuba diving experience? No problem. Nervous in water? Our instructors are trained for that. Not super athletic? Doesn't matter, because scuba diving is for everyone.
What does the Open Water diving course include? 🧠
Whether you're looking at PADI, NAUI, or other certification agencies, the open water course structure is globally standardized. At AquaNaut, we use NAUI certification, which is recognized worldwide and often considered more flexible than PADI programs.
1. Theory & e-Learning
Learn essential scuba diving principles including:
Pressure and depth effects on your body
Scuba gear basics: BCD, regulator, dive computer, wetsuit
Underwater safety procedures and dive planning
Marine environment protection
Most theory can be completed through online modules, letting you study at your own pace.
2. Confined water dives (pool/shallow water)
Your scuba diving lessons start in calm, shallow water (like our crystal-clear Green Bay in Protaras). You'll master essential skills:
Breathing underwater with scuba equipment
Mask clearing and removal
Buoyancy control using your BCD
Underwater navigation basics
Emergency procedures like sharing air
Think of confined water as your underwater playground: you're free to learn, practice, and build confidence.
3. Open water dives
The exciting part! You'll complete 4-5 open water dives at real dive sites, practicing your skills while exploring:
Local marine life including turtles, octopuses, and Mediterranean fish
Underwater geology and reef formations
Real diving conditions with currents and varying visibility
Dive buddy procedures for safe, independent diving
How long does an Open Water diving course take? ⏳
Most students complete certification in 3-4 days, especially with theory done in advance. Our flexible open water diving course schedule includes:
Day 1: Final theory review + confined water skills
Day 2: First two open water dives
Day 3: Final two dives + certification
Can kids take an open water diving course? Yes! Junior Open Water certification starts at age 10, with full certification available at 15.
We offer flexible scheduling perfect for holidaymakers. Whether you're traveling with family or want to break up training around other activities.
Open Water diving course cost & what's included 💶
How much does an open water diving course cost? Expect €440 for quality instruction. Our Open Water course includes:
✅ Complete scuba gear rental: mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tanks, dive computer
✅ Hotel pickup throughout Protaras/Ayia Napa area
✅ Small group instruction (maximum 4 students per instructor)
✅ Underwater photography of your certification dives
✅ NAUI certification card (lifetime validity, worldwide recognition)
✅ No hidden fees or equipment up-selling
Looking for the cheapest open water diving course online? While theory can be done remotely, practical skills require in-person instruction with certified dive instructors.
Best Open Water diving course for beginners: why choose Protaras? 🌊
Where can I take an open water diving course near me? If you're in Cyprus or planning a Mediterranean diving holiday, Protaras offers ideal conditions:
Green Bay: perfect training environment
Crystal-clear visibility (20-30 meters typical)
Calm, protected waters ideal for nervous beginners
Sandy bottom with gradual depth increase
Abundant marine life including resident turtles and octopuses
No strong currents or challenging conditions
Why NAUI certification?
While PADI open water courses are popular, NAUI certification offers advantages:
More flexible training standards
Emphasis on understanding over rigid skill performance
Instructors can exceed minimum requirements based on your needs
Equally recognized worldwide for diving and employment
SCUBA Diving course requirements: can anyone get certified? 🏊♀️
Swimming requirements
Do I need to know how to swim for open water diving? Basic swimming ability is required:
200-meter swim (any stroke, any pace)
10-minute water treading
Basic water comfort
What if I'm not a strong swimmer?
You don't need Olympic-level skills! Many successful divers started as nervous swimmers. Our patient instructors specialize in building water confidence.
Medical requirements
What are the medical requirements for open water diving course? Most healthy individuals can dive safely. You'll complete a medical questionnaire, and some conditions may require physician clearance.
Can I take the open water diving course if I have health conditions? Certain conditions like heart problems, lung issues, or seizure disorders require medical evaluation before starting scuba diving lessons.
Essential SCUBA gear: what equipment do you need? 🤿
Provided equipment
During your open water diving course, we provide all necessary SCUBA gear:
Mask and fins (properly fitted for comfort)
Wetsuit (thickness appropriate for water temperature)
BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) for depth control
Regulator system for breathing underwater
Pressure gauge to monitor air supply
Dive computer for depth and time tracking
Weight belt for proper buoyancy
What to bring
What equipment do I need for an open water diving course? Just bring:
Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Enthusiasm to learn!
Planning to continue diving? We offer guidance on purchasing your own mask, fins, and snorkel… the first gear most divers buy.
Frequently asked questions about Open Water diving certification
How many dives are required for the open water diver course? Four open water dives plus confined water training sessions.
What are the depth limits with an open water diving certification? 18 meters (60 feet) maximum depth for newly certified open water divers.
How long does it take to complete the open water diving course? 3-4 days for most students, though we accommodate different learning paces.
Is open water diving certification permanent? Yes! Your certification never expires, though we recommend refresher training if you haven't dived in over a year.
What happens if I can't finish my open water diving course? We provide credit for completed portions, allowing you to finish training anywhere in the world.
What's the difference between open water and advanced diving courses? Advanced open water adds specialty skills like deep diving, underwater navigation, and night diving.
When is the best time to take an open water diving course? Year-round in Cyprus! Water temperatures range from 18°C (winter) to 27°C (summer).
What happens after Open Water certification? 🌊
Your diving adventure just begins with certification! As a qualified open water diver, you can:
Continue local diving
Join fun dives at advanced sites like the Liberty and Nemesis or Zenobia wrecks or Cape Greco
Explore underwater caves and swim-throughs
Night diving adventures to see different marine life
Deep diving to your certification limits
Specialty training options
Nitrox certification for longer dive times
Underwater photography courses
Wreck diving specialties
Marine biology and conservation programs
Travel the world
Your NAUI certification is recognized globally. Popular diving destinations include:
Egypt's Red Sea for coral reefs and wrecks
Thailand's islands for tropical marine life
Malta's Blue Hole for dramatic underwater topography
Canary Islands for year-round Atlantic diving
Ready to start your SCUBA diving lessons? 🤿
The bottom line: Getting your open water diver certification isn't just about learning to dive, it's about proving you can master something completely new. It's the incredible sensation of breathing underwater while watching a sea turtle glide past. It's joining a global community of underwater explorers.
Is the open water diving course worth it? Absolutely. It's life-changing in the best possible way.
You know that feeling when you're standing at the pool's edge thinking, "Should I jump?" This is exactly like that, except the water is warm, the marine life is waiting, and we're already down there, smiling and waving you in.
You've got this. And we've got you.
Book your NAUI Open Water diving course today
Ready to start your underwater adventure? Our next open water diving course in Protaras is filling up fast. Book your course now
