PADI Open Water Diver Course

Open Water Course with Instructor Denni. Photo Credit Malek B Prod.

Thinking About Getting Scuba Certified? Let’s Talk About the PADI Open Water Diver Course

We always get a ton of messages on Facebook and emails asking how to get PADI certified, so I figured it’s time to break it all down here! The certification process is more straightforward than most people think, and one of the reasons we teach through PADI is that their standards are built on decades of research, safety, and real-world experience. They offer flexible learning options and hugely support ocean conservation through their non-profit, Project AWARE.

💙 Hot tip: Ask for the Project AWARE version when ordering your certification card. You’ll donate to ocean conservation, and your card will feature a unique eco-themed design that shows you’re a diver who cares.

PADI Course Flow Chart showing position of Open Water Course

The PADI Open Water Diver Course is your first big step into the world of scuba diving. It’s designed for anyone who’s ever dreamed of exploring what’s beneath the surface, craves a little adventure, or is simply curious about life underwater.

Pressed for time? You can start with the PADI Scuba Diver Course instead. It’s essentially the first half of the Open Water course and can be done in just 1 day (if the eLearning is completed before starting the course). It’s a permanent certification, so there’s no rush to finish the rest—you can upgrade to Open Water whenever you're ready. Just keep in mind that it comes with a few limitations compared to the full certification.

Still not sure if scuba is your thing? That’s fine—why not try it first with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience? It’s not a complete course, just a relaxed one-day introduction where you can test the waters (literally). And if you love it (which you probably will!) and decide to continue on to Open Water, we’ll apply what you’ve learned—and even give you a discount if you did your DSD with us.

1. So, what does the Open Water Course actually involve?

The course has three main parts:

1. Knowledge Development – this covers the theory and safety principles.

2. Confined Water Training – think shallow water sessions to build your skills.

3. Open Water Dives – four ocean dives where it all comes together.

   
   

You’ll use a complete set of scuba gear, including your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and a surface marker buoy. It might sound like a lot, but don’t worry—we’ll walk you through everything step by step.

There are various options for completing the course.

🌐 Option 1: PADI eLearning (Our Preferred Way)

PADI eLEarning is the best way to do your courses and is more environmentally friendly

This is how we teach now—and it’s a total game changer! By completing the theory portion before you arrive or in a place of your choosing and comfort, you can focus on the fun part while you’re here. It takes just two days to finish the course if all eLearning is completed in advance.

With PADI eLearning, everything is done online at your own pace, in the language of your choice (we can order any language instantly). Say goodbye to outdated classroom sessions, heavy books, and piles of paperwork—we’re all about going paper-free.

You can complete your theory at home, in a hammock, at the poolside, or anywhere that works for you. That means videos, quizzes, knowledge reviews, and your final exam—all at your convenience, whether you’re lounging on your couch or soaking up the sun.

Once you're ready, we dive straight into the Confined Water Training and Open Water Dives. This option saves you 1-2 full days of classroom time during your vacation, giving you more time for beach naps, tacos, and reef adventures.

Here’s what you'll do with us:

• Five confined water sessions at a pool or calm shallow site (Generally presented in two sessions)

• A 200-meter swim + 10-minute float

• Four open water dives over two days

• Quick review to make sure you understand everything studied

• Dive planning. We teach using the RDP, but eLearning lets you review all options

⛱️ Option 2: Complete the Full Course By Book and Video (Old-School Classroom Style)

The old-school approach requires more classroom time and more paper waste. We don't recommend this option, but we can accommodate it if necessary.

We don’t teach this way anymore—and we don’t recommend it either. This is the old-school approach, and while we can do it if you absolutely need it, we’ve moved on to more modern, flexible, and eco-friendly ways of learning.

This version includes classroom-based theory using physical books (which we may not have in your language unless you give us enough notice), scheduled classroom sessions, and more paper waste—which goes against our efforts to run a sustainable, low-impact dive center.

If you prefer face-to-face learning or want the full start-to-finish experience, we’ll support you 100%—just know that this method takes more time, more resources, and, honestly, less freedom during your vacation.

Heads up: This option requires at least three to four days to complete, but we recommend four to five so you can rest, absorb everything, and feel truly confident in the water.

Here's what's involved:

• Five theory chapters, with videos, knowledge reviews, quizzes, and a final exam completed in a classroom setting.

• Five confined water sessions (pool or calm shallow site, usually done in two sessions)

• A 200-meter swim + 10-minute float

• Four open water dives over two days

• Dive planning is usually done using the RDP *

  *(unlike eLearning, this method doesn’t include all dive planning options. If you want something other than RDP at the time of booking the course (computer or eRDP), you must hope that this choice is available with the book in the language of your choice.

It’s a full-on commitment, and for most people, there’s no real advantage to learning this way.

🧳 Option 3: PADI Referral (Do the First Half at Home)

For those who want a head start before their vacation: This option costs a bit more, but it saves the most time once you're here, leaving you with more hours for diving, relaxing, and enjoying the island.

If you're landlocked, living somewhere chilly, or want a head start, you can complete all your theory and pool training (confined water) at a dive center near home. Then, when you arrive on Isla Mujeres, we’ll take you straight into the four Open Water Training Dives needed to complete your certification.

This option only takes two half days here, which is perfect if you have a packed vacation schedule. It’s the most expensive option overall since you’ll pay for both your local dive shop and our services, but the convenience of skipping lakes and classrooms is worth it for many people.

Here's what's involved with your home dive center

• Five confined water sessions (pool or calm shallow site, usually done in two sessions)

• Dive planning depends on how your home dive center teaches this

Here's what's involved with us

• A quick revision to see how good your skills and knowledge are

• A 200-meter swim + 10-minute float (If not already completed)

• Four open water dives over two days

• Dive planning. We teach using the RDP, and you should already have revised dive planning with your home dive centre.

🌊 PADI Open Water Course – Compare Your Options

Feature	🌐 Option 1: PADI eLearning  (Recommended)	⛱️ Option 2: Full Course Here (Old-School)	🧳 Option 3: PADI Referral (Most Expensive)
Where theory is completed	Online (before or during your trip)	In-person classroom sessions	At home dive shop
Pace of learning	Your own pace	Fixed schedule	Your own pace (before your trip)
Languages available	Any language (ordered instantly)	Limited—advance notice required	Depends on your home shop
Dive planning tools taught	RDP, eRDP, or Computer	Generally RDP	Varies by home shop
Paper use	Minimal (paper-free)	High (books, handouts, exams)	Varies
Time needed on Isla Mujeres	2 full days	3–5 days	2 half-days
Cost	Mid-range (best value)	Mid-range	Most expensive (2 dive shops)
Best for...	Most people! Flexible & eco-friendly	Traditional learners with extra time	Travellers with limited time
Our opinion	🌟 The best way to learn!	⚠️ Not recommended unless necessary	✅ Great if you're prepared

Happy diver getting on the boat after an open water dive.

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2. How do you learn to plan and log your dives?

📊 Dive Planning Tools: RDP, eRDPML, and Dive Computers

Regarding dive planning, there are three options: RDP (Recreational Dive Planner), eRDP (electronic version), and Dive Computer. All three methods come with a knowledge review and an exam, so no matter which you choose, you'll get a thorough understanding of dive planning.

1. Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) – Table Version

PADI RDP Dive Table for planning dives

• The original dive planning tool was introduced in 1988.

• A physical table that helps divers plan no-decompression dives.

• It requires manual calculations and an understanding of pressure groups.

• Plans dive like the diver spends all their time at the deepest level.

• Very conservative

  
  

2. Electronic Recreational Dive Planner Multi-Level (eRDPML)

• An electronic version of the RDP was introduced in 2008.

• The physical eRDP was retired in 2019, and the digital version was introduced.

• Allows for multi-level dive planning with more precision.

• User-friendly interface with digital display.

PADI digital eRDP introduced after the physical eRDP was retired

3. Dive Computers

• Modern devices automatically calculate dive profiles in real-time.

• Adjust for depth, time, and ascent rates, providing more flexibility.

• Store dive logs and often integrate with digital apps.

Dive computers calculate dive profiles in real time, providing greater flexibility.

At our dive center, we focus on the RDP. We believe it’s essential to start with the basics—after all, why teach someone to use a calculator before they learn how to add? The RDP is a fantastic tool that helps you understand the principles behind dive planning and dive tables- no batteries required. We feel this solid foundation will serve you best in the long term.

However, PADI eLearning offers flexibility, allowing you to learn with either the RDP, eRDP, or a Dive Computer. While we prefer to teach with the RDP because of its simplicity and foundational value, we understand that technology is always advancing. So, if you prefer to use a dive computer or the electronic version, these options are available to you in eLearning for future reference.

Logging Your Dives – Why It Matters

Keeping a dive log is a big part of growing as a diver. At Pocna Dive Center, we’ve ditched paper logbooks and switched to digital. We use the PADI app to log all course dives, and we recommend it for your own logging, too. It’s quick, easy, and always in your pocket.

The app lets you record each dive—where you went, the conditions, what gear you used, and who you dived with. It’s a great way to track your progress, remember your underwater adventures, and stay organised if you’re planning more training or need to show your experience later on.

We don’t just log dives because it’s required—it’s actually really useful. Looking back on your dives helps you see how far you’ve come and ensures you’re diving within your limits as you gain experience. It’s also handy for sharing with other dive shops or instructors worldwide.

Bottom line: Dive logging is part of being a responsible diver. It keeps things simple, safe, and streamlined—no soggy notebooks required.

An explanation of how to log your dives in courses and recreationaly

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3. Why Learn to Dive in Isla Mujeres? Because It’s Unreal.

Learning to scuba dive is a big deal—but choosing the right place to do it? That’s everything. And honestly, Isla Mujeres is one of the best spots on the planet to take the plunge.

Warm, crystal-clear water? Check.

Calm, shallow depths perfect for beginners? Check.

Sun-drenched boat rides, smiling turtles, colorful reefs, and legendary underwater sites? Double check.

You'll complete four unforgettable dives in the ocean when you choose one of our Open Water Diver course options—whether you learn with eLearning, a book, or through a referral.

Urban Reef, part of MUSA in Isla Mujeres

Your very first dive? It’s not in a pool—it’s in MUSA, the world-famous Underwater Museum of Art, home to over 450 hauntingly beautiful sculptures. These life-sized artworks don’t just look surreal—they’re an artificial reef, attracting all kinds of marine life while helping protect the natural coral. It’s an epic setting to learn buoyancy without worrying about a fragile reef beneath you.

The Silent Evolution. Part of MUSA in Isla Mujeres. Photo Credit Jasper Blijker

Once you’ve found your groove, we take you to Manchones Reef, part of the protected Manchones National Park. It’s shallow, safe, and absolutely buzzing with life—think angelfish, damselfish, schools of grunts, and the occasional eagle ray drifting past. This is where it starts to hit you: you’re really doing this.

By day two, you’re heading back to MUSA—but this time, something’s changed. You’re not just learning. You’re diving. The breathing feels natural, your buoyancy’s on point, and you’ve got time to notice the big picture—and the small details too. Then it’s back to the reef to explore a new section, and before you know it, you’re hooked. With each dive, your comfort grows, and so does your sense of wonder. Expect your time underwater to disappear in what feels like the blink of an eye.

Student divers at Manchones 2, a vibrant reef located in the Manchones National Park, Isla Mujeres

And when you’re ready to go further, Isla has even more to offer. You can advance onto epic shipwreck dives, or follow in the footsteps of Jacques Cousteau, who helped put this area on the map after documenting the legendary "Sleeping Sharks" just off Isla’s coast.

Getting certified here isn’t just about learning to dive. It’s about falling in love with the ocean, from your very first breath beneath the surface.

Feeling adventurous? Take your Open Water Diver Course to the next level with one of our specialty bundles — combine your certification with exciting specialty courses for a more complete and rewarding dive experience.

Package+	What's Included	Certifications Earned	Extras / Highlights
Classic Open Water	- Open Water Diver Course  - 4 dives over 2 days  - Full scuba gear	1 certification  (Open Water Diver)	Three options for training -eLearning (Preferred) -Physical Manual (Old School) -Referral (Most Expensive/fastest on vacation time)
Skill Expert	- Open Water Diver Course  - Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty  - Peak Performance Buoyancy Spec  - 6 dives over 3 days  - Full scuba gear	3 certifications  (OW + 2 specialties)	2 credits toward Advanced & Master Suba Diver
Shark Hero	- Open Water Diver Course  - AWARE Shark Conservation  - 6 dives over 3 days,  - Full scuba gear	2 certifications  (OW + Shark Conservation specialty)	1 credit toward Advanced & Master Scuba Diver
Conservation Package	- Open Water Diver Course  - Dive Against Debris Specialty  - Peak Performance Buoyancy  - 6 dives over 3 days  - Full scuba gear	3 certifications  (OW + 2 specialties)	2 credits toward Advanced & Master Scuba Diver

Need to know how to get here? Check out our blog [How To Get To Isla Mujeres] for the full rundown. After all, it is an island—you can’t just drive over!

Whether you're chasing a lifelong dream or just ticking something off your bucket list, learning to dive in Isla Mujeres is unforgettable. We’ll guide you every step of the way. And when you surface after your last dive, we promise you’ll already be thinking about the next one.

Tracy Gunn is the founder and owner of Pocna Dive Center on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. A former banker turned adventurer, Tracy left a decade-long corporate career to pursue her passion for diving and island life. With over 35 years of diving experience and 24 years of living on Isla Mujeres, she now serves as a PADI Course Director, training the next generation of divers at her dive school. When she’s not underwater, Tracy shares her love for the island and the ocean through engaging blogs about diving, marine life, and the culture of Isla Mujeres. 

Interested in reading more from this author?

Blogs about Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and Recreational Scuba Diving: click here

Blogs about Instructor Development Courses and Professional Scuba Diving: click here