Beginner Scuba Diving Certification Courses in South Florida

No Experience? No Problem. Start Diving Today in Florida!

Our beginner-level scuba diving courses are perfect for first-time divers. We offer safe, fun, and certified training in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and other Florida locations.

Which scuba diving course is right for you?

✅ Just want to try scuba diving?
Choose a Discover Scuba Diving experience — a one-day intro dive, no certification required.

🏅 Ready to get certified?
Join our beginner scuba diving certification programs with training in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea or Pompano Beach. Courses include eLearning, pool sessions, and open water dives.

Underwater scene with sea turtle at a South Florida reef — perfect for Open Water Certification training dives

No Experience Needed

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Open Water Certification Course in South Florida

Become a certified diver in just 3 days!
✔ No experience needed
✔ Online theory + ocean dives
✔ Small groups, expert guidance
✔ Family-friendly and fun atmosphere

You’ll be certified as:

SDI/PADI Open Water Diver

From $495.00
Beginner trying scuba diving with instructor in South Florida ocean – Discover Scuba Diving

No Experience Needed

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Discover Scuba Diving in Florida

Your first dive starts here!
✔ No pressure, just pure fun
✔ Safe and easy underwater intro
✔ Explore the ocean with a pro
✔ Ideal for curious first-timers

You’ll be certified as:

Non-certification experience

From $179.00

Scuba Diving Certification FAQ for Beginners

How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?

How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?

The scuba diving certification course is divided into two parts:

1. Knowledge Development (Theory):
You can complete this part online at your own pace using eLearning or a physical manual. Most students study from home before starting the practical sessions. It usually takes around 5–10 hours, but you can go as fast or slow as you like.

2. Practical Training (Pool & Ocean Dives):
Once you finish the theory, you’ll move on to in-water training. This includes pool sessions and four open water dives. Most people complete this part in just 2 to 3 days with an instructor.

So, depending on your schedule, you can become a certified diver in as little as a weekend — or take your time with the theory and go at your own pace.

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PADI and SDI are two of the most recognized scuba diving certification agencies worldwide. Both offer safe, professional training and are accepted at dive centers around the globe. Choose based on your location, instructor, and preferred course format.

To earn your entry-level scuba diving certification, you need to complete at least four open water dives. These dives are usually done over two days and are supervised by a certified instructor to ensure your safety and confidence in the water.

After completing the course, you’ll receive a PADI or SDI Open Water Diver certification, which qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters / 60 feet. This internationally recognized certification allows you to rent scuba gear, book dive trips, and explore dive sites around the world — without needing to repeat training.

The cost of getting your PADI Open Water Diver certification typically ranges from $450 to $800, depending on the dive center, course format, and location. This price usually includes eLearning, pool training, four ocean dives, and all rental gear.

If you choose the same course through SDI, it’s often slightly more affordable — usually between $400 and $600.

Advanced and specialty scuba courses (like Deep, Nitrox, or Night Diving) are typically priced from $150 and up, depending on the specialty and what’s included.