PADI Open Water Diver
Learn to Dive with Confidence
Becoming a scuba diver is much more than earning a certification card. It's the beginning of a lifetime of underwater adventures, and we believe that first step deserves the highest standard of training.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world's most popular scuba certification. Over three days, you'll learn the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely explore the underwater world and become certified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere in the world.
But while the certification can be completed in just a few days, becoming a safe and confident diver is a process that deserves patience, personal attention, and quality instruction.
Our Philosophy
Scuba diving is one of the most incredible experiences you can have. It opens the door to a completely different world, but it also comes with real responsibilities.
We believe learning to dive should never feel rushed.
Many dive operations teach Open Water courses in large groups. While this is permitted under PADI standards, we have chosen a different approach because we believe every student deserves individual attention throughout their training.
That is why we limit every Open Water course to a maximum of four students.
Smaller groups allow our instructor to spend more time with each student, answer questions, correct techniques, and adapt the pace of the course to the people in front of them, not the schedule.
Every student learns differently. Some quickly master new skills, while others benefit from a little more practice and encouragement. We believe both deserve the same level of care.
We Don't Mix Students with Certified Divers
During your training, your dives are dedicated entirely to your learning.
Unlike many dive companies, we do not combine Open Water students with certified recreational divers on the same boat. Your instructor's focus remains on teaching, not guiding already certified divers.
This creates a calmer learning environment, allows for better supervision, and gives students the confidence to ask questions, practice skills, and progress at a pace that helps them become safe divers.
Tailored to Every Group
No two courses are exactly alike. Whether you're an adventurous traveler, a family learning together, a nervous first-time diver, or a young student, we adapt our teaching to the needs of your group.
This personalized approach is especially valuable for children, teenagers, and divers who may feel anxious underwater. Learning in a small, supportive environment often makes the difference between simply passing a course and becoming a confident diver who truly enjoys the experience.
Why We Believe This Matters
Over the years, we've welcomed many certified divers who joined us for fun dives but lacked basic skills that should have been mastered during their initial training. In many cases, these divers were never given enough individual attention while learning.
Our goal isn't simply to help you pass the course. Our goal is to prepare you to dive safely and confidently long after your vacation has ended. The certification card is only the beginning.
Quality Over Quantity
Providing this level of instruction requires smaller groups, more instructor time, and a greater commitment to each student.
As a result, our courses cost more than some other options on the island.
We understand that budget is an important consideration, and there are less expensive courses available. However, we believe scuba training is not the place to choose solely based on price.
When it comes to learning a skill that allows you to safely explore an underwater environment, quality instruction is an investment that lasts a lifetime.
What You'll Learn
The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three parts:
Knowledge Development: Complete the PADI eLearning program at your own pace before arriving. You'll learn the principles, concepts, and safety procedures that every diver needs to know.
Confined Water Training: Practice essential scuba skills in calm, protected water at Divi Bay. Your instructor will guide you through each skill until you feel comfortable and confident.
Four Open Water Dives: Put everything you've learned into practice during four open water dives at some of Sint Maarten's beautiful dive sites. These dives allow you to demonstrate your skills while experiencing the excitement of real-world diving.
After Certification
Once you've successfully completed the course, you'll earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Your certification allows you to:
Dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet)
Rent scuba equipment worldwide
Join guided dive trips around the globe
Continue your education with advanced PADI courses
Most importantly, you'll leave with the knowledge and confidence to begin a lifetime of underwater exploration.
Course Information
Duration: 3 days
Minimum Age: 10 years
Prerequisites:
Comfortable in the water and able to swim
Medically fit for scuba diving
Equipment
All scuba equipment needed for your course is included.
You'll learn how to properly use your mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), scuba cylinder, and other essential equipment while understanding how each piece contributes to safe diving.
Begin Your Adventure!
Ready to become a certified diver? Contact us to get started, and we'll help you enroll in your PADI Open Water Diver eLearning and guide you through every step of the process.
If you prefer to purchase your eLearning directly through the PADI website, please be sure to select SXM Divers as your dive center so your course is linked to us before your in-water training begins.
Once you're in Sint Maarten, we'll take care of the rest—providing patient instruction, small groups, and the personalized attention you deserve as you take your first breaths underwater.