Learning to Dive is a rewarding and fun experience.
Are you interested in scuba diving? Maybe you have friends that dive already, or a partner that is a diver? Perhaps you’ve been putting it off, trying to find the time and energy to get dive certified? In this article, you’ll find answers to the most common dive certification questions. There’s no time like the present to get started on your dive certification and become part of the dive community. We recommend Bonaire as a location for your dive learning experience, and Bespoke Journeys can arrange everything you need to combine your dive certification with a relaxing vacation.
I think I want to learn to dive, but I’m not sure I want to commit without knowing more information.
This is very understandable and is why PADI offers an introductory scuba diving experience with their Discover Scuba Diving course. It is not a dive certification. A Discover Scuba Diving course is the chance to learn about scuba diving equipment, experience breathing underwater, and learn a few dive skills with a dive instructor right by your side. This is a great way to see if you might like to take your dive skills further and enroll to complete the Open Water Dive certification. Before committing to any further dive certification, you can take this course at your local PADI dive center or on Bonaire.
What is involved in learning to dive?
There are three parts to learning to dive in order to get an Open Water Diver certification with PADI.
1. Dive theory is where you learn about scuba diving. PADI eLearning is ideal since it can be done anywhere and anytime using your mobile device or web browser. It takes between 5 to 10 hours to complete and must be completed before moving on to the skills section of the course.
2. Pool skills are where you work with a dive instructor to practice using scuba gear in a pool or pool-like conditions. You practice making very shallow dives to prepare for the next part of the course.
3. Ocean skills are where you work with a dive instructor to complete four dives in open water up to a maximum depth of 60ft.
Our recommendation is to do the eLearning at home, then come to Bonaire to do the pool and ocean skills.
Why are we recommending doing the eLearning at home and the rest on Bonaire?
The eLearning is very flexible and can be completed to fit around your other commitments like family, work, and at your own pace. Then when you’re on Bonaire, you don’t have to study because you’ve already finished the theory at home. This relaxing option gives you time to learn to dive, combined with a vacation where you get to explore Bonaire’s other attractions.
If you feel you would like more support for the theory learning section of the PADI certification, then we recommend you do the entire certification on Bonaire. A traditional Open Water course is where the theory is taught by an instructor but takes more time.
Why is Bonaire an excellent place to learn to dive?
Bonaire is one of the world’s top diving destinations, where you will find an abundance of marine life with over 470 fish species and very healthy, colorful coral reefs. You will also learn to dive in warm, calm water with excellent visibility. These factors are the perfect conditions to learn to dive. Bonaire doesn’t have many currents. There are times when Bonaire has strong currents, but 90% of the time, we have calm seas and slight or no current.
Bonaire also has a well-established and thriving dive community. Bespoke Journeys travel specialists are thrilled to be a part of the diving community. Many locals and visitors on Bonaire enjoy the fantastic diving, and the island caters well to diving requirements. Visiting Bonaire and seeing this for yourself is a great experience and the perfect opportunity to meet new diving friends.
How long does it take to learn to dive?
If you are doing all your training on Bonaire, it will take you about 4 days. If you’re coming to Bonaire to do the pool and ocean skills, it is about 2.5 days.
Is the diving theory hard to learn?
No, the theory for entry-level diving is not difficult. The theory explains what you need to know to be a confident, safe and efficient diver.
How much does it cost to learn to dive?
To get the PADI open water diving certification, you will incur the following costs:
- The online eLearning portion of the course is approximately $200 USD.
- Instructor fees for the pool training and open water dives vary per dive shop location.
- Additional flights and accommodation costs if coming to Bonaire or another dive destination to finish the rest of your course.
Bespoke Journeys has dive travel packages available for eLearning divers, including the costs of the PADI certification. This is one of the cheapest ways to get your dive certification if you’re getting it as part of a package.
How can I learn to dive on Bonaire?
Bespoke Journeys can arrange all your dive and travel requirements, including flights and accommodations. There are excellent dive package deals available that include learning to dive. This is a very cost-effective way to receive your dive certification.
Learning to dive is a rewarding experience and one that sets you up for a lifetime of underwater experiences you can share with friends, family, and other diving enthusiasts. Once certified, you can enjoy dive vacations to new destinations. These are good ways to expand your diving skills and meet other divers who share your interests. There are several ways to do this: arranging the diving yourself, joining a dive group, or trying a dive liveaboard. Many lifelong friendships have come from dive trips!
(Source: Bespoke Journeys)
