Open Water Course
PADI Open Water Diver
Learn the essential knowledge and skills to dive safely and confidently, with training up to 18 metres.
Overview
PADI Open Water Diver
If you want to learn how to scuba dive and earn your first diving certification, the PADI Open Water Diver course is the perfect place to start. At Seahorse Dive Center, you'll learn the essential knowledge and skills to dive safely and confidently, with training up to 18 metres.
Your PADI Open Water Diver certification is recognized worldwide, allowing you to continue exploring dive sites around the world.
How it works
How to become a certified scuba diver in Unawatuna
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world's most popular scuba diving certification and allows you to dive to 18 metres with a certified dive buddy. Our 2-4 day course is designed for complete beginners and combines PADI eLearning with practical training and open water dives.
PADI eLearning
Complete the theory portion of your course online at your own pace before arriving at Seahorse Dive Center. The PADI eLearning covers essential diving knowledge, equipment, safety procedures and diving principles, helping you arrive prepared for your practical training.
Confined water training
Once you arrive, your instructor will guide you through essential scuba skills in shallow, controlled water. You'll practise breathing underwater, equipment use, buoyancy and other important diving skills while building your confidence.
Open Water dives
Put your skills into practice during four open water training dives around Unawatuna. Your instructor will guide you throughout each dive, helping you develop your skills while exploring Sri Lanka's underwater world and experiencing local marine life.
By completing the eLearning, confined water training and four open water dives, you'll have the knowledge and skills required to earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Schedule
Open Water course schedule
Before arrival
Complete your PADI eLearning online at your own pace before arriving at Seahorse Dive Center. This covers the main theory and prepares you for your practical training.
Day 1
- 09:00Equipment setup and course briefing
- 09:30Confined water training
- 11:30Break
- 12:00Pre-dive briefing
- 12:30Boat departs to the dive site for Dive 1
- 14:00Boat returns to Seahorse Dive Center
- 14:30Dive debriefing and skills review
Day 2
- 09:00Confined water training
- 11:00Break
- 11:30Equipment setup and pre-dive briefing
- 12:00Boat departs to the dive site for Dive 2
- 13:30Boat returns to Seahorse Dive Center
- 14:00Dive debriefing and skills review
Day 3
- 08:00Equipment setup and pre-dive briefing
- 08:30Boat departs to the dive site for Dive 3
- 10:00Boat returns to Seahorse Dive Center
- 10:30Theory review and final preparation
- 11:30Break
- 13:00Equipment setup and pre-dive briefing
- 13:30Boat departs to the dive site for Dive 4
- 15:00Boat returns to Seahorse Dive Center
- 15:30Final dive debriefing and celebration
Learn with Seahorse
Why the Seahorse Open Water Diver Course?
At Seahorse Dive Center, we want you to finish your Open Water course feeling confident, comfortable and ready to explore the underwater world. With more than 20 years of local diving experience in Unawatuna, our team combines professional training with local knowledge to give you a memorable learning experience.
With PADI eLearning, you can complete the theory portion online before arriving, allowing you to spend more time focusing on practical training and diving once you're here. Your instructor will guide you through each step, from your first confined-water session to your final open water dive.
You'll get into the ocean early in your course, giving you the opportunity to experience real diving while building your confidence. Over the following days, you'll continue developing your skills with your instructor before completing your final open water dives around Unawatuna.
We keep the learning experience clear, practical and engaging, with personal attention throughout your training. If you have specific time requirements, speak to our team and we'll do our best to arrange a schedule that works for you, depending on availability and sea conditions.
Why dive with us?
Safety, professionalism & unforgettable dives
We prioritise safety, professionalism and unforgettable underwater experiences.
- 01
A Friendly & Experienced Team
Our experienced dive team is passionate about diving and sharing the underwater world of Unawatuna with you. With more than 20 years of local diving experience, we know the area and its dive sites well.
- 02
Diving for Every Level
From your first Discover Scuba experience to PADI courses and advanced diving, we offer experiences for different levels of divers. Our team provides personal guidance and support throughout your dive.
- 03
Dive in Comfort & Safety
We focus on professional diving procedures, clear briefings and well-maintained scuba equipment to help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your experience.
- 04
Explore Unawatuna & Galle
Our dive sites are just a short 10-15 minute boat ride away, giving you easy access to the underwater world around Unawatuna and Galle, including reefs, marine life and exciting wrecks.
FAQ
Questions, answered
The minimum age to become a PADI Open Water Diver is 10 years old.
The course typically takes 2-4 days, including PADI eLearning, confined water training and four open water dives.
Yes. PADI Open Water Diver certification is recognised internationally, allowing you to dive with dive centres and resorts around the world.
Yes. With PADI eLearning, you can complete the theory portion online at your own pace before arriving at Seahorse Dive Center. This allows you to focus on practical training and diving when you arrive.
No previous diving experience is required. The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed for complete beginners who want to learn how to scuba dive safely and confidently.
Become a certified diver
Contact us for more information or book your PADI Open Water Diver course now.