Learn to dive today with a PADI Open Water Diver Certification.
We offer two pricing options:

Option One: $325
This price includes everything but the use of personal basic scuba gear. We believe that having your own personal basic scuba gear (mask, snorkel, fins, lead weight) is essential. Many scuba centers do not rent basic scuba gear, and every experienced diver knows that diving with your own basic scuba gear makes you a more confident and comfortable diver. When you buy a complete Personal Basic Scuba Gear Package from First Coast Divers, prior to or during the course of your certification, you'll receive a 10% student discount on the package and $74 off the all inclusive tuition price.

Option Two: $399
NO HIDDEN FEES! This price includes absolutely everything you need to complete the course; tuition, study materials, certification fees, entrance fees to the freshwater springs, use of the actual SCUBA gear (regulator, dive computer, BCD, wetsuit, and tanks) and use of a basic scuba gear package (mask, snorkel, fins, lead weight) for the duration of the course. Although we highly recommend students buy their own personal basic scuba gear, this option is perfect for folks who are on a budget and can't afford to invest in their own personal basic scuba gear.

Suunto’s Computers in the Classroom Program: Trust us, the use of these dive computers is a HUGE advantage to your training, and it is exclusive to OUR dive shop. Dive computers have become standard equipment for today’s scuba divers, so we believe a new diver should learn to master this essential but uncomplicated piece of equipment from the very beginning.

Class Sizes & Instructor Continuity: Don’t get lost in the crowd!

We offer small class sizes so each student receives thorough instruction. And, unlike other competitors, we do not team-teach our open water classes. You will have the same instructor from start to finish!

Learning Pace: Don't be fooled by an expedited class schedule! Our classes are conducted in a manner that allows plenty of individual attention and thorough instruction.

Our Training Gear: All of our training gear is high quality Aqua Lung gear and is standardized for all students. Your training gear will either be new or in like-new condition. Every year, we sell-off our instructional gear and replace it with new gear. Rest assured, you will only train with the latest and best maintained gear available. Furthermore, in keeping with our practice of training students with the most current dive gear available, all of our training BCD’s are weight integrated.

Class Overview

In the PADI Open Water Diver course, your Instructor takes you through the basics of learning how to scuba dive. You start in a pool and progress to the open water getting the background knowledge along the way.

Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification is just the beginning. As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquility await you. And, as you continue your adventure and gain experience through higher training levels, your opportunities expand.

For full details on the Open Water Diver course, click here.

Class Options

Become a PADI eLearner! Is time short for you? Are you more comfortable with an online knowledge development training platform? Then register for PADI eLearning and save time by not having to attend the classroom training sessions. To learn more about this exciting option, please click the PADI eLearning tab above.

Purchase an Enriched Air/NITROX course in conjunction with the Open Water Diver course for only $150 extra!
For more information on the Enriched Air/NITROX course, please click here.

Hotel/BBQ Package: Don't want to make the long drive to and from the springs in a single day? No problem!
For only $60 per person (double occupancy), or $100 per person (single occupancy), we will book your hotel room, serve you a wonderful BBQ lunch, and furnish your drinks & snacks for both days of the trip!

Student Discount for Gear Package Purchases: Build your own "Personal Basic Scuba Gear" package (mask, fins, snorkel, lead weight, and booties) and receive a 10% discount! Initial purchase only.

PADI eLearning

This option is perfect for people on the go and for those who prefer an online learning environment. PADI eLearning makes the study portion of your entry level certification a snap!

Simply complete the knowledge development portion of your Open Water Diver course through PADI eLearning, print out your learning record and bring it in to our facility to start your underwater adventure!

Click here for full details and to register for the PADI eLearning program.

Class Schedule

Our PADI Open Water Diver Course is covered in two sessions:

Session 1 Dates (Pool)
January 19/20 - February 16/17 - March 16/17 - April 20/21
May 18/19 - June 22/23 - July 13/14 - August 3/4
September 7/8 - October 5/6 - November 2/3 - December 7/8

Session 2 Dates (Springs)
January 26/27 - February 23/24 - March 23/24 - April 27/28
May 25/26 - June 29/30 - July 20/21 - August 10/11
September 14/15 - October 12/13 - November 9/10 - December 14/15

Unique work schedule? Can't get weekends off? Take advantage of our weekday classes, offered during the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October! Call us for more information at (904) 737-0050.

We strongly encourage our student divers to complete the Open Water course over two consecutive sessions. This allows the student to practice the skills they learn while the information is still fresh.

For more information on specific dates the Open Water Diver classes are held, please check our calendar.

Ready to start your adventure? It's easy!

You can give us a call, stop by for a visit at our shop, or fill out an online registration form and one of our representatives will be in touch with you shortly!

*Please keep in mind that pre-registration is important so that you have plenty of time to complete your homework.

For folks on a budget, we are happy to accept a $200 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit (includes study materials) securing your spot in the scheduled class in which you wish to participate. Remaining balance is due at the start of your class.

Sign up now!