Get your PADI certification in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Prerequisites for the PADI Open Water Diver SCUBA Course

This is the most basic, entry level SCUBA diving certification. To take the course, you must:

•  Be able to swim (or learn to swim in advance of the course); 
• Make a time commitment: 4-7 days  or over a period of weeks; 
• Minimum age: 10 years or older;
• Depth: expect shallow dives to a max depth of 18m/60ft.

• Explore the other 70 percent of our planet
• Support ocean protection
• See things you've never seen before
• Learn from a scuba diving expert
• Carry the world's most recognized scuba certification

• Be a confident and skilled diver
• Assemble and use scuba gear
• Manage your buoyancy
• Respectfully approach marine life
• Handle common problems

PADI courses consist of 3 components (Theory, Confined Sessions, Dives)

We recommend breaking the course up to make it work for your busy lifestyle (see option 2 under Cost below).

1): Dive Theory (PADI e-Learning product): Students complete dive theory knowledge development and reviews, quizzes, and exam online with PADI. (The objective is not to fail students but to set them up to become excellent divers. Students must pass the exam with a minimum of 70% correct, and they must show an awareness of correct answers for all those missed. ) 

2) Confined Sessions:  

Five confined sessions must be in a swimming pool or in "pool like conditions." Working with a local PADI operation before completing the course in our tropical location ensures that students have not only the calmness and tranquility of a swimming pool in which to learn but also ensures that students have plenty of time to practice without the constraints that vacation puts on their time. We recommend that our students complete the 5 confined sessions with a local PADI operator, and bring us the referral for the last component of the course (see option 2 below).

3) Open Water Dives: Students complete 4 open water dives with an Adventure Mermaid instructor who verifies demonstration of mastery on location in Puerto Rico. We certify students on location beginning with 2 dives at our house dive site in Old San Juan followed by 2 final dives in Crashboat, Puerto Rico. 

(Students should be prepared to provide personal transportation or to share in the costs for transportation to and from dive sites.)

(Rates are per person. 50% due on booking with final payment due 1 week prior to course start. Cancellations will receive a full refund only outside of 1 full week from start; 50% refund before 48 hours prior; no refund after 48 hours prior. Note: refunds never include cost of used PADI e-learning product $217). 

Option 1: $1057 (Discounts Available)

E-LEARNING THEORY, CONFINED, & OPEN WATER with ADVENTURE MERMAID

(Complete the entire course with Adventure Mermaid in San Juan, Puerto Rico.)

Group Discounts (Weekends None)

3 people: $883 ea. plus tax

4 people: $792 ea. plus tax

5+ people $677 ea. plus tax

Option 2: $420

E-LEARNING THEORY & CONFINED AT YOUR HOME OPERATION & OPEN WATER with ADVENTURE MERMAID

(Complete the e-learning theory and confined sessions the month prior to vacation, then bring your PADI student referral to complete 4 open water dives and certification with Adventure Mermaid in San Juan, Puerto 

(Note: Adventure Mermaid reserves the right to adjust course prices based upon actual costs incurred. Students should confirm the cost of the course when inquiring.)

Additional gear-related costs: Most dive shops require students to provide their own mask, fins and snorkel when diving. We include new, well-maintained scuba gear, including a regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive computer and cylinders (tanks). While we encourage students to purchase personal mask, snorkel, and fins to use on their course, we will also include this gear for no extra fee upon request. 

• It's a good idea to buy a personal mask, snorkel and/or fins and get comfortable with them during  your  confined sessions. (Some snorkeling masks and fins are inadequate for scuba diving). 
• You should plan to spend a modest amount ($100-$200)  for these personal items for your personal kit. 
• A wetsuit is  not required for this course in tropical water, but one can be rented for a modest fee locally. Light wetsuits 1-3 mm or "shorties" are appropriate for tropical water, if desired. 
• Students should be prepared to provide personal transportation or to share in the costs for transportation to and from dive sites.

We invite previous experience guests to explore the option to become SCUBA divers by completing the PADI Open Water SCUBA Diver with Adventure Mermaid in Old San Juan. Each year, we can assist a small number of guests with demonstrated financial need by absorbing some costs of the PADI certification or by fundraising in their name. Inquire to learn more by sending  your name and the reasons why you'd like to become a SCUBA diver by clicking “Book Now.“