Open Water Certification (3 Days)

PADI Open Water Diver Certification in Catalina Island - 3 Days

Ready to become a certified diver? This course takes you from first breaths underwater to a lifelong certification that lets you dive anywhere in the world. The program runs in three phases: knowledge development to learn the basic principles of scuba, five confined water dives to build your core skills, and four open water dives where you put it all together in the protected waters of Casino Point Dive Park — one of the most accessible and celebrated shore dive sites on the West Coast.

1. 1) Knowledge Development (online, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving
   
2. 2) Five Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills
   
3. 3) Four Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore! Your dive center offers two different options for getting certified.
   

Unlike programs that begin and end in a pool, every dive here happens in the ocean, so you'll build real confidence in real conditions from day one. Expect a fast-moving, hands-on few days: skills practice, guided kelp forest dives, and plenty of one-on-one time with your instructor before you walk away as a fully certified PADI Open Water Diver.

Duration

1. eLearning path: complete the PADI online coursework independently before arrival, then approximately 2–3 days of in-water work on Catalina Island
   
2. In-person path: no eLearning required beforehand — instead, complete classroom lectures with your instructor using a hard-copy manual over the course of 3–4 days on the island
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Classroom and gear fitting at the Catalina Casino building, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704
   
2. Confined and open water training dives take place via shore entry at Casino Point Dive Park
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 10 years old
   
2. Must be able to swim comfortably in deep water
   
3. Physically fit; prior snorkeling or in-water experience is recommended
   
4. eLearning coursework must be completed before your first day on the island
   
5. Two paths available: complete eLearning plus all training dives here, or transfer in via referral if you've already finished classroom and pool sessions elsewhere
   

What's Included

1. All gear (mask, fins, wetsuit, tank, regulator, BCD, and weights)
   
2. Classroom instruction and skills review
   
3. Confined water (pool-style) skills training
   
4. Open water certification dives at Casino Point Dive Park
   
5. Access to on-site showers and restrooms
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, consider gifting 10–25% to your instructor; cash is easiest, though guides typically accept Venmo or PayPal
   
2. Additional days or dives if certification isn't completed within the standard 3-day window — an extra fee applies at checkout
   
3. Solo/private class upgrade — available for an extra fee at checkout instead of the standard group class
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Your new diver's logbook
   
2. Swimsuit or swim trunks to wear underneath your wetsuit
   
3. Towel
   
4. Reef-safe, reef-friendly sunscreen (non-nano mineral formulas recommended)
   
5. A change of clothes for after your dives
   
6. Water and snacks
   
7. Required paperwork, including your completed medical questionnaire and waiver
   
8. A waterproof camera, if you'd like to document your certification dives (the outfitter isn't responsible for damaged or lost items)
   
9. Please remove jewelry, watches, or anything that could get lost or damaged in the water