Open Water Scuba Diver

PADI Open Water Certification in Rincón, Puerto Rico

There's a moment on every first open water dive when the training clicks into place: the bubbles settle, the reef comes into focus, and you realize you're breathing calmly 30 feet (9 m) below the surface of the Caribbean. This PADI Open Water Diver course is built around getting you to that moment with confidence, then turning it into a certification you'll carry for life.

The course moves in three stages. You'll work through the PADI eLearning knowledge development at home on your own schedule, so your vacation time is spent in the water rather than in a classroom. In Rincón, your instructor starts you in calm, confined water, setting up your own gear, clearing your mask, fine-tuning your buoyancy, and practicing entries and exits until each skill feels natural. From there, you'll head out for four open water dives, walking in from the beach and finning out over the coral reefs of Puerto Rico's west coast. No boat required, just short shore entries to some of the best reef diving on the island.

Each open water dive begins with a few skill demonstrations, and then the rest of the dive is yours to explore with your instructor. Parrotfish, angelfish, blue tangs, and squirrelfish are everyday sights here, with sea turtles, rays, and octopuses making regular appearances. With water temperatures between 78–84°F (26–29°C) year-round, Rincón is a comfortable, warm-water place to learn. Once your instructor signs off on your final dive, you'll be a certified PADI Open Water Diver, ready to dive with a buddy anywhere in the world.

Duration

1. 3 days
   
2. PADI eLearning (knowledge development) is completed on your own time before arrival; how long it takes varies by person
   
3. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled time. Arrivals more than 20 minutes late may need to be rescheduled.
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check-in: 2207 Ave Pedro Albizu Campos, Carr 115 Km 12.0, Rincón, PR 00677
   
2. The dive center is on the ocean side of Road 115 in downtown Rincón, next to Dos Galegos Argentinian Steakhouse, and within walking distance of several local hotels.
   
3. Free parking is available at most dive sites, though popular sites can get crowded in the winter months.
   
4. Restroom facilities are available at the dive center if you need to change before heading to the dive site.
   
5. Driving times: about 30 minutes from Aguadilla (BQN) Airport, about 45 minutes from Mayagüez (MAZ) Airport, and about 2.5 hours from San Juan (SJU). A rental car is strongly recommended.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 10 years old. Divers ages 10–14 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which can be upgraded to Open Water Diver at age 15.
   
2. No prior scuba diving experience is required.
   
3. You must complete the PADI eLearning knowledge development before your in-water training begins.
   
4. You must be in good physical health and be able to float for 10 minutes and swim 656 ft (200 m) unaided and without stopping.
   
5. You will be required to complete a Diver Medical Questionnaire at check-in, but please fill it out ahead of time so you know if you can dive.
   
6. If you have to answer yes to specific questions about past or current medical conditions, you may be required to have a doctor complete the form before you are allowed to participate. Because space is reserved for you, not completing this in advance does not entitle you to a refund if you cannot participate until a doctor completes the form, and a last-minute rescheduling fee may apply.
   
7. Scuba diving while pregnant is strictly prohibited.
   
8. A PADI Training Logbook is required for the course (available for purchase at check-in).
   
9. Mask, snorkel, and fins are required for the course. Bring your own or rent them for the duration of the course.
   
10. As part of your training, you'll learn that you need to allow 18 hours to pass before flying after diving. Please plan your travel accordingly.
    

What's Included

1. PADI Certified Instructor
   
2. 5 Confined Water Training Sessions (pool or shallow, calm water)
   
3. 4 Open Water Training Dives (Shore Dives)
   
4. Regulator, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), Compass, Surface Marker Buoy & Dive Gauges
   
5. Tanks & Weights
   
6. Expert Safety Briefings & Instruction
   
7. Drinking Water: bring your refillable water bottle for free refills from the dive center's filtered rainwater collection
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity: never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your instructors!
   
2. PADI eLearning (knowledge development), purchased separately through PADI
   
3. PADI Training Logbook (required), available for purchase at check-in
   
4. Mask, Snorkel & Fins (required), available to rent for the duration of the course for one fee, or available for purchase
   
5. Wetsuit, available to rent or purchase for an extra fee
   
6. Snacks for surface intervals between dives
   
7. Transportation from the dive center to the beach entry point
   
8. Trip Protection can be added at checkout for an extra fee.
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Swimsuit & Towel
   
2. Reusable Water Bottle
   
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen (non-nano, free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens), or a long-sleeve rash guard for sun protection
   
4. Sunglasses & Hat for time between dives
   
5. Snacks & Water for surface intervals
   
6. Proof of eLearning Completion & PADI Training Logbook (logbook available for purchase at check-in)
   
7. Any Personal Scuba Equipment (Optional): your own mask, snorkel, and fins give you the best personal fit
   
8. Required Paperwork: completed Diver Medical Questionnaire (and physician's sign-off if required), waivers, etc.
   
9. Dry Bag for valuables you bring to the beach
   
10. Waterproof & Pressure Proof Camera (e.g. GoPros NEED the special DIVE case). The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items. Your instructor may ask you to put a camera away during skills training.
    
11. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get caught by the equipment or damaged by the water and pressure.
    

Wildlife Guidelines

Please be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs. Please also be respectful of any marine animals including but not limited to turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins. Please never chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path.

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