Open Water Diver Course in Sarasota, Florida
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good health with basic swimming ability and able to handle moderate physical activity.
Overview
Learn to scuba dive with a private Open Water Diver course in Sarasota, Florida. Perfect for beginners eager to explore vibrant marine life in calm, clear waters.
Open Water Diver - Sarasota
4-Day Course | Ages 10+ | Learn to Dive!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Learn to dive: 4-Day Course
Rates
Students (Ages 10+): $569 (includes online) If under 16 years old, a parent or guardian needs to be present during the class.
Duration
25 Hours | 4 Full Days
About
Flexible options to get you certified. The date shown is the very first day of your course.
• Weekday courses run 4 days in total with a day off during class. The schedule is currently Monday-Thursday.
• Weekend courses are conducted over 2 weekends back-to-back (Sat/Sun/Sat/Sun).
Please contact us for flexible scheduling options if the dates listed don't work for you. Featuring PADI's eLearning programs, you complete the knowledge development portion at your convenience. The next step is two days or three nights of pool and practical training. This is followed by 2 days of open water diving. You will earn your Open Water Diver certification which is good for a lifetime of adventure.
The goal of the class is to make you a comfortable and competent diver in the water. Our approach is to work to provide you with a comfortable learning environment. This starts with a cost that includes everything for the course (no hidden fees) and using small classes to maximize your learning. The only thing that you need is your personal fit items, mask, fins, and snorkel.
We run classes frequently and can accommodate almost any schedule. Please contact us if you need to request other dates. 941-870-4461
Adventure Tips
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water before and after diving helps prevent dehydration, which can increase the risk of decompression sickness.
Practice Equalizing Early
Equalize your ears frequently during descent to avoid discomfort and prevent injury while diving.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact and prevent skin damage on the boat or shore.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Water shoes or dive boots protect your feet when entering and exiting shore dives, where rocks or coral may be sharp.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Loggerhead sea turtles
- Southern stingrays
History
Sarasota has a rich marine heritage dating back to its Native American and Spanish colonial roots, influencing local fishing and conservation practices.
Conservation
Many local dive operators promote reef-safe practices and participate in ocean cleanup initiatives to preserve Sarasota’s underwater ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and Snorkel
A comfortable mask and snorkel allow for easy breathing and clear vision at the surface during training.
Wetsuit (3mm to 5mm)
A wetsuit provides thermal protection and comfort in cooler Sarasota waters, especially outside summer months.
fall|winter|spring specific
Dive Computer
A dive computer helps track depths and dive time to enhance safety during open water dives.
Water Shoes or Dive Boots
Protect your feet when entering shore dive sites with water shoes or boots to avoid cuts or scrapes.