Costs & Certification
How Much Is Scuba Certification?
What an Open Water course costs in the world's top dive destinations — and why your instructor matters more than the agency or the price.
An entry-level Open Water certification costs roughly $300–$600 (€280–€550) depending on where you train. Egypt, Thailand and Indonesia are among the cheapest; the US, UK and Australia are the most expensive. The agency matters far less than the quality of your instructor.
- Cheapest regions
- Egypt, Thailand, Indonesia
- Typical price
- $300–$600
- Try-dive first
- $60–$150
- What matters most
- Your instructor
Most new divers earn an Open Water certification — the global licence to dive to 18 m / 60 ft with a buddy. Before committing, do a Discover Scuba / scuba intro ($60–$150) to literally get your feet wet. Then choose where to certify.
Open Water course prices around the world
These are typical 2026 ranges for a full Open Water course including materials, pool sessions, open-water dives and certification fees. Prices shift with season and operator.
| Destination | Typical Open Water price |
|---|---|
| Sharm El-Sheikh / Hurghada, Egypt | $280–$400 |
| Koh Tao, Thailand | $300–$370 |
| Bali / Gili Islands, Indonesia | $350–$450 |
| Canary Islands, Spain | €350–€500 |
| Mexico (Cozumel / Playa del Carmen) | $400–$550 |
| United States | $500–$800 |
| United Kingdom | £450–£600 |
| Australia (Cairns) | AUD $700–$900 |
Which agency should you choose?
PADI, SSI, SDI, BSAC, CMAS, Diving Standard — there are many training agencies, and your card is recognised worldwide with any reputable one. The brand on the card matters far less than two things: that the agency follows international standards, and that your instructor is good. For a fuller comparison, see PADI vs SSI vs NAUI vs BSAC.
"Following international standards" isn't marketing — it's specific. Look for an agency whose courses meet ISO 24801 dive-training standards and/or are recognised by the WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) or RSTC. These frameworks define minimum skills, depth limits and safety procedures, which is exactly why a certification from one agency is honoured at dive centres run by another, anywhere in the world.
Diving Standard is a training agency built around those same international standards, pairing structured courses with free in-app theory so you arrive at the water already understanding the fundamentals. Whichever agency you choose, the certification you earn is your passport to dive globally.
Your instructor is the most important factor in your course — full stop. A patient, attentive instructor with small class sizes will make you a safer, more confident diver than any brand name. Read recent reviews, ask about student-to-instructor ratios, and message the dive centre before you book.
What's included (and what isn't)
- Theory and knowledge development (often online before you arrive)
- Confined-water / pool skills sessions
- Four open-water training dives
- Certification and digital card fees
- Usually all equipment for the course
Watch for extras: marine-park fees, equipment upgrades, or accommodation packages. Always confirm what the quoted price covers.
Get certified with Diving Standard
Diving Standard is a training agency built on international standards — learn the theory free in the app, then get certified through our network of dive centres and instructors. Start your scuba basics today.
Get the Diving Standard appFrequently asked questions
Where is the cheapest place to get scuba certified?
Egypt (Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada), Thailand (Koh Tao) and Indonesia consistently offer the lowest Open Water prices — often around $300 — combined with excellent warm-water diving.
Does it matter which agency I certify with?
Not much. PADI, SSI, SDI, BSAC and CMAS are all recognised worldwide as long as they follow international standards. The quality of your individual instructor matters far more than the brand.
Should I get certified at home or on holiday?
Both work. Certifying on holiday in warm, clear water is often cheaper and more enjoyable; certifying at home lets you take your time and dive locally afterwards. Either way, prioritise a good instructor.