PADI Open Water Diver Course Cape Town

Open Water Scuba Course

Your gateway to certified diving – explore the underwater world with confidence. Earn your lifetime PADI Open Water Diver certification in Cape Town.

Duration

4 Days

Max Depth

18 Meters

Min Age

10 Years Old

Dives

4 Open Water

Pool Sessions

Confined Water

Price

From R9,500

Course Overview

Start Your Lifetime Diving Journey

Want to become a scuba diver? Then your underwater adventure starts in Cape Town with the PADI Open Water Diver Course. The Open Water Diver Course teaches you the fundamentals of scuba diving and sets the foundation for all the other scuba dive courses. This course allows you to scuba dive independently with a certified buddy, to a depth of up to 18 meters.

You'll begin with theory, then move to pool sessions in Sea Point, and finally complete your ocean dives around Cape Town. Our instructors guide you through every step, ensuring you're confident and safe before you enter the ocean for the first time.

We have many courses running every week and weekend. Our courses start on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you have limited dates please contact us.

Scuba divers swimming through a kelp forest

Why Choose Us

Free pick-up from hotel (central city area)

Both PADI & TripAdvisor certificates of excellence won

Best dive instructors & dive masters

Good quality well maintained scuba equipment

Strong emphasis on safety & quality

Pricing

OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY: Don’t train until you get it right, train until you can’t get it wrong.

We include unlimited pool days and 2 extra ocean dives at no extra charge. This means you can practice until you feel confident.

From R9,500

This includes: UNLIMITED Pool days, Up to 6 Ocean dives (4 compulsory + 2 extra optional), Course theory (e-learning), Any equipment rental needed, Pick-up from hotel if needed (central city area), MPA permit.

Possible Upgrades

Private instructor R7250 per course.

Prerequisites

Swim 200m unassisted and tread water for 10 mins, be at least 10 years old, be reasonably healthy.

Cirriculum

What You'll Learn

Dive Theory & Physics

Understand pressure, buoyancy, and physiological effects of underwater environments.

Equipment Assembly & Use

Learn to assemble, test, and maintain your BCD, regulator and cylinder.

Underwater Navigation

Master basic compass navigation and natural navigation techniques to find your way.

Buoyancy Control

Achieve neutral buoyancy to effortlessly glide through the water and protect fragile environments.

Safety Procedures

Prepare for emergency scenarios, using your buddy's alternative air source, mask clearing, and safe ascents/descents.

Hand Signals & Communication

Standardised hand signals to efficiently communicate with your buddy and instructor.

-Day Program

The Course Structure

Day 1

Theory

Knowledge development this takes roughly 14 - 16 hours online to ensure you have the knowledge of diving before coming for your practical application.

Day 2

Confined Water

Advanced gear assembly and complete skill checklist in our heated, safe swimming pool.

Day 3

Ocean Dives 1 & 2

Take your first ocean adventure! Shore or boat dives to a max depth of 12m with Cape Town's marine life.

Day 4

Ocean Dives 3 & 4

Deepen your practice up to 18m, complete certification paperwork, and celebrate your achievement!

Why Choose CT Dive School

Unmatched Quality & Safety

PADI 5-STAR IDC CENTRE

Top tier certification standard recognizing highest standards of diver training, safety and customer service.

MAX 4 STUDENTS

We guarantee small groups per instructor to ensure close personal attention, optimal safety, and customized training.

DIVERSE MARINE LIFE

Cape Town's unique temperate reefs feature ancient kelp forests, historic wrecks, playful seals and spectacular biodiversity.

ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

No hidden costs. Premium wetsuits, regulators, masks, fins, and cylinders are fully included in the price.

EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

Learn from highly experienced, certified ocean professionals who live and breathe Cape Town diving.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Key Highlights

Minimum duration 3 days

Preparing for the course via e-learning homework

Day 1: Scuba diving sessions in swimming pool in Sea Point

Day 2 and 3: Four scuba dives in the ocean around Cape Town

Option for more pool training

Course can be constructed around your schedule

Bring swimsuit/sunscreen/towel/snack

Minimum age: PADI Junior 10 years / PADI Open Water 15 years

Requirements

Course Prerequisites

Before diving, ensure you meet PADI’s basic health and swimming requirements. No prior diving experience is required!

Ability to swim 200m comfortably without assist

Tread water or float on back for 10 minutes

Medical questionnaire clearance (or doctor's note)

Minimum age of 10 years for Junior Open Water

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the course take?

The course is run over 4 days, typically from 08:00 to 16:00 each day.

Do I need my own equipment?

No, all rental equipment (wetsuit, fins, regulator, cylinders, BCD) is completely included in the course fee.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

You don't need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you must be comfortable floating and swimming 200m at your own pace.

Is there an age limit?

The minimum age is 10 years old. There is no maximum age as long as you are fit and healthy.

What certification do I receive?

You will receive the internationally recognized PADI Open Water Diver digital certification card.

Can I dive anywhere after certification?

Yes, you are licensed to dive up to 18 meters with a qualified buddy at any dive center globally.

I don't have friends that scuba dive, who can I dive with after?

Guided dives are available at almost every dive center around the world allowing you to make many diving friends along the way.

What's next after I qualify?

Guided dives, diving holidays and the PADI Advanced Open Water Course.

Can I buy this course as a gift?

Yes, we can create vouchers valid for one year. Please contact us at info@intotheblue.co.za our staff will be happy to assist you.

How can I stay in touch about dive excursions?

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with all the diving news here in Cape Town and with Into the Blue.

What about my MPA scuba dive permit?

This is Included in the course price and is valid for one month.

All-inclusive training

What's Included in the fee

PADI Digital Learning Materials

Premium Scuba Gear Rental

Pool & Confined Water Sessions

4 Open Water Dives in Cape Town

PADI Certification Processing & Card

Safety Gear and Diver's Insurance

Photo Gallery

Underwater Scenes & Diving Moments

Testimonials

What our divers say

My wife and I had a really great time diving with Into the Blue Cape Town in May. The gear you get is very good, including Scubapro Seawing Nova fins, 7mm wetsuits, gloves, boots, and even an extra vest to wear under the wetsuit. The water was quite cold at around 14°C, and since I normally only dive in tropical waters, I was a bit unsure at first. But with the gear provided, I was absolutely fine for the whole dive. My wife did shiver at the end of dives though. You could stop the dives at any time and one of the dive master would get you to the boat. We had an amazing time in the kelp forest and even saw a pyjama shark. On our first dive at North Paw, we were also lucky enough to see a seal right at the end of the dive, which was a really nice surprise. The whole day was very well organized and the service was excellent. Everyone was friendly, professional, and made us feel comfortable. Unfortunately, we had to leave for the Garden Route the next day, otherwise we would definitely have booked another dive with them. Overall, it was a really great experience, and next time I am in Cape Town, I will for sure dive with Into the Blue again. Highly recommended.

Into the Blue took our family group of 10 out snorkelling and scuba diving. They were great in accommodating both the snorkellers and divers needs at the same time and keeping everyone happy. They went out of there way to make it such a special day, taking us to different sites and providing snacks and hot drinks after the dive /snorkel. Thank you so much ‘Into the Blue’! What a fantastic day!

Thurl Abrahams

Great experience diving today - double tank dives in the kelp was an incredible experience...especially with the seals! It was cold...so be prepared! But the kit was great quality, the safety briefings were perfect and the diving with James as our dive guide was brilliant. Thank you to the full team...if you are in Cape Town...dive it!

Alex James

Ready to dive into Cape Town?

Book a PADI course, fun dive or dive holiday with Into The Blue today.