PADI is an acronym for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and certifies the diver is trained for SCUBA dives. The PADI Open Water Diver course typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete when done in person. The process is divided into three phases:

To enroll in a PADI course, you must be at least 10 years old, be able to swim 200 meters, and float/tread water for 10 minutes. Legally, you must complete a medical survey. If you have certain pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart disease, or epilepsy, you will need a physician’s sign-off before your first dive.

Both PADI and SSI (Scuba Schools International) are recognized globally by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council. For international travelers, PADI is the most widely recognized, making it slightly easier to find dive shops that accept your credentials in remote locations. Both certifications allow you to rent gear and book boat charters worldwide.

A full PADI certification costs approx. US$400 to US$700, depending on your location. This usually includes:

While most shops provide tanks and Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), many travelers prefer to bring their own mask, fins, and snorkel for better fit and hygiene.

Absolutely! This is the most popular option for travelers. By completing the PADI eLearning online before you arrive, you save two days of classroom time. You can then book a Referral Course with a local operator like Ocean Frontiers or Tortuga Divers to complete only the water portions of your training during your stay.

The Open Water certification is your “license to learn,” qualifying you to dive 18 meters (60 feet). The Advanced Open Water course focuses on specialty skills–like navigation and deep diving–and increases your depth limit to 30 meters (100 feet). Many of the iconic sites in Grand Cayman are best experienced with an Advanced certification.