Santa Maria: Open Water Diver – PADI or SSI Course

The Santa Maria Open Water Diver course promises a comprehensive PADI or SSI certification in just 2-3 days. At $561.25 per person, this program focuses on safety and ocean conservation, blending knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water experiences. Suitable for ages 10 and up, the course caters to individuals in multiple languages, ensuring personalized attention from highly trained instructors. By promoting responsible diving practices and environmental stewardship, this course could be the perfect gateway for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world. What else can this program offer?

Good To Know

• The Open Water Diver course in Santa Maria is 2-3 days long, starting at €561.25 per person, and includes 4 boat dives and certification fees.
• The course covers safety principles, scuba skills, and ocean conservation awareness, and is offered in small groups of up to 5 participants.
• Participants can choose between PADI (€80) or SSI (€40) certification, both of which allow diving up to 18 meters worldwide.
• The course emphasizes a personalized learning experience, with a focus on safety and environmental awareness, and is suitable for individuals aged 10 and above.
• Pickup service is available from select accommodations, and participants are required to be good swimmers and in good health, with a medical certificate potentially needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Course Overview and Pricing

The PADI Open Water Diver course in Cape Verde typically lasts 2-3 days and is priced from $561.25 per person. This includes 4 boat dives.

Certification fees, which are paid directly to the dive center, are €80 for PADI or €40 for SSI. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty.

The course covers three parts: knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives. It requires a total time commitment of approximately 15 hours and has a minimum age of 10.

Prerequisites include being a good swimmer and in good health, which may require a medical certificate.

Course Structure

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main parts: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives, and Open Water Dives.

In total, the course requires approximately 15 hours of commitment. The minimum age to participate is 10 years, and participants must be good swimmers in good health, potentially providing a medical certificate.

The course covers:

• Safety principles
• Scuba skills
• Ocean conservation awareness
• Small group size of up to 5 participants
• Instruction available in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese

Upon completion, divers will receive PADI or SSI certification, allowing them to explore the underwater world of Sal up to 18 meters in depth.

Learning Experience

Delivering a highly personalized learning experience, the PADI Open Water Diver course in Cape Verde ensures a relaxed, supportive environment for participants.

With small group sizes limited to just 5 individuals, trainees receive dedicated attention from highly trained instructors.

The course is offered in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese, accommodating a diverse range of nationalities.

Beyond teaching the essential scuba skills, the curriculum emphasizes safety principles and ocean conservation awareness, empowering divers to become responsible stewards of the underwater realm.

This comprehensive approach equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to safely explore the captivating marine life of Sal during their certification dives.

Diving and Exploration

Earning the PADI Open Water Diver certification unlocks a world of underwater exploration, allowing divers to venture down to depths of 18 meters worldwide.

Divers will have the opportunity to discover the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes of Sal, Cape Verde. The course emphasizes ocean protection and environmental awareness, encouraging participants to become responsible stewards of the ocean.

Some key benefits of the PADI Open Water Diver course include:

• Certification recognized globally
• Opportunity to explore diverse dive sites
• Heightened environmental consciousness
• Potential for further diving certifications
• Memorable underwater experiences

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Logistics and Requirements

To ensure a seamless experience, the Open Water Diver course offers pickup from select accommodations, including Oasis, Halos, Morabeza, Melia, and Tui Blue.

Participants should bring swimwear, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Plastic bags, alcohol, drugs, and touching marine life aren’t allowed.

All participants must be good swimmers and in good health. The course emphasizes ocean protection and environmental awareness, ensuring a responsible diving experience.

With these practical logistics and requirements, divers can focus on mastering the essential skills and exploring the underwater wonders of Sal, Cape Verde.

Certification Options

The Open Water Diver course in Cape Verde offers two certification options – PADI and SSI.

Participants can choose between:

• PADI certification for €80
• SSI certification for €40

Both certifications allow graduates to dive up to 18 meters worldwide.

The choice depends on personal preference and the dive center’s affiliation.

Regardless of the certification, the course covers the same core skills, including safety principles, scuba techniques, and ocean conservation awareness.

With highly trained instructors and a relaxed learning environment, divers will be well-equipped to explore the underwater wonders of Sal.

Safety and Health Considerations

Participants must meet certain requirements to ensure their safety and readiness for the Open Water Diver course in Cape Verde. They need to be good swimmers and in good health. A medical certificate may be required to confirm their fitness to dive. The minimum age is 10 years old.

During the course, learners will acquire skills in safety principles, scuba techniques, and ocean conservation. They’ll be prohibited from activities like touching marine life, using plastic bags, or consuming alcohol and drugs.

These rules aim to protect participants and the delicate underwater environment they’ll explore.

Environmental Awareness

Beyond just personal safety, the Open Water Diver course in Cape Verde strongly emphasizes environmental awareness. Participants learn about the importance of conservation and minimizing their impact on the underwater ecosystem.

The curriculum covers topics like:

• Avoiding damage to coral and other fragile marine life
• Proper buoyancy control to prevent stirring up sediment
• Disposing of waste properly and avoiding single-use plastics
• Respecting wildlife by observing from a distance
• Advocating for ocean protection and sustainable tourism practices

This holistic approach equips divers with the knowledge and skills to become responsible stewards of the ocean, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Rent Equipment or Do I Need to Bring My Own?

Equipment can be rented from the dive center. Students don’t need to bring their own gear, as it’s provided as part of the course package. All necessary equipment is included for a seamless learning experience.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Course?

The course has a small group size limited to 5 participants, so there’s no minimum number required to run the PADI Open Water Diver course in Cape Verde. The small group allows for a more personalized learning experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions Beyond the Minimum of 10 Years?

The open water diver course has a minimum age requirement of 10 years. However, there are no additional age restrictions beyond this, so participants of all ages above 10 are welcome to enroll.

Can I Get a Refund if I’m Unable to Complete the Course?

The course offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but there’s no refund if a participant is unable to complete the course. Participants must be good swimmers and in good health to participate.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned in the Overview?

There are no additional fees or costs mentioned in the course overview, aside from the PADI/SSI certification fees. The pricing covers the entire 2-3 day Open Water Diver course, including all necessary equipment and boat dives.

The Sum Up

The Santa Maria Open Water Diver course provides a comprehensive PADI or SSI certification over a 2-3 day program. Offering hands-on training, personalized attention, and a focus on safety and ocean conservation, the course caters to individuals aged 10 and above. Participants can expect an engaging learning experience that promotes responsible diving practices and environmental stewardship, culminating in an internationally recognized open water diver certification.

You can check availability for your dates here: