Getting your Open Water Diver Certification Curaçao Bonaire Aruba

Dreaming of diving into a world of colorful fish, coral gardens, and maybe even a curious turtle or ray?

Then earning your dive certification on Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao is truly an experience you’ll never forget.

The ABC Islands offer perfect conditions for beginner divers: warm tropical waters, excellent visibility (sometimes up to 30 meters!), minimal currents, and plenty of professional dive schools. Whether you choose a PADI, SSI, or NAUI course, you'll receive expert instruction in a relaxed, tropical setting. You’ll start with theory and pool sessions… and then it’s off into the sea!

What can you expect?

✔️ Warm, tropical water
✔️ Practice dives in calm bays with sandy bottoms
✔️ Small group classes with personal attention
✔️ 3–4 day Open Water Diver courses
✔️ Options to continue with Advanced or Rescue Diver certifications

And the best part? Your very first “real” dives are right in one of the most beautiful underwater worlds on the planet. While you’re learning, you’ll already be gliding past colorful coral, shimmering fish, shipwrecks, and – who knows – maybe an elegant eagle ray.

On the ABC Islands, you learn to dive the way it was meant to be: relaxed, safe, and absolutely magical.

Not sure if diving is for you? Don’t worry! With a try dive – also called Discover Scuba Diving – you can simply give it a go. No exam, no stress... just breathing underwater, floating among the fish, and discovering how special it feels to be part of that magical underwater world.

With a professional instructor, you’ll first learn how everything works on land (or in shallow water). Then, step by step, you’ll enter the sea together. Before you know it, you’ll be swimming among tropical fish, over coral, and maybe even past a curious stingray!

✅ No experience needed
✅ Everything is explained and guided
✅ Perfect for anyone who’s always wanted to try, but felt a little nervous

It’s not a commitment – but it often becomes a lifelong love… or let’s be honest: a happy little addiction.

Practical Tips for Your Dive Course on the ABC Islands

1. Choose a certified dive school
Look for certifications like PADI, SSI, or NAUI. All three islands have great schools – compare based on location, atmosphere, and instructor experience.

2. Book in advance (especially in high season!)
Courses usually take 3 to 4 days. In busy periods, spots fill up quickly – so reserve early.

3. Bring a medical statement (if needed)
Some courses require a doctor’s note if you have medical conditions like asthma, heart issues, or ear problems.

4. Bring your own snorkel gear (optional, but nice)
Using your own mask, snorkel, and fins is comfortable and more hygienic – especially if you plan to keep diving or snorkeling afterward.

5. No flying right after diving!
Wait at least 18 hours after your last dive before flying. Don’t schedule your course right before your departure.

6. Stay hydrated & use reef-safe sunscreen
Diving can dehydrate you. And protecting the reef starts above water – choose sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate.

7. Take your time and enjoy the experience
Diving is best learned when you’re relaxed. Don’t rush – it’s not a test, it’s an adventure.

Junior & Open Water Diver Certification

From the age of 10, you can earn your Junior Open Water Diver (Junior OWD) certification. Certain restrictions apply:

• Ages 10–11:
  Can dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters, and only when accompanied by a certified adult or instructor.

• Ages 12–14:
  May dive to a depth of 18 meters, but must be accompanied by a certified adult.

• From age 15 and up:
  You can take the full Open Water Diver course without restrictions.

General Pricing – ABC Island Dive Schools

• Expect to pay $450–550 for a complete Open Water Diver certification, including equipment rental.

• If you're doing a referral course (theory & pool work already done), prices are around $370–400.

• An Advanced Open Water course typically costs $400–500.

How long does a diving course take?

The most popular beginner course, giving you the certification to dive up to 18 meters (60 feet).

Duration: On average 3 to 4 days

Includes:

• Theory lessons (often partially completed online via e-learning)

• Confined water sessions (in a pool or calm, shallow water)

• 4 open water dives (usually in the sea, often right from the beach!)

Flexible Schedule:
Most dive schools on the ABC Islands adapt the pace to your needs. Want to take it slow? No worries. Finish in just 3 days? Totally possible!

Advanced Open Water Diver

For those who are already certified and want to explore deeper waters (up to 30 meters) or dive in more challenging conditions.

Duration: 2 days

What’s included:
5 themed dives, such as deep diving, navigation, wreck diving, night diving, or perfect buoyancy.

Extra tip:
You can complete most of the theory online beforehand (e-learning), so you’ll have more time for real underwater adventures once you’re on the island!

PADI vs SSI vs NAUI – What’s the Difference, Really?

What are they?
PADI = Professional Association of Diving Instructors
SSI = Scuba Schools International
NAUI = National Association of Underwater Instructors

All three are well-respected international organizations that offer dive training – from beginner to pro level.

✅ What they have in common:

• You’ll learn the same essential skills: how to use your gear, breathe underwater, control your buoyancy, stay safe, and more.

• You’ll earn an internationally recognized certification (Open Water Diver or equivalent).

• After your basic course, you’re certified to dive up to 18 meters deep.

• Your certification is valid for life.

• No matter which agency certified you, you can rent gear or take further courses anywhere in the world – even with a different organization.

What are the differences?