Ocean Explorer
Open Water Scuba Certification
Build your skills through online learning, four virtual classroom sessions, three pool sessions, and two ocean-diving days with four required certification evaluation dives.
Ocean Explorer Open Water Course — $629
The course is $629 and includes a NAUI digital certification packet; choose the PADI digital packet for an additional $130. Your lifetime certification is recognized worldwide. Complete assigned online chapters before each of four virtual classroom sessions, then attend three pool sessions. Additional class or pool sessions may be added if you need more practice. The final open-water requirement is two ocean-diving days with two dives each—four required evaluation dives, not training dives.
A Clear Path to Open Water
Four Steps in Your Training
Online Learning
Complete assigned chapters before each lecture to prepare for your instructor-led sessions.
Virtual Classroom
Four virtual classroom sessions help you build course knowledge and prepare for pool and ocean evaluations.
Pool Sessions
Plan on three pool sessions to practice your skills. Additional class or pool sessions may be arranged if you need more time.
Ocean Evaluation Dives
Complete two ocean-diving days with two dives each: four required certification evaluation dives. These are required evaluations, not training dives.
What’s Included & What to Bring
Personal Gear to Buy
Before your second pool session come into the store to get fitted for your mask, snorkel, fins, dive boots, gloves, and a Surface Marker Buoy. In addition to proper fitting, the shop offers a student discount.
Small Classes, Personal Support
Class size is limited to 10 students, with typical groups of 4–6. Minimum age is 12. Additional class or pool sessions may be added if needed.
Ocean-Day Equipment & Staff
Rental fees for both ocean-diving days and basic gear are included: wetsuit, BCD, weights, tanks, and regulator. The beach-dive surf-training workshop and required instructor and staff time are also included.
Your Ocean Explorer Training Plan
Follow these steps toward your lifetime, worldwide-recognized certification.
1
Complete Online Learning
Work through the assigned chapters before each of your four class sessions.
2
Attend Classroom & Pool Sessions
Join four classr sessions via ZOOM and complete three pool sessions. Additional class or pool practice may be scheduled if needed.
3
Get Your Personal Gear
Before pool session two, have your mask, snorkel, fins, dive boots, gloves, and SMB. Visit the shop for fitting help and a student discount.
4
Complete Ocean Evaluations
Complete two ocean-diving days with two required certification evaluation dives each. Options may include weekend beach dives, a dive boat, or an underwater park in Avalon, Catalina. The ocean dives are evaluations, not training.
What Our Divers Say
“John loves to teach and his passion shows through in every interaction! He cares about his students and makes sure they learn everything to increase their level of safety and knowledge. Took the Nitrox class and 2 two hour classes and 2 hours in the shop, was over and above expectations. I was really impressed with his level of knowledge and expertise. Highly recommend the shop and services.”
Daniel L.
“We took the entire family to Ocean Gear to get our scuba certification. It was a great experience for all of us (Mom, Dad and two teenage girls) John is a very thorough and experienced teacher. He was great to work with and managed to schedule around our crazy schedule and tight timeline! Scuba certification can be an intimidating process but having an instructor we could trust made all the difference. I would highly recommend Ocean Gear for any scuba needs!”
Valerie J.
“Called in on a weekend because my gear was faulty following a dive on Friday and I needed it working by next Monday. I was worried because other dive shops estimated it would be weeks before they could have my gear back to me. Debbie, the owner/repair tech had my setup operational within the hour. Amazing!! Her and her son were also very kind, helpful, and generous with their time throughout the process. I'm writing this review a couple days after my dive and everything is working perfectly. I will definitely be back if anything needs servicing again. Thanks for saving the day, Debbie! 🙂”
Anthony T.
“John, John, and Debbie are some of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to scuba. I’m grateful they run my local dive shop!”
Nolan W.
“I've come here a few times and every time the owners were always helpful, honest, and knowledgeable. Rentals are fair-priced, quick and easy, returns are convenient. All around great dive shop. Lots of selections for gear. I would recommend this shop to anyone in the area or coming this way.”
Kristie T.
Ocean Explorer Open Water Scuba Certification Class Dates & Registration
Class Dates & Registration
All class and pool dates are pending confirmation. Registration URL to be provided.
November 2026
Class dates: 3, 10, 17 & 24
Pool dates: 7, 14 21
December 2026
Class dates: 1, 8, 15 & 22
Pool dates: 5, 12 & 19
January 2027
Class dates: 5, 12, 19 & 26
Pool dates: 9, 16 & 23
Ocean Explorer Course Questions
What is the course price and which certification packet is included?
The course is $629 with the NAUI digital certification packet included. The PADI digital packet is available for an additional $130. Lifetime certification is recognized worldwide.
What does the training include?
Online eLearning, four virtual classroom sessions conducted via ZOOM / TEAMS, three pool sessions, and two ocean-diving days with two dives each (four required evaluation dives). Additional class or pool sessions may be added if needed.
What equipment is included, and what personal gear do I need?
Rental fees for both ocean days and basic equipment (wetsuit, BCD, weights, tanks, regulator), the beach-dive surf-training workshop, and required instructor/staff time are included. You will need your personal gear before pool session #2. This includes: a mask, snorkel, fins, dive boots, gloves, and a Surface Marker Buoy. The shop offers fitting help and a generous student discount.
Who can take the course and how large are classes?
Minimum age is 12. Class maximum is 10 students; typical groups are 4–6. You must also be a comfortable swimmer to take scuba lessons.
Where are ocean dives and what are the PADI Dive Club benefits?
Ocean-diving options may include weekend beach dives, a day on a dive boat, or a day at the underwater park in Avalon, Catalina. PADI Dive Club benefits include 20% off PADI continuing-education eLearning codes, one refresher per membership year, a one-year Scuba Diving Magazine subscription, and other benefits.