Open Water Diver

The PADI Open Water Diver certification is your global passport to exploring the underwater world, and Porthkerris Divers offers this foundational course with a focus on practical experience in Cornwall's rich marine environment. This comprehensive program is designed to teach you the essential knowledge and skills for safe diving to a maximum depth of 18 metres, always with a buddy. The course structure spans three days, beginning with self-study materials provided beforehand to cover the theoretical aspects. You'll then engage in five concise theory review sessions, ensuring a solid understanding before moving to the water.

The practical training includes five pool dives to build confidence and master fundamental skills in a controlled setting. Following this, you will complete four open water dives in the sea around Porthkerris. These dives are conducted at the excellent shore dive site, Drawna Rock, and potentially from the centre's boats to explore nearby reefs and wrecks, offering a genuine taste of the diverse underwater landscape of Cornwall. The certification you receive is the most recognised worldwide, opening doors to countless diving adventures.

To ensure a comfortable learning experience, Porthkerris Divers provides full use of dive equipment, including air fills, throughout your training. The course fee is £580 per person. For those seeking more personalised attention, a 30% surcharge applies for one-to-one instruction. Entry requirements are straightforward: participants must be at least 12 years of age, in reasonable health, and possess basic swimming ability. The centre also offers instruction in German and Dutch, in addition to English.

Booking the PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water courses together presents a significant saving of £100, consolidating the learning into a five-day program. This combined package allows for a more immersive experience, building directly upon the skills acquired in the Open Water course. The average sea temperature in July, a popular month for diving, is around 15.9°C, with warmer conditions in August reaching 17.1°C, making for pleasant dives during the summer months.