Open Water Diver

The standard route to a full open-water certification runs five theory modules and five pool sessions, plus four open-water dives in a freshwater lake. Theory is handled via PADI eLearning, so it fits around your schedule. Pool sessions and lake dives are organised through the Bad Vilbel shop.

The course is open from age 10. Students completing it between 10 and 14 receive the Junior Open Water Diver certification; at 15 and above the full Open Water Diver card. The certification is lifetime-valid and accepted worldwide — PADI being the largest training agency on the planet means it works at essentially any dive base you'll encounter on a holiday.

Included in the €549 price: eLearning access for all theory, full equipment rental for pool and lake sessions (excluding mask, snorkel, fins and socks, which you need to bring or buy), pool entry fees, and the e-Card certification. A medical certificate may be required depending on health history.

For divers with travel plans, the Weltenbummler-Paket at €449 covers the same theory and pool work but replaces the local open-water dives with a referral to any PADI school worldwide — practical if you'd rather do your open-water dives in the Red Sea or Caribbean than in a German lake.

Happy Dive also runs women-only Open Water courses with female instructors, and dedicated courses for divers over 50. Individual courses — one-on-one theory at home, personal pool trainer, or an accelerated schedule — are available on request.