Corso Open Water Diver

The Open Water Diver course at Argentario Divers runs over three to four days and certifies under PADI or SSI — both internationally recognised, usable at dive centres worldwide. The theoretical component is covered in the centre's dedicated classroom, equipped with a large screen and wi-fi for e-learning modules.

Pool or confined water sessions happen at the centre's base in Porto Ercole, and open water dives take place along the Argentario coast or at the islands, depending on conditions. The instructors here operate on a stretch of Tyrrhenian coast where the seabed changes noticeably between summer and winter, so even a four-day course covers a range of underwater environments.

All equipment for the course is included in the price. The centre's rental inventory covers everything from masks and fins to BCDs and regulators — students don't need to own any gear to complete certification. Once certified, the same equipment can be rented for subsequent dives.

At €490–€560 depending on configuration, this is the standard entry to independent diving. Argentario Divers has been running this course since at least 2005, and the instructor team is large enough that scheduling is flexible. The UTD Recreational 1 course is an alternative first-certification path available at this centre for those who want to learn the DIR system from the start.