Comparing the PADI Open Water Diver Course versus the PADI Scuba Diver course in the Galapagos Islands.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to scuba dive, discover new adventures or simply see the wondrous world beneath the waves, this is where it starts and the Galapagos is just about as good as it gets.
Both the PADI Open Water Diver course and the PADI Scuba Diver course are dive certification levels that will allow you to enjoy the underwater life of the Galapagos and do subsequent dives after certification. However, there are a few differences that are crucial in decidinig which course to take. You can learn about the Open Water vs. PADI Scuba Diver comparison and find out which one is best for you by reading this.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is a great choice for people confident in the water that have access to dive equipment and dive sites where independent dives are possible. In comparison, the PADI Scuba Diver Course is a great choice for people who are not very confident in the water, who are more of a ‘vacation type divers’ and who see the value of having logistics and supervision taken care of by a certified PADI professional.
The PADI Scuba Diver Course is a shorter course and the Knowledge Development, Confined Water Sessions and Open Water Portion equal to about half of what is required from an PADI Open Water Diver student. This makes the course a good option for people with a limited time on destination that would like to gain a dive certification in that short time available.
Theory Sessions
For both courses theory can be done on line or via classroom delivery. Our Galapagos facility has a private air conditioned multimedia classroom that allows great comfort for on-site learning. In fact, the materials are the same. You can do your theory by subscribing to PADI e-learning or the PADI mobile app ‘Open Water Touch’ before arriving to the Galapagos Islands.
Confined Water Sessions
For both courses confined water is required. PADI Scuba Diver students complete Confined Water 1 – 3 plus some additional skills. PADI Open Water Diver students complete confined water sessions 1-5.
Open Water Sessions
For both courses Open Water is required. PADI Scuba Divers complete two Open Water Dives and a few dive flexible skills. PADI Open Water Diver course students complete four Open Water Dives and all the dive flexible skills.
Schedule
One of the great advatages of the PADI Scuba Diver Course is the ability to fit in a tight schedule. Here is how the course can be organized in as little as 1 day:
Pre-training or half day*:
PADI e-learning
Training day:
AM: Registration and Condined Water
PM: Two Open Water dives
* The theory can be done via classroom delivery in a half day as well. In this case the course will take one and a half days.
In the case of a PADI Open Water Diver course more time is required. Usually taught in about 3 half days, the course can also be taught in as little as two full days with some independent learning:
Pre-training*:
PADI e-learning
Training day 1:
AM: Registration and Condined Water
PM: Two Open Water dives
Training day 2:
AM: Registration and Condined Water
PM: Two Open Water dives
* The theory can be done via classroom delivery in a full day.
Certification
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba course and it is a fully rated entry level course. This means that after certification, the student will be able to plan and execute dives independently to a maximum depth of 18 meters / 60 feet in conditions similar to the ones under which the diver was trained. On the other hand, the PADI Scuba Diver course isn’t as popular but offers a fully upgradeable card that allows the diver to execute dives to a maximum depth of 12 meters / 40 feet under the supervision of a dive professional (divemaster or instructor).