3-Day PADI Open Water Diver Certification in San Andrés

Learn to dive safely, then explore the reef on your own

A 3-day PADI Open Water Diver certification course in San Andrés, Colombia, where you earn the credential to dive independently in open water. The course combines classroom theory, confined water drills in a pool or lagoon, and four supervised open water dives on the reef. Small groups mean individualized attention from certified instructors. All diving gear, photos, videos, medical insurance and hotel pickup are included. Children from age 10 are welcome.

The experience

San Andrés' clear waters are the classroom for the final phase of your certification. You start with theory (the physics of diving, equipment use, safety protocols, dive planning), then move into confined water practice where you drill skills in a controlled setting before the reef. Once you're comfortable, you make four open water dives, each one building on the last. The instructor guides you through progressive descents, watches you practice what you've learned, and points out the marine life around you. By the end of the third day, you hold the card that lets you dive anywhere in the world without supervision.

The course runs over three days with a certified instructor who speaks English or Spanish. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport yourself. All the gear you need (BCD, mask, fins, tank, weights, diving suit) comes with the course, along with snacks and photos and videos of your dives. Medical insurance is covered. Small groups mean the instructor knows your pace and your questions get answered.

One constraint: you can't fly or travel to altitude for 18 hours after your final dive. Plan your onward travel accordingly, and bring a valid ID and any diving experience you've logged before. The course is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, cardiovascular conditions, or if you're pregnant.

What’s included

• All diving equipment (BCD, mask, snorkel, fins, tank, weights, diving suit).
• private hotel pickup.
• snacks during the course.
• photos and videos of your dives.
• medical insurance.
• live instruction in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Escuela de Buceo Sea Pride

Is this one for you?If you're staying in San Andrés without a car, the included pickup means you don't coordinate transport to the dive site. You're picked up from your hotel and returned after each day. Small groups guarantee the instructor knows your comfort level and adjusts the pace to your learning, which matters when you're underwater for the first time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What do I learn in the theory part of the PADI Open Water course?

The theory modules cover diving physics, how to plan a dive, how to use your equipment, and safety practices: the knowledge you need before you enter the water.

How many open water dives do I do during the 3-day certification?

You complete four open water dives, each one letting you apply the skills you've practiced and go deeper into the reef under your instructor's direct guidance.

What gear is provided, and do I need to bring my own?

The course includes all diving gear (BCD, mask, snorkel, fins, tank, weights, and diving suit), so you don't need to own or rent equipment separately.

Is hotel pickup included in the certification course?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel is included, so you don't need to arrange your own way to the dive site.

What's the minimum age to take the PADI Open Water course in San Andrés?

Children from age 10 can enroll in the course and earn their certification alongside adults.

Can I travel by plane after I finish the course?

No, you must wait at least 18 hours after your final dive before flying or traveling to altitude, so plan your onward travel for the day after the course ends.