Scuba Diving in Ocho Rios: Certified & Beginner Options
Your divemaster has over 20 years of experience teaching in controlled water before taking you to the reef.
Scuba diving in Ocho Rios offers three paths: learn to dive in a controlled area then move to open water, complete a three-day certification course, or dive two reef sites as a certified diver. A PADI instructor meets you at your hotel, fits your gear, and guides you through safety before the water. Divers encounter marine life up close at sites chosen for color and reef structure.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Professional guide with over 20 years of diving experience.
- use of snorkel and dive equipment.
- round-trip shared transfer from your hotel.
- Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax).
Times
- Monday to Saturday 08:30 09:00
- Sunday 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Express Travel Jamaica
Prices and times updated 11 days ago
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The experience
The day starts with pickup from your Ocho Rios hotel. You'll meet your divemaster (someone with over 20 years of diving experience) get fitted into your gear, and receive a safety orientation before entering the water. If you're uncertified, the first phase happens in a controlled area where you learn diving techniques, safety procedures and best practices at your own pace. Once you've mastered the basics, the divemaster decides if you're ready to move to the second site. Certified divers skip the controlled area and head straight to the reef.
The second dive location is where the day opens up. For uncertified divers, it's more adventurous than the controlled site: better views of marine life and more colorful reef. For certified divers, a second tank is booked at a site chosen to be more interesting than the first, pairing marine encounters with the reef structure. Encounters are close and personal. You're not watching from a distance. The day ends with your return transfer to the resort.
A minimum of two people per booking is required, and you'll need to provide your hotel name at least 24 hours in advance. All participants complete a health questionnaire before diving. Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended, and some medical conditions (asthma, heart issues, poor cardiovascular health) may prevent you from participating. Check with your doctor beforehand. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Is this one for you?Pick the uncertified option to learn in shallow water first, the certification course to dive independently at any site worldwide, or the two-tank dive if you're already certified and want to explore two reefs in one morning.
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Top questions
What's the difference between the uncertified and certified diving options?
Uncertified divers spend the first phase in a controlled area learning techniques and safety before moving to the reef site. Certified divers go straight to two reef sites back-to-back. Both paths include a professional guide and all equipment.
Do I need to be certified to dive in Ocho Rios?
No. The Discover Scuba option teaches you in a controlled area first, then takes you to the reef once your divemaster confirms you're ready. If you want full certification, the three-day course is available. Certified divers can book the two-tank option directly.
Is the hotel pickup included?
Yes. Round-trip shared transfer from your Ocho Rios hotel is included in all three options.
What gear do I need to bring?
You don't need to bring anything. The center provides all scuba diving equipment. Wetsuits can be rented at the site if you want one.
How long does a diving day take?
Plan for three hours from pickup to return, including the safety orientation, controlled-area training (if uncertified), and both dive sites.
Scuba Diving in Ocho Rios: Certified & Beginner Options
3h · at your hotel
from US$ 330 per person
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