Aqaba: 3-Day PADI Open Water Diving Course & Private Pickup

Summary

Learn to dive in Aqaba’s Red Sea with hands-on guidance

You’ll train with experienced instructors in Aqaba, learning scuba basics in both shallow waters and open sea dives. Expect hands-on guidance, private pickup each day, all scuba equipment provided, plus relaxed moments with local guides between sessions. You’ll leave knowing you’ve earned your PADI certification — and maybe craving another glimpse beneath those Red Sea waves.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping into the dive center in Aqaba was the faint smell of neoprene and sea salt — not unpleasant, just sort of reassuring. Our instructor, Rana, greeted us with this easy smile and a handshake that felt like she’d done this a thousand times (she probably has). She switched between Arabic and English so smoothly; I tried to copy her accent but gave up after she laughed at my attempt. The group was a mix — a couple from Amman, one guy from Germany who kept asking about lionfish. We started with the theory part online, which honestly felt like homework until Rana started telling stories about her first dives here as Jordan’s first female instructor.

The confined water sessions were right off the beach — warm sun on our backs, wetsuits sticking a bit as we pulled them on. I remember the first breath underwater; it’s weirdly quiet except for your own bubbles. Rana kept signaling “OK?” every few minutes, and I nodded even when I wasn’t sure (I guess everyone does that at first). By day two, we were out past the shallows for our open water dives. There’s this moment when you drop below the surface and everything goes blue-green and muffled — I still think about that view sometimes. Fish darted by in these quick flashes of silver; someone pointed out a tiny octopus hiding under coral but honestly I missed it because my mask fogged up.

Lunch breaks were simple — falafel wraps eaten on plastic chairs while we dried off in the sun. The local dive guides swapped stories about shipwrecks and currents; one of them showed me how to clear my mask without panicking (took me three tries). The last day felt different — more confident maybe? We did our final open water dive together, and Rana took photos underwater (I look ridiculous but proud). After passing the course, there was this small cheer from everyone back at the center. Not dramatic or anything, just real happiness. It’s funny how quickly you get used to breathing underwater — now regular air feels almost too easy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Begin practical scuba diving course

• Complete 5 confined water dives
• Study theoretical course online or manual

Day 2 — Continue practical scuba diving course

• Perform 4 open water dives

Day 3 — Advance scuba knowledge and experience

• Practice dives with PADI instructors
• Receive dive guidance and safety tips

Top questions

Is transportation included for the diving course?

Yes, private transportation is included throughout the 3-day course.

How many dives are part of this Aqaba open water course?

The program includes 9 dives: 5 confined water sessions and 4 open water dives.

Are all scuba equipment and fees covered?

Yes, use of SCUBA equipment and all fees/taxes are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during the diving days?

No specific lunch is included but there are breaks between sessions for meals nearby.

Can beginners join this PADI open water diving course?

Yes, it’s suitable for beginners with no prior experience required.

Is this diving course accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Are underwater photos included during dives?

Yes, underwater photography is provided during your open water dives.

Is there an option for infants or children to join?

Infants can ride in a stroller/pram; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your three days include private pickup each morning from your hotel or meeting point in Aqaba, all SCUBA gear (plus snorkeling equipment if you want), full access to online or manual theory lessons before practical training starts, nine guided dives led by certified instructors (including Jordan’s first female instructor), all fees and taxes covered throughout, plus free WiFi at the dive center and underwater photos taken during your open water sessions before heading back each afternoon.