PADI Open Water Diving in Kota Kinabalu: 3-Day Course

You earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification in three days, not weeks.

A three-day PADI Open Water Diver course in Kota Kinabalu with classroom theory, confined-water training near Sapi Island, and open-water certification dives. Small groups of up to four students per instructor. All scuba equipment, lunch and drinking water included. The dive center sits a two-minute walk from the jetty, with guides speaking English, Chinese and Malay.

The experience

The course splits across three days: theory in the classroom on day one (10 AM to 3:45 PM), then two days of practical training in the water. Day two takes you by boat to a confined-water area near Sapi Island, about 15 minutes from the city jetty, where you complete your first two open-water dives under your instructor's eye. Day three finishes with two more dives and the final exam. Once you pass, your instructor certifies you on the spot, and your PADI Diver ID arrives through the PADI system within days.

The dive center is run by full-time PADI instructors who hold professional teaching licenses and work only with small groups: never more than four students to one instructor. You use original PADI manuals and theory DVDs throughout, and all equipment is provided. The center sits close to the jetty with ATM machines, restaurants, hotels and a pharmacy within walking distance, so logistics don't eat into your time.

Lunch is cooked fresh and served fresh at the island restaurant during the diving days. Bottled drinking water comes with you on the boat. The instructors speak English, Chinese and Malay, so language is not a barrier.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment.
• bottled drinking water (500ml) on the boat during dives.
• fresh lunch at the island restaurant.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (15 to 65 years) · Youth (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, Chinese and Malay

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “On the first day of the course, meet at 10:00 AM. Meeting point will be in Go Aquatic dive center. The nearest landmark is Gaya Center Hotel, Suria Sabah shopping mall and Wisma Merdeka shopping mall.”

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Go Aquatic

Is this one for you?The three-day format means you earn your certification without taking a week off. If you have a free afternoon and want to start diving, book the course and commit the next two full days to the water and the classroom.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

28 verified traveler reviews

5 ★26

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Malay.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 14 years). Under 10: they 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 happens on the first day of the PADI course?

Day one is classroom theory from 10 AM to 3:45 PM in the training room, where you learn the fundamentals before entering the water.

Where do the practical diving sessions take place?

The confined-water training happens near Sapi Island in a shallow area about 15 minutes by boat from the jetty in Kota Kinabalu city center. Open-water dives follow on the same location during days two and three.

How many students train with one instructor?

Groups stay at four students maximum per instructor, so you get hands-on attention throughout the course.

What scuba gear is included?

All scuba equipment is provided by the dive center, so you don't need to bring or rent your own.

When do I receive my PADI certification card?

Your instructor certifies you as a PADI Open Water Diver immediately after you pass the final exam on day three. Your official PADI Diver ID (license number) arrives through the PADI system within a few days.