Scuba Diving for Beginners in St. Andrews: Learn Underwater

Breathe underwater for the first time in three feet of water

A beginner scuba diving lesson at St. Andrews State Park Jetties where you learn fundamental skills in shallow water with a PADI instructor, no prior experience or swimming ability required. The instructor meets you at the pavilion, covers safety basics on shore, then guides you through breathing and basic techniques in three feet of water before the dive begins. All equipment is provided, and you receive complimentary GoPro photos and videos. The activity lasts around two hours depending on group size and comfort level.

The experience

You arrive at St. Andrews State Park Jetties 15 minutes before your start time and meet your PADI instructor at the public pavilion. The instructor begins with a safety briefing on shore, walking you through the fundamentals of scuba diving: how the equipment works, how to breathe underwater, and what to do if something feels wrong. There's no swimming skill required and no certification needed. This is designed for people trying it for the first time.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, you move to the shore diving site and practice in three feet of water. The instructor stays with you the whole time, watching how you handle breathing underwater and making sure you're steady with the safety skills before the actual dive begins. How long you spend in the water depends on your group size, how comfortable you feel, and how much air you use: the instructor adjusts the pace to match where you are. All the gear you need is included: wetsuit, tank, regulator, weights, the works.

Bring a towel and a smartphone with the Quik app so you can download the GoPro photos and videos the instructor captures during your dive. You'll have those moments to keep. Arrive without foundation, makeup or sunscreen on your face. It interferes with the mask seal. You must be at least 10 years old and in reasonable physical and mental health. The operator will ask you to complete a health questionnaire the day before, since some conditions like asthma or a history of heart or back surgery can prevent diving safely.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, weights, mask and fins).
• complimentary GoPro photos and videos of your dive.
• instruction from a PADI-certified guide in English.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, from US$ 99 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (19 and older) · Child (10 to 18 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Try Diving Fun

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, so you follow the instruction and safety briefing without translation. This suits anyone trying scuba for the first time (no swimming ability, no prior experience, no certificate needed), and families with children from age 10 onward.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 18 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to swim to try scuba diving here?

No swimming skills are required. The instructor teaches you in three feet of shallow water and stays with you the entire time, so you learn breathing and basic techniques in a controlled environment before any deeper diving.

What happens during the safety briefing before I get in the water?

Your PADI instructor covers the fundamentals of scuba diving on shore: how the equipment works, how to breathe underwater, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable. This happens before you enter the water, so you know what to expect.

Will I get photos or videos of my dive?

Yes, the instructor captures complimentary GoPro photos and videos of your best moments underwater. Bring a smartphone with the Quik app installed so you can download them after the dive.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity lasts around two hours, though the exact time depends on your group size, how comfortable you feel in the water, and how much air you use. The instructor adjusts the pace to match your comfort level.

What's the minimum age to try scuba diving here?

You must be at least 10 years old. All participants complete a health questionnaire one day before the activity, since some medical conditions can prevent safe diving.

What do I need to bring besides my swimsuit?

Bring a towel, a smartphone with the Quik app to download your GoPro videos, and cash to tip your instructor. Remove any foundation, makeup or sunscreen from your face before you arrive. It can prevent a proper mask seal.