PADI Open Water Diver Course

E-learning: Knowledge development sessions cover the following:

• Theory sessions on a digital platform in preparation for your course.
• When you come to the Dive School for diving, we’ll revise what you’ve learned online.
• Day 1: Confined dive (Pool session). We spend the day in the swimming pool at the Two Oceans Aquarium, teaching you how to use the equipment and diving skills that have been covered in the e-learning components.
• Day 2: Open Water Dives 1 & 2. Your first ocean-like dives! We do two dives in the Aquarium’s I&J Ocean Exhibit, practising what you’ve learned in the pool.
• Day 3: Open Water Dives 3 & 4. We will do two shore-entry dives in the False Bay/Simon’s Town area, honing your diving skills and finalising your certification. Transport to these dive sites is not included.
  

To do the PADI Open Water Diver course, you need to be reasonably healthy. In addition to completing the downloadable health questionnaire, you will also need to be relatively fit and able to swim.

Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.

All you need to bring along is a swimsuit, a reusable water bottle, and a towel.

We provide everything you will need on the day, including all gear, study materials, and hot showers. 

Transport to the shore-entry dive sites is not included.

Please arrive at the Two Oceans Aquarium 15 minutes before your scheduled diving slot. You may report to our Visitor Centre just inside the main entrance and the Dive School team will meet you.

A PADI Open Water Diver qualification allows you to dive recreationally to depths of 18 metres. PADI is the largest diver rating agency in the world, with a global network of thousands of certified instructors, guides and resorts – so a PADI Open Water Diver card will allow you to confidently hire equipment, and book diving experiences almost anywhere in the world.

Your PADI Open Water Diver qualification will last a lifetime if you use your skills regularly. If you ever want to improve your ability or learn new skills, you’ll be able to take the next step in your scuba diving career – PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Dive Centre and your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town.

PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. As a certified PADI Dive Centre, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School meets all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.

Please read our terms and conditions and make sure you are eligible to dive before making your dive booking:

In line with recognised diving practice, dives may not occur if divers are to FLY less than 12 hours after the dive time (or 24 hours for the PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water courses). Please do not book if you are not sure about the exact time of your flight, especially if it is within 24 hours after your dive. This will result in forfeiting the entire dive fee.

Failing to produce your official dive qualification (eg. dive card) on the day of the dive, your dive will be cancelled and you will be liable for the full amount. We can only check your dive qualification online if you are PADI or SSI certified.

Do not book if you are not sure about your dive qualification, as this will result in forfeiting the entire dive fee. If unsure, please contact us at dive@aquarium.co.za to ensure you book the right experience for your qualification level.

If you have a valid dive qualification but have not dived for over 6 months you will be required to complete a refresher course on the day of your dive. This will be done at the Aquarium.

For safety reasons, divers must be at least 10 years old to dive in our exhibits.

Divers under 18 must have their indemnity form signed by their legal guardian. If the legal guardian will not be present on the day of the dive, they must request a copy of the indemnity form at the time of booking the dive so that it is signed in advance of the dive.

The Aquarium entrance fee is included in the rate for the diver/s on the day/s of their dive/s.

Cancellation policy

Should you cancel your dive 24 hours before the dive time, 90% of the fee will be refunded. Please be advised that the refund process may take 5 to 10 working days.

If you cancel your dive on the dive day, you will forfeit the entire dive fee. No refund will be given unless it’s due to medical reasons and you can provide proof, e.g. a medical certificate.

Should you wish to postpone your dive for another day, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. If you postpone on the day of the dive, you will be charged a penalty fee of 50% of the dive fee. If the reason to postpone is medical and happened on the day of the dive, there will be no penalty fee provided you have proof, e.g. medical certificate or letter from the doctor.

Should you wish to cancel the dive upon successful completion of the Discover Scuba Dive course, a penalty fee of 50% will be charged.