What Is the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
This course is the most popular scuba diving certification in the world, recognized internationally and trusted by dive professionals everywhere. It’s designed for beginners, with no previous experience required, and teaches you all the skills and safety protocols you need to dive confidently and independently.
The PADI Open Water Diver course takes just 5 days to complete, making it a perfect option for travelers who want to combine learning and leisure. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) with a buddy, without the need for a professional guide. Whether you plan to dive in the Red Sea, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, or anywhere else on the planet, this certification opens the door to countless new adventures.
The Difference Between Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver
If you’re short on time or not quite ready to commit to the full open water course, there’s another excellent option—the PADI Scuba Diver course. This condensed course takes only 2.5 days and provides you with a certification to dive down to 12 meters (40 feet), but only under the supervision of a diving professional.
It’s a great stepping stone, especially for those on a tighter schedule or anyone who wants a slower introduction to the sport. The great thing is, you can always upgrade later by completing the rest of the open water training. So whichever path you choose, you’re making a meaningful start to your diving journey.
What Will You Learn During the Course?
The PADI Open Water Diver course includes three main parts: theory, confined water training, and open water dives. You’ll begin by learning the foundational knowledge of scuba diving—how pressure affects your body, how to use your equipment, and how to stay safe underwater. This can be done online or in-person, depending on what fits your schedule best.
Next comes confined water training. In a calm, controlled environment, you’ll practice skills like clearing your mask, sharing air, and achieving neutral buoyancy. It’s the perfect setting to build confidence and get comfortable with the gear before heading into the open sea.
Finally, the highlight of the course: the open water dives. You’ll complete four dives at beautiful, natural dive sites, where you’ll demonstrate the skills you’ve learned and experience the magic of breathing underwater while exploring coral reefs and marine life.
Why Eilat Is the Ideal Place to Get Certified
Eilat offers one of the most ideal locations for learning to dive. The Red Sea is famous for its warm water, excellent visibility, and rich marine biodiversity. You’ll be learning in the largest coral reef in Eilat, located in the protected underwater nature reserve at Coral Beach. It’s a location that inspires both calm and wonder—perfect for beginners.
Because the conditions are stable year-round, there’s no bad time to start diving in Eilat. Whether you’re here in the heat of summer or enjoying a winter getaway, the water is always inviting, and the reefs are teeming with life.
What Makes Nautilus Red Sea Special
Choosing the right diving center can make all the difference in your diving experience, especially when you’re just starting out. At Nautilus Red Sea, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized, professional approach. We believe that diving should be both safe and fun, and we’re committed to giving each student the attention they need to succeed.
Our certified PADI instructors are not only highly experienced but also passionate about sharing the joy of diving. With small class sizes—usually no more than 2 to 5 students per instructor—we create an intimate learning environment where you can progress at your own pace and feel completely supported along the way.
We dive in spectacular locations and offer flexible scheduling to suit your needs. For those who want to capture the moment, we also provide professional underwater photography and video, giving you memories (and profile pictures!) that will last a lifetime.
A Certification That Stays with You for Life
Once you’ve completed the PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll hold a lifetime certification that’s recognized worldwide. You can rent scuba equipment, book dive trips, and explore marine environments almost anywhere. You’ll also be eligible to continue your diving education with more advanced courses like the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, or even go professional with the Divemaster program.
Even if you don’t plan to dive often, the skills and experiences you gain during this course are unforgettable. They give you a deeper appreciation for the ocean and equip you with knowledge that enhances your safety, awareness, and enjoyment of the underwater world.
Take the First Step Toward a New Adventure
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to learn how to dive, this is it. The PADI Open Water Diver course offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom, giving you the skills to dive safely and the confidence to explore the depths.
At Nautilus Red Sea in Eilat, we’re ready to guide you on your first steps into the world of scuba diving. Our expert team, stunning dive sites, and supportive environment make us the ideal place to begin this incredible journey.
So what are you waiting for? Let the adventure begin.
Contact us today to book your PADI Open Water Diver course and start exploring the underwater world with Nautilus Red Sea. We can’t wait to welcome you beneath the waves.
