Learn to Scuba Dive in Vancouver | Get PADI Certified with the Top Rated Dive School in BC

Why Choose Diving Sports Canada for Your PADI Certification?

Diving Sports Canada is the premier choice for beginner scuba diving certification in Vancouver. Unlike other dive shops, we emphasize small class sizes, allowing us to provide personalized, high quality instruction for every student. Our experienced and professional instructors are dedicated to ensuring you not only pass the course but also master the essential scuba skills to dive safely and confidently in both local cold water environments and tropical waters. Based in Vancouver, BC, we specialize in cold water diving, providing you with an unmatched opportunity to experience local marine life and dive conditions. With state of the art training facilities, top tier rental gear, and a welcoming diving community, you’ll gain more than just a certification you’ll embark on a lifelong adventure of scuba exploration.

Register now for your Scuba Diving lessons and learn how to scuba dive in Vancouver. Our PADI Open Water Diver course is the gateway to a life changing experience. Get your scuba diving certification and start exploring the vibrant diving culture in Vancouver, Whyte Cliff Park, and tropical destinations worldwide.

Prerequisites for the Open Water Training

• Ability to swim 200m non stop, any style, untimed
• Ability to tread water or float for 10 minutes non stop
• Medical form filled out and approved by a physician (if applicable). Review the Medical HERE
• Personal Mask, Snorkel, and gloves are required for the course
• All eLearning course material must be completed before the start of the course

All prerequisites must be met before training begins, otherwise, students may need to reschedule. Please review our Rescheduling Policy HERE.

What is Included in the Course

• Open Water eLearning course material.
• 1 Evening classroom session for orientation, equipment fitting, and knowledge review.
• 2 Full day confined water pool training sessions (4 hours per day) the weekend prior to ocean dives.
• 2 full training days in the ocean (2 dives per day) at the renowned Whyte Cliff Park dive site.
• Transportation between pool and ocean locations.
• Certification fees after course completion.
• All necessary scuba rental equipment: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, drysuit, dive computer, etc. (except mask, snorkel, and gloves).
• Digital certification card upon completion (physical card available for an additional fee).

What is Not Included

• Mask, snorkel, and neoprene gloves (students are required to own these items).
• Undergarment layers for drysuit training.
• Drysuit Certification. **See details below**.
• Additional pool or ocean training (available for an extra fee). See our rates for private training.

Get started today and learn how to dive in Vancouver with the expert instructors at Diving Sports. The PADI Open Water course opens the door to an exciting underwater adventure. Obtain your Scuba Diving Certification and explore some of the most unique local dive sites like Whyte Cliff Park and tropical destinations around the world. Sign up for your Scuba Diving Course now!

Course Description

To enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course, you must be 12 years or older. Students are required to demonstrate the ability to swim 200 meters without stopping and tread water for 10 minutes before any SCUBA training. Throughout the course, you will learn key skills to plan and execute dives without a Divemaster or Instructor. Upon completion, you will receive your PADI Open Water certification, allowing you to dive up to 60 feet anywhere in the world.

The Open Water course includes three main components:

• 1. eLearning/Knowledge Development: Complete all online theory sections and pass the final exam before the pool sessions. On the first evening, we provide a full orientation, equipment fitting, and theory review.
• 2. Confined Water Sessions: We spend 8 hours in the pool to ensure you master the necessary skills before moving to ocean dives. Additional sessions can be arranged if needed. Drysuit training is included.
• 3. Ocean Dives: After mastering the skills in the pool, you will complete 4 ocean dives (2 per day) at Whyte Cliff Park. Attendance on both Saturday and Sunday is required.

What You Will Learn

At Diving Sports, you'll learn to safely use SCUBA equipment and plan your dives. After completing the Open Water course, you and your buddy will be certified to dive independently. All our training dives are done in cold water conditions, and we include drysuit training to help you dive safely in Vancouver's cooler waters. Students will receive dry gloves as part of their course. Please note that this is not a full drysuit certification.

For full drysuit certification, we offer the Drysuit Specialty Course for an additional $300. You’ll complete an ocean dive with an instructor at Whyte Cliff Park to earn your drysuit certification. More details can be found on our Drysuit Specialty page.

Class and Pool Only Option

If you plan to complete your ocean dives in tropical waters or on vacation, our Open Water Referral Program is the perfect choice. Complete all academic and pool training first, then finish your ocean dives later. Rental gear is provided for pool training (except for mask and snorkel) to experience high quality equipment without additional cost.

Before signing up, please review the Diver Medical Form to ensure you are cleared to dive.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment

At Diving Sports, we prioritize your safety while ensuring a fun, unforgettable diving experience. Our instructors are trained in first aid and oxygen delivery, and our dive guides are experts in cold water diving. We ensure that all dives include first aid kits and DAN oxygen kits. Dive plans may change based on weather conditions or the group's experience level, ensuring your safety and enjoyment at all times.