Have you always dreamed of exploring coral reefs, swimming alongside turtles, or diving historic wrecks? Scuba diving opens up a world of wonder — and getting certified is your first step.

At Bluewater Travel, we don’t just help you book epic dive trips — we help you begin your scuba journey with expert guidance, top-notch training recommendations, and access to the world’s best beginner-friendly destinations.

Why Get Scuba Certified?

Scuba certification is your passport to the underwater world. It allows you to:

• Dive safely anywhere in the world with a recognised qualification (e.g. PADI, SSI).
• Rent dive gear and join guided dives at most dive shops globally.
• Explore marine life up close, from vibrant reefs to majestic pelagics.
• Join liveaboards and dive resorts, unlocking experiences few ever have.

Most beginner divers start with the Open Water Diver course, which typically takes 3–4 days.

How to Get Certified

1. Start at Home, Finish Abroad

Do the theory and pool sessions at home, then complete your open water dives in paradise. Many of our travellers choose this option to maximise their vacation time.

2. Complete the Full Course on Location

Prefer to do it all on holiday? Many of our partner dive resorts and liveaboards offer full Open Water certification — with expert instructors, calm conditions, and stunning reefs right on your doorstep.

Best Beginner Dive Destinations

Not all dive locations are suitable for new divers — but we know the best. Here are some favourites for getting certified:

• Bonaire – Easy shore diving, calm conditions, great instructors.
• Cozumel, Mexico – Clear visibility, gentle drift dives, affordable packages.
• Philippines – Warm water, colourful reefs, great value.
• Thailand – Ideal for budget travellers; many shops offer full certification packages.
• Hawaii or Florida – Great for Americans wanting to train close to home.

Looking for something more remote or luxurious? Ask our expert team.

Why Learn to Dive with Bluewater Travel?

Unlike general travel agents, we’re dive travel specialists. Here's what makes us different:

• We’ve dived everywhere we recommend
• We work with only vetted dive operators and instructors
• We help you pick the right location, training style, and season
• We’ll plan your full trip — diving, flights, accommodation, and more
• Our service is completely free

Whether you're a nervous first-timer or ready to take the plunge, our team will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Dive In?

Fill out the form below or email us, and one of our dive travel experts will help you choose the perfect certification experience.

Start your dive adventure today — the ocean is waiting.

Solo dive travel has many benefits, including flexibility, independence, personal growth, and meeting new people. However, divers traveling solo often face a difficult choice: to pay a substantial single supplement or share their rooms/cabins with strangers. As seasoned divers with plenty of experience traveling solo, the experts at Bluewater Travel have put together a guide of liveaboards and dive resorts with single-friendly policies.