How to Scuba Dive: Your Guide to Get Started

Are you looking for information on how to scuba dive? Look, I’m going to show you how to turn all that online research into the adventure of your life.

I know you’re picturing yourself floating underwater, surrounded by colorful fish and reefs that look like something out of another world. But there’s one question that’s probably running through your mind: How to scuba dive? Or, to put it another way, where on earth do I start?

Don’t worry, take a deep breath, because we’re about to clear up all those doubts. What gear will you need? How much time will it take? What if you don’t swim like Michael Phelps? We’re going to handle that uncertainty and give you a step-by-step guide to stop reading about how to scuba dive and actually live it.

But I’ll give you a little preview: scuba diving isn’t that complicated, and you don’t need to be an athlete or break the bank. Ready to dive in? I promise by the end of this article, you’ll be one step closer to your first dive!

1. Why Should You Learn How to Scuba Dive?

Because it connects you with nature in a way you’ve never imagined before.

Because it brings adventure into your life, it will make you feel alive, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

For yourself. Scuba diving will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and make you feel more confident and capable.

Everything is silent except for the gentle sound of your breath as you float, relaxed. You look around, and there they are: vibrant corals, colorful fish, and the sensation that you’ve traveled to another planet without a rocket. That, my friend, is what you’ll be able to experience once you learn how to scuba dive.

Interested? Great! We’ve written a VERY special article for the readers of this blog. Let’s take a closer look at Alex’s real-life story, who went from being a blog reader to spending his entire vacation dedicated to scuba diving.

Want to know how? Keep reading!

Learning how to scuba dive will change your perspective on the underwater world. From the first moment you submerge yourself, you’ll feel the thrill of exploration and the beauty of the sea.

By understanding how to scuba dive, you’ll unlock an entire world of possibilities beneath the surface. So, what are you waiting for? The ocean is calling.

2. How to Scuba Dive? Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Alex had always dreamed of exploring the underwater world. Since he was a child, he watched marine life documentaries and thought, “What’s it like to be there, among the fish and corals?” But, like many, he had doubts: “Am I too old? What if I’m not fit enough? Will it be too complicated?”

Okay, you’re probably feeling the same way.

Before you dive in like a fish, there are a few basic requirements to meet. No, you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete or have gills. But there are some key things you should know:
First, the minimum age. Here’s the deal: if you’re over 10 years old (and yes, that includes adults of any age), you’re good to go. That’s the quick answer to the question “how old do you have to be to scuba dive” or “what’s the minimum age to start scuba diving.”

Worried it might be too late to start? Don’t stress, it’s never too late to discover this new world. At Dressel Divers, we have divers in their 80s who return every year to dive in the Caribbean. And trust me, your body doesn’t suffer when you’re floating weightlessly.

Next, your health. Scuba diving doesn’t require marathon-level fitness, but it’s important to make sure your lungs, ears, and heart are in good shape. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a doctor to figure this out—just a quick check-up with a diving medical questionnaire is all you need in principle.

Is that it? Well, not exactly.

Imagine you want to drive a car—a Mercedes-Benz® to make a good comparison with scuba diving: you need a license, right? Well, the same applies to scuba diving. It’s not enough to know how to scuba dive in theory—you need to learn the proper skills to dive safely.

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to start your adventure. Whether you want to learn how to scuba dive for the first time or refine your diving skills, it’s time to take that first step. With Dressel Divers, you’re in good hands every step of the way.

3. How to Get Your Scuba Diving Certification and Become an Official Diver

Alex knew that if he wanted to dive for real, he needed to take the next step: get his scuba diving certification. Luckily, there’s a big difference between learning to drive and learning how to scuba dive. It’s way more fun.

Basically, a certification is like your diving license: it teaches you the basics so you can safely explore the underwater world. Alex started with the most popular beginner level, Open Water Diver, and looked at two certifying agencies: PADI, the most famous one, and SDI, which offers a similar experience but with a more flexible and personalized touch.

Both certifications include a bit of theory, practice in confined waters (like a pool), and several open-water dives. It’s all you need to go from novice to certified diver.

CAUTION! Knowing how to scuba dive and obtaining your diving certification isn’t just a goal; it’s the start of a life-changing journey.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Learn to Dive?

Alex was excited about his certification, but there was one question on his mind: “How much does it cost to learn to scuba dive? Is this something only movie stars and oil tycoons do, or can I do it too?” Spoiler alert: No, you don’t need to sell a kidney to dive into this world.

The cost of learning to scuba dive varies from one agency to another and even from one location to another. For a beginner course like Open Water Diver, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $700 USD in 2024. Why the price difference? It depends on several factors:

• Location. Learning to dive in a city like New York can cost a bit more than doing it in a tropical destination.
  • Equipment. Some dive centers include all the necessary gear in the price, while others charge for renting equipment.
  • Instructor. Quality training with experienced instructors is worth every penny.

Alex opted for a package that included everything: elearning course, 5 pool sessions, 4 boat dives in open water, and full equipment use with Dressel Divers.
The result? Happiness. Because, even if you ask yourself, “How much does scuba diving cost?”, the real question is: How much is fulfilling a dream worth?

Do the math, find a course that suits you, and get ready to start your underwater adventure! Because every dollar is worth it when you’re living the dream of learning how to scuba dive.

5. How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Scuba Dive?

When Alex decided to learn how to scuba dive, his next question was: “Okay, but how long will this take? Weeks? Months? Years?” The answer surprised him: You can be ready in just 2 to 3 days!

The process is simple and exciting:

1. Theory: You’ll learn the basics about the gear, underwater communication, and safety rules. You can do this online at your own pace or in a classroom, and it won’t take more than a few hours (5-10 hours).
2. Confined Water Practice: This is where you put on the gear for the first time and learn how to breathe underwater. All in a controlled environment, like a pool. Typically, it’s 5 pool sessions. Since you’re on vacation, you probably won’t want to do them all at once, so you can spread it out over several days.
3. Open Water Dives: Finally, you’ll do 4 dives in the ocean or a lake. This takes another couple of days, and this is when you’ll truly feel like a diver.

So, if you’ve ever wondered, “How long will it take to learn how to scuba dive?”, now you know: in less than a week, you could be exploring the ocean floor just like Alex. The real question becomes, “How long will it take me to scuba dive like a pro?”

6. How to Scuba Dive Safely: Essential Tips for Beginners

When Alex started diving regularly, he quickly realized that safety was the key to enjoying it worry-free. So, if you’re wondering how to scuba dive as safe as possible, here are the basic rules that helped him overcome his fears and feel like a fish in water:

1. Breathe Like a Zen Master. The key is to breathe slowly and deeply. This not only helps save air but also keeps you calm and improves buoyancy control. Never hold your breath—especially when a giant manta ray swims right in front of you!
2. Master Your Buoyancy and Position. Maintaining a horizontal position (or neutral trim) and controlling buoyancy is essential for moving smoothly and protecting the underwater environment. Practice these skills in confined waters before heading into the open sea.
3. Be a Reliable Dive Buddy. Scuba diving is never a solo activity. Your buddy has your back, and you have theirs. Learn to communicate and work as a team to handle any unexpected situations together.
4. Understand Your Environment. Stay aware of your surroundings: observe what’s around you, assess risks, and make smart decisions. This reduces mistakes and helps you react promptly if any issues arise.

With these rules in mind, Alex not only learned how to scuba dive correctly but also gained the confidence to explore the vast underwater world. So, if you’re asking yourself how to enjoy this sport in safest manner, start with these simple steps.

7. Next Steps: Advanced Certifications and How to Become a Scuba Diving Instructor

You’re already a certified diver, and little by little, you’ve gained the experience to know how to scuba dive better and safer. Congratulations! So, what’s next?

Alex, who once had doubts about how to get certified in diving, now that he has, wants more. He’s discovered that the world of diving has no limits. His new goal? Become an instructor and help others discover the ocean.

Here’s how to get there:

• Advanced Certifications. After the basic course, the next step is the Advanced Open Water Diver course, where you’ll refine skills like deep diving or underwater navigation. You can also add specialties like underwater photography or wreck diving.
• First Aid. Being an instructor means being prepared for emergencies. You’ll need to complete the Rescue Diver course and the Emergency First Response (EFR) course.
• Divemaster. This is the first professional level. As a Divemaster, you can lead dives and assist instructors during courses. It’s the key step if you want to know how to become a scuba diving instructor.
• Scuba Diving Instructor. Finally, you’ll need to complete the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and pass the required exams. This is where casual divers become passionate professionals.

Alex already sees his future: teaching others, living by the sea, and turning his passion into a career. If you dream of this too, start with a simple step: find out how to become a scuba diving instructor and map out your path. The ocean always has room for those eager to be inspired. Interested in learning how to become a scuba diving instructor for free? Check out our internship program.

8.FAQs: How to Scuba Dive with Dressel Divers

What diving courses are available for beginners who want to learn how to scuba dive?

If you have no prior diving experience, you have several options to start your adventure.

• The most popular course is Open Water Diver, which certifies you as an independent diver and allows you to dive anywhere in the world with a buddy. This certification is valid for life.
• Another option is the Scuba Diver course, which also gives you a certification but only allows you to dive under the supervision of a Divemaster or professional diver. This option lets you explore the underwater world at shallower depths.
• If you’re not ready to get certified yet, you can try the Discover Scuba Diver (DSD) course, which allows you to experience diving for the first time, learning the basics and doing a dive under the supervision of an instructor. This course doesn’t give you a certification but is a great way to get a taste of the diving world.

Which agencies will teach me how to scuba dive if I book with Dressel Divers?

When you get your recreational diving certification with Dressel Divers, we mainly certify through SDI and PADI.

Which Dressel Divers bases offer Open Water or Advanced Open Water certifications?

You can get both certifications at all Dressel Divers bases, whether in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Vallarta, Bayahibe, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, or Mallorca. We’re present in all four countries where we operate, so no matter which diving destination you choose, you can get certified with us without any issues.

What is the minimum age to learn how to scuba dive?

The minimum age for Jr Open Water Diver, Jr Scuba Diver, and Discover Scuba Diver courses is 10 years old. However, for younger children, the Bubblemaker program is available for kids starting at 8 years old, letting them enjoy the experience of diving in shallow waters.

Is it necessary to know how to swim to learn how to scuba dive?

Yes, being able to swim is a requirement for getting the Open Water Diver certification. Candidates need to pass a swim test consisting of swimming 200 meters and floating for 10 minutes in the pool without diving equipment.

Is diving equipment provided during the course, or do I need to buy or rent it?

For the Open Water Diver, Jr Open Water Diver, Scuba Diver, Jr Scuba Diver, Referral, and Discover Scuba Diver (DSD) courses, diving equipment use is included. Just bring your enthusiasm and readiness to learn how to scuba dive!

How much time should I wait between different levels of scuba certification?

There’s no need to wait between certifications. You can obtain one after another as long as you meet the requirements in terms of the number of dives and age.

Is it possible to take different level diving courses at different tourist destinations?

Of course! You can take your course wherever you like. You can even complete part of the course at one dive center and finish it at another (Referral), giving you the flexibility to learn how to scuba dive in exotic locations.

Can I learn how to scuba dive online?

With Dressel Divers, you have both options. You can choose the modality that best suits you, with the theoretical part of the course available online, while the dives must be completed in person to ensure you learn how to scuba dive safely and practically.

Want to learn how to scuba dive while having unforgettable experiences? Ready to dive in? What are you waiting for? Write to us now!