Like many things in life, it depends!
In general, most private Open Water certification can be completed for about $900 - $1,200. This includes all e-learning materials, a full day of training in a pool, plus 2 days of open water dives in the ocean or large body of water, and necessary rental equipment. We can tailor the dive experience to meet your budget
Scuba quality mask
Snorkel
Fins
You'll need to purchase:
Get any scuba-quality mask that is comfortable and seals well against your face. Hold them to your face
without the strap and try on several. I like a black skirt rather than a clear skirt for better vision
(like wearing a hat to reduce sun glare).
You'll need to clean the lens with an abrasive (not gel)
toothpaste or inexpensive mask scrub product before you use it.
Don't spend much money on a snorkel since you won't use it very much while diving. You don't want anything fancy or self-sealing/'stays dry.' Most have a purge valve on the bottom which makes it easier to clear water from the snorkel.
2 main styles: Open heel with a heel strap, and full-foot. Full-foot fins are typically
ligher weight,
and usually don't give you as much propulsion, and you can't wear booties with them in colder water, so I
recommend open heel fins with booties for scuba diving. Fins with spring straps or bungee
straps are
easier to get on/off and last longer than ones with a traditional strap and buckle.
Fins also come in 'split fin' and traditional/paddle styles. The split fins claim they are easier to kick
and more efficient, but I prefer that traditional style for better power in currents and better control.
Note: my personal favorite fins are the Apeks RK3s.
Good quality brands for these gear that I like include Scubapro, Aqualung, Mares, Apeks, Fourth
Element,
Dive Rite, Cressi, Tusa, Hollis, Oceanic, Atomic, and Halcyon (among others).
A mesh backpack makes it easy to carry your gear and dunk the whole thing in a rinse tank after diving. My favorite is the Stahlsac line which also have a waterproof compartment and they hold a lot.
Optional Equipment:
A 3mm thick full wetsuit is usually sufficient for all but the coldest months in Fort Lauderdale. In
late summer, when water temperatures are in the mid 80s, just a bathing suit and rash-guard long sleeve
top are comfortable for most people.
We will provide wetsuits as part of the course fee, but if you're going to dive often, it's nice to have
your own suit that fits you perfectly and has never been peed in (by anyone but you).
I will show you a few options during the class, as well as how to use them. I recommend buying one, but not before the class.
In full transparency, diving is not an inexpensive sport, but it is comparable to activities like snow skiing, golfing, or even visiting a Florida Theme Park.
The specific costs will depend on factors such as the size of your party and where we choose to dive. We'll build a package to meet your needs.
Note that some dive shops will offer a low teaser price that is literally too good to be true, and doesn't include all of the costs you will actually pay to complete your certification. They may also offer a low price by combining a large group of strangers together. We will guarantee a full/comprehensive price upfront.
FTL Scuba Diving