## How Much Does It Cost to Get Scuba Diving Certified?
Scuba diving is an amazing and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive to get certified. The cost of scuba diving certification can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of certification you want, the location of the course, and the equipment you need.
### Types of Scuba Diving Certifications
There are three main types of scuba diving certifications:
Open Water Diver: This is the most basic scuba diving certification and it allows you to dive to a depth of 60 feet. The cost of an Open Water Diver certification typically ranges from $300 to $500.
Advanced Open Water Diver: This certification allows you to dive to a depth of 100 feet and it includes training in a variety of diving skills, such as deep diving, night diving, and wreck diving. The cost of an Advanced Open Water Diver certification typically ranges from $400 to $600.
Master Scuba Diver: This is the highest level of scuba diving certification and it allows you to dive to a depth of 130 feet. The cost of a Master Scuba Diver certification typically ranges from $500 to $700.
### Location of the Course
The location of the scuba diving course can also affect the cost. Courses in popular tourist destinations, such as the Caribbean or Hawaii, are typically more expensive than courses in less popular destinations, such as Mexico or Thailand.
### Equipment
The type of equipment you need will also affect the cost of scuba diving certification. If you need to purchase all of your own equipment, the cost can be significant. However, most dive shops offer rental equipment, which can help to reduce the cost.
## Total Cost
The total cost of scuba diving certification can vary depending on the factors listed above. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for an Open Water Diver certification, between $600 and $1,200 for an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, and between $700 and $1,400 for a Master Scuba Diver certification.
## Financing Options
If you don’t have the money to pay for scuba diving certification upfront, there are a number of financing options available. Many dive shops offer payment plans that can help you spread out the cost of your certification. You can also get a loan from a bank or credit union.
## Conclusion
Scuba diving is an amazing experience, but it can be expensive to get certified. However, there are a number of ways to reduce the cost, such as taking a course in a less popular destination or renting equipment. If you’re interested in scuba diving, don’t let the cost deter you. There are a number of ways to make it affordable.
## Additional Tips for Saving Money on Scuba Diving Certification
Shop around: Get quotes from multiple dive shops before making a decision.
Take advantage of discounts: Many dive shops offer discounts for groups or for multiple certifications.
Use rental equipment: Renting equipment can save you a significant amount of money.
Take a course online: Online scuba diving courses can be less expensive than traditional courses.
Get certified in a less popular destination: Courses in popular tourist destinations are typically more expensive than courses in less popular destinations.