PADI Open Water Diver Course on Bonaire

Become a confident PADI Open Water Diver in just 2 to 3 days!

Quick details about how we teach you the PADI Open Water Diver Course:

  • Small groups only - no more than 4 divers per instructor

  • Complete your PADI eLearning at home - dive straight into in-water training when you arrive on Bonaire

  • Finish your PADI Open Water course in only 2 to 3 days

  • Price per person is 589 usd - price includes PADI eLearning, all in-water training and needed dive equipment

Should you join the PADI Open Water Course?

Becoming a PADI Open Water Diver on Bonaire might be a dream you've held onto for a while! If you've never done a try dive, it’s natural to wonder what it’s like underwater. Many people ask themselves:

  • Do I have what it takes to pass the course and become a diver?

  • How does ear equalization work?

  • Will I enjoy the underwater world?

  • How will I react?

  • What skills will I need to practice?

  • What if I feel stressed?

These questions are completely normal—we asked them ourselves when we first started! Bonaire, with its calm waters, is one of the best places to learn to dive. It’s a fun, unforgettable experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you. So, yes: you should join the Open Water course!

Stingray seen on Bonaire during a scuba dive

Dreaming of learning how to scuba dive on Bonaire?

Here’s how to get certified:

STEP 1:

Download the dive medical and check if you are fit to dive. Plus, you need to be at least 10 years old.

STEP 2:

Get in touch to book your PADI Open Water Course with us. We’ll send you an eLearning code and get started right at home! Learn the basics—equipment setup, underwater communication, and safety—so you’re ready for in-water training as soon as you arrive on Bonaire..

eLearning duration: 5 - 10 study hours

STEP 3:

In-water training is the highlight of your PADI Open Water Course. With an instructor by your side, you’ll dive at Something Special, a calm, beginner-friendly site nearby. Progress at a comfortable pace as your instructor demonstrates each skill and guides you through each step. You’ll build confidence, master your gear, and surprise yourself with all you can achieve!

training hours: 8.00 - 17.00

STEP 4:

TIME TO CELEBRATE! After 9 training dives over 2-3 days, you’re now a confident, certified diver who can:

  • Plan safe dives with buddies

  • Dive at a relaxed pace, and is more than ready for future adventures!

  • Handle minor underwater inconveniences

two certified PADI open water divers in the ocean on Bonaire
a man and a women carrying dive equipment ready for their PADI Open Water Diver Course on Bonaire

Thoughts of our certified PADI Open Water Divers

  • "Recently, I completed my PADI Open Water course, and I can’t speak highly enough of Savannah Schultz as an instructor. From the very start, her professionalism and competence were evident, immediately putting me at ease. Savannah is not only highly skilled, but also incredibly patient and understanding. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and was always willing to go over things again if needed."

    Alexandra, September 2024

  • "Scuba Elite one of the best Scuba experiences you can get! Now seriously, I went to the island of Bonaire with the thought of learning to scuba dive and get my PADI OW and see how it goes. Normally I don’t really like being in the water. I went to Scuba Elite and joined them in the classroom. They have a professional team of qualified(PADI) instructors and they explain everything very well. They teached me how to scuba dive and I got certificated. Also because of them, the cosines, hospitality, fun environment with a joke here and there and sometimes some encouragement made me also book mij AOW, nitrox and lion fish hunting speciality! They are good in what they do. "

    Damien, July 2024

  • "Scuba Elite is the best dive shop in Bonaire. Just returned from a week long trip. Dove with them almost every day of the trip, completing Open Water Certification dives, as well as a variety of specialty dives. Pascal, Melina and Niels are all excellent instructors/guides, as well as great people. Dive groups were kept reasonably sized (3-4 divers per dive) making for a very personal experience. This shop’s knowledge of diving as well as expertise of the island makes for an excellent service overall. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a great dive shop with wonderful people, this is the shop to dive through. If you are going to dive in Bonaire, use Scuba Elite. I am already planning a return visit within a year and I will definitely only be diving with Scuba Elite."

    Justin, December 2023

  • "Great first time diving experience! They take the time for you and you receive a clear briefing in advance. You will be well guided under water. Highly recommended for a beginner!”

    Yvette, June 2023

  • “Had a really great experience at Scuba Elite. If I could give more stars I would. This is the place for you as an experienced diver who wants to learn something new or as a beginner who wants to be introduced to this wonderful hobby.”

    Tyson, May 2023

  • "Scuba Elite is a warm, professional and beautiful place to learn how to scuba dive. Pascal's professional manner was very evident at the beginning of our conversations over email. He dotted every i and crossed all of his t's. I was very impressed when I arrived to my first day of class and I was the only student. I had an amazing experience with Pascal and I would highly recommend this dive shop!"

    Doralene, March 2023

  • “Professional and very pleasant experience with the diving school. Upon arrival you will be warmly welcomed and you will be supported throughout. Would go back for another dive course! Highly recommended.”

    Tess, January 2023

Get in touch with us

Ready to join the world of diving?

Send us a message to learn more about your personal scuba diving journey. Usually we respond within 12 hours.

We’re looking forward to share the underwater world with you and blow some bubbles!

If you aren’t ready for a full certification course, maybe a Discover Scuba Diving is the perfect fit for you! Certified Diver? See if the Advanced Diver Course or any other Specialty Course fits your needs.

Get access to our newest guidebook:
How-to become PADI Open Water certified in Bonaire

A quick preview what’s inside the guidebook. All your need-to-know information in a PDF. It also includes answers to FAQs about the course.