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Seventy one percent of the earth's surface is covered in water, so it is not surprising people want to explore more below the surface. While snorkeling helps you take a peek below the waters, if you want to go deeper, you’ll have to go scuba diving. But you can’t just waltz into the ocean and start diving! In fact, to go diving you must get PADI certified first. But if you have to take classes first, you might as well do them in a stunning location! Today we’re uncovering the best places to learn how to scuba dive and get your certifications in. Let’s take a look!
What Is PADI Certification?
PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and offers certification courses for beginners to advanced scuba divers. With a range of certification levels available, they will ensure you are qualified to dive in the deep blue seas with ease. Start with your Junior PADI certification and work your way up to Dive Master. So with tons of places available to learn how to scuba dive, where should you go? We uncovered the best places around the world for you to get your PADI certifications in.
Where To Go
Swim in clear blue waters amongst fish and sharks while scuba diving. Of course, when you first start learning how to dive, you will begin in a swimming pool. But once you graduate to open waters, you’ll want to be in the perfect location. So here’s where to go…
Koh Tao, Thailand
If you’re traveling on a budget but want to learn how to scuba dive, Koh Tao, Thailand is the place for you! Marvel over the stunning coral reefs and search for whale sharks in stunning clear blue waters.
Marsa Alam, Egypt
When thinking about scuba diving, Egypt might not be the first place to pop into your head. But the Red Sea is the perfect place to go diving in undisturbed reefs. Keep an eye out for sharks, turtles and sea cows while learning to dive here!
Pro Tip: Make sure you stay healthy while scuba diving by having all of these medications on hand in your suitcase!
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are arguably the best place in the world to view unique wildlife. Learning to scuba dive in the Galapagos Islands is sure to be an experience you won’t forget!
Andros Island, Bahamas
This island is smaller than others and less touristy than the other big islands. For beginner scuba divers, this island offers the perfect warm, shallow waters to learn how to scuba in.
Boracay, Philippines
This small island south of Manila is coated in white sand beaches and surrounded by crystal clear waters. With tons of unique fish, eels and stingrays to spot, Boracay is the perfect place to start your scuba experience in.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Arguably one of the most famous diving spots in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect place to learn how to scuba dive. See fish and coral reefs like no other in this famous area. Global warming and human damage has had a great impact on the Great Barrier Reef, so give back to the waters you swim in and book your scuba certification classes with a program that supports conservation of the reef.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ambergris Caye is located right in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef making it perfect for sailing, fishing and of course scuba diving. Temperatures in the waters are so warm here many scuba divers don’t even wear full scuba suits.
Pro Tip: Want to go on a solo scuba adventure? We uncovered the Safest Places For Female Solo Travelers to travel to.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Scuba Certified
Getting scuba diving certifications aren’t cheap, but once you have them you won’t regret your investment. To get your PADI certification, expect to pay between $350-$550 USD. Prices will vary depending on the country you choose to get certified in. Keep in mind this cost just covers the scuba certification. You will also have to also pay for accommodation and meals plus any other expenses you may have while getting certified.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to go find Nemo, learning how to scuba dive is a must. With almost three fourths of the world covered in water, the possibilities for adventures are endless! So where will you scuba first?
Are you scuba certified? Tell us where you learned in the comments!
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