While being fully equipped with a mask, fins, a big oxygen tank and more, scuba divers have the opportunity to reach the deepest of waters and make encounters with the most beautiful sea life. Who would have thought that being able to breathe underwater can be such a breathtaking experience?
But while scuba diving can give you the greatest of experiences, it also comes at a price. Yes, scuba diving is surely not a cheap hobby as you not only need to invest in proper gear but ideally also in a credible scuba certificate. In this article, we will give you a clear overview of the costs that are linked to scuba diving for you to be financially prepared for the epic journey that awaits you.
Key Takeaways:
- Is scuba diving expensive?
- How much does it cost to learn scuba diving?
- How much does scuba diving gear cost?
- What are the costs of scuba diving lessons?
- Where can you save money when scuba diving?
Is scuba diving expensive?
Anyone who has been on a scuba dive before knows that scuba diving can quickly become a costly hobby. Especially, when you are just at the beginning of it. As a starter who has never been scuba diving before, a proper scuba gear is the one thing. But you surely want to get some training too before jumping into the deep blue sea.
For that, completing a scuba certification program is a wise thing to do. Such programs teach you everything you need to know about scuba diving in both a theoretical and a practical way. But how much does it cost to learn scuba diving? Well, the certification programs which usually take 3–5 days to complete are priced anywhere between $400-$1,200.
Once you have completed your diving lessons, you are prepared for your first scuba sessions. These require you to either buy or rent the appropriate diving gear, which is usually one of the biggest cost factors. We will have a detailed look at how much you normally need to invest in a proper scuba gear later.
Next to getting your certification and scuba gear, you also need to consider the expenses for the dive itself, which is between $40 and $150 for a single-tank dive. Then, of course, how much you pay also depends on where you plan to dive. Are you heading for the Maldives or Bahamas, or rather some less famous places in Thailand or Indonesia?
As you see, there are several factors that account for the rather high price of scuba diving. But don’t worry, we will also provide you with some valuable tips to help you save some money on your adventure.
How much does it cost to learn scuba diving?
In order to have the best scuba diving experience it is important to feel confident underwater and for that it is essential to invest time and money into learning how to scuba dive. So, make sure to include those expenses as well when planning your budget.
The best way to learn how to scuba dive is by getting scuba certified. During these programs that typically last between 3–5 days, you will learn all the essential aspects of scuba diving, both in theory and in practice. These lessons can range anywhere between $200-$300 in places like Thailand, Egypt, or Honduras and can reach prices of up to $600 and beyond in countries like the UK, the US or exotic places like the Maldives or Bahamas.
When looking for a center to get scuba certified, we recommend going for credible organization that meet the quality standards set by agencies such as PADI, NAUI, or SSI. The “Open Diver Certification” from these organizations start at around $300 and can go up to $1,000. The more advance certification programs usually cost about the same or even slightly less than the basic courses.
How much does scuba diving gear cost?
Now that we have already pointed out that a scuba dive consists of various cost factors, let’s have a closer look at the biggest one: the gear.
Investing in a proper scuba gear is definitely not something you want to miss out on. To better understand which investments are a must-have and which ones might be left out in the beginning, we have to look at the individual components of a scuba gear.
The scuba tank is among the most important parts when it comes to scuba diving. The tank is filled with compressed air that enables the diver to breathe underwater. Depending on the material, brand, and size of the tank, scuba tanks usually range between $150 and $300.
Next to the scuba tank, you might also want to invest in a personal dive computer, regulator, and buoyancy control device (BCD). Also, depending on aspects like brand and quality, you can expect to pay anything between $1,000 and $5,000 for these gadgets.
You certainly don’t have to buy the entire scuba gear at once. If you are a beginner, you may want to rent out some equipment first before investing in your own. Many diving centers offer the full gear as rental, which might cost you between $20 and $100 per day, again depending on the location and duration of your rental.
While it makes sense to slowly add the individual pieces to your collection one at a time, there are two pieces of equipment we do recommend buying right from the start: a diving mask and a personal wetsuit.
Diving masks are usually very affordable, and they don’t need much of an explanation, which is why you might want to buy your very own right away. On the other hand, wetsuits do need a slightly larger investment that ranges between $50 to $500, but getting a custom wetsuit also allows you to get the perfect fit for your body. Meaning, you don’t have to bear the struggle of finding a wetsuit that fits you when renting one out.
How much do scuba diving lessons cost – becoming a certified diver
How much does a scuba diving lesson cost, and what can you expect from one? Well, certainly a relevant question, as especially beginners or people who haven’t been scuba diving for a while will want to get some training before heading to the sea.
And let’s get one thing clear right away: scuba diving lessons are not more expensive than many other sports like skiing, golf or tennis lessons. Generally speaking, the costs for scuba diving lessons vary depending on different factors, such as location, level of certification, and the number of students in the course.
Basic scuba diving courses such as the “Open Water Diver” cost between $300 and $700 and include classroom instructions, pool training, and open water dives. These classes often come with scuba gear that may be used during the training, but it is always good to check which gear is included in the course.
Next to the basic “Open Water Diver” course, you can join the more advanced courses like the “Advanced Open Water Diver” or even specialty courses like the “Nitrox certification” which can cost up to $300.
If you prefer getting private lessons and don’t mind paying a little extra, you can also book one-on-one lessons, which have the big advantage of being tailored to your individual needs.
As you can see, how much scuba diving lessons cost depends on multiple factors. But no matter which training you choose; diving lessons are always a valuable investment in your safety. So, make sure to pick a credible diving organization to develop the skills you need to make the best out of your underwater journey.
How can you save money when scuba diving?
You definitely don’t want to get the cheapest equipment and training when scuba diving. But at the same time, it is not necessary to buy the most luxurious equipment and only book private diving lessons in order to have a great scuba experience. Therefore, we want to give you some valuable tips on how you can save some bucks while not missing out on quality and safety.
First, consider if you even need to buy all of your scuba gear or if you are better off renting it. Especially, if you are a beginner or generally don’t go scuba diving very often, it may make sense to rent out the gear you need.
Secondly, plan your trip! A well-planned trip can help you save a lot of money. Make sure to take your time and do your research to not only find the most cost-efficient places to dive at, but also the best way to travel there. When deciding for a location to dive at, it surely doesn’t have to be the Maldives or Fiji Islands to have a great time. Consider choosing some less touristy places in Thailand or Indonesia, or even consider diving locally. This allows you to not only get a great local experience, but also save lots and lots of money.
Conclusion: Saving money while learning how to scuba dive
Even though there are hobbies that require a far greater investment, scuba diving certainly is not the cheapest hobby you can pick. But you can be certain that it will be one of the greatest hobbies you will ever pursue.
Still, it is possible to save money when going on your scuba journey. Start off, by planning your trip early enough to get the best flights and accommodations available. When picking a location, don’t go for the most expensive places only because you have seen them on social media. You won’t believe how many wonderful places allow for a magnificent scuba diving experience besides the Maldives or Fiji Islands.
Also keep in mind that it is not necessary to buy all equipment required for scuba diving. You are also good to go with renting your gear, especially, if you are just starting out with scuba diving or don’t plan to go scuba diving on a regular basis. Two things we do recommend buying are a diving mask and a wetsuit. Here, you can get some great quality pieces at a very affordable price.
Where you probably don’t want to be too price-sensitive is when it comes to choosing a training organization. It is vital to feel safe underwater and have the full theoretical and practical background before jumping into the sea. Therefore, make sure to join a course from a reputable organization to receive the latest knowledge and feel 100% confident when exploring the seas.
