Why get your certification
During diving certification, you learn about weightlessness, science of diving, timing and depth of your dives and general safety to prepare you for an utterly breathtaking experience. You will learn to appreciate the equipment that allows such exploration. Once you are certified, you can join dives around the world to experience the various biodiversity (coral reefs, fish, marine creatures). With this skill you can join conservation efforts, become a divemaster/teacher, and be introduced a huge network of likeminded and new friends.
Choosing your location
Diving certification can be a pricy endeavor and you will need to dedicate a little bit of time to do the classes and scuba training. For you, the time training may be better spent while you are in your home location at local beaches or pools.
For others this may be more of an opportunity to not only learn but to dive in awesome places. The downside is that you will have to devote your vacation time to being in some courses rather than just getting out to the awesome spots and traveling around the area and tourist destinations in the area.
Another factor is the cost. Many times the cost is higher in the United States than in some of these top dive areas.
Either way if you love to see the underwater world and love doing this all over the world, getting your certification will be well worth it.
top scuba certification locations
Utila, Honduras
This is where I obtained my scuba certification. At the time the course was less than 300 dollars and involved in person classroom and open water training and diving. It truly is a backpacker island with healthy reefs and abundant marine life. Nearby Roatan is another option but can be a little pricier.
Koh Tao, Thailand
This small Thailand island can be accessed via ferry. With a backpacker vibe and approximately 60 dive centers there are competitive prices. There are many other islands in Thailand that offer great dive centers for affordable prices.
Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt
Sharm El-Sheikh is resort town on the red sea is an iconic dive destination and has relatively affordable PADI open water courses. Dahab is a small coastal town with a backpacker vibe where you can literally just walk into the water and see amazing marine life.
Dauin, Philippines
The Philippines are notorious for being a diving Paradise. One of the cheapest count to get certified is Dauin however there is no shortage of cheap dive centers in this cluster of islands rich with dive sites. You can also get certified on Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Malapascua and Cebu.
Cozumel, Mexico
Since it is easily and cheaply accessible from the United States it makes to be an affordable place to obtain your open water certification. It has the second largest reef in the world. With it’s warm waters and great visibility it is a great place to learn to dive.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Though the waters may be a little more challenging secondary to currents it still boasts to be a wonderful and affordable place to become certified. It is also one of the best places to see manta rays.
Caye Caulker, Belize
A small island off Belize with access to the Belize Barrier Reef. This small island has a cute vibe that has amazing marine life.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is known for it’s cenote diving which can be an incredible experience so not only do you get to learn in open water but also get to explore cenotes.
