5 Incredible and Inexpensive Places to Get Your Scuba Certification

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About 90 percent of living space on earth is underwater.

And while you’re trying to wrap your head around that mind-boggling fact, what if we told you that of that 90%, only 5% had been explored by humans?

Scuba diving is the best way to go out and discover the incredible world beneath the sea. While you’re down there, you’ll get up close and personal with exotic and mysterious fish, stunning coral formations and maybe even a shipwreck or two.

But what if you want your scuba certification on a budget? Is it even possible? We’re happy to tell you that, yes, you can totally get certified on a shoestring, and in some of the most stunning locations in the world. Let’s check them out.

1. Oahu, Hawaii

If you’re looking for somewhere isolated and spectacular, then Hawaii is the place to dive! There are exquisite wrecks to explore, and the unique location means spotting fish endemic to the islands that you won’t see elsewhere.

The cost of diving certification in Hawaii varies greatly, but you may just find a gem of a diving school that offers excellent and cohesive training at budget-friendly prices. 

2. Grenada, Caribbean

Located in the south of the Caribbean, the island of Grenada is a haven for cheap scuba diving with an awesome view. Explore expanses of natural beauty, and see the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’, the Bianca C. sunk in 1961.

While you’re there see some underwater art, too, at Moliniere Underwater Sculpture Park, one of the few underwater art exhibits in the world.

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3. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Cayman islands are famed for their stunning beauty and awesome vacation vibes. But did you know they’re also an excellent place for scuba certification on a budget? Check out reputable dive shops so you can get into open water pronto.

4. Dauin, Philippines

A collection of islands make up the country known as the Philippines and are host to a huge array of sea life and diving fodder. Dauin is a particularly good spot to explore, as it contains some of the cheapest and best dive schools in the vicinity.

5. Koh Chang, Thailand

For thrill-seekers everywhere, Koh Chang is an awesome place to get certified. Explore historic and modern shipwrecks, and swim amidst large schools of fish.

This stunning island in the district of Trang is host to some excellent, authentic diving schools with budget-friendly prices.

Budget-Friendly Scuba Certification

If you’re desperate to see the magical world that lives beneath the water, then getting your scuba certification is a must. And if you need to pick up your qualification on a budget, don’t stress — it’s no biggie.

From gorgeous Hawaii and the Caribbean to exotic Thailand and the Philippines, there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there to suit your price range. The question is, where in the world do you want to go?

Ready to dive right in, but need to sort out a diving suit first? Slide into our guide to wet suit thickness, so you can choose the perfect wet suit for you.