Why Take PADI Scuba Diver in Roatan?
Not ready to commit to the full certification? Start here. The PADI Scuba Diver course is the first step into recreational diving, taking you to 12 meters / 40 feet under the supervision of a PADI professional. Half the dives of Open Water, half the time, and fully credited toward full certification when you’re ready to continue.
How the Course Works: Complete the first two sections of PADI eLearning at home before you arrive. Once you’re in Roatan, confined water skills first in the ocean right across from the shop, then two open water dives on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. One to two days with us and you have your first scuba certification.
Equipment Setup: Assemble and check your gear before every dive from day one. It’s one of those habits that every good diver builds early on.
Breathing Technique: Slow, steady breathing underwater. You’ll work on it in confined water until it’s completely natural before the reef dives.
Mask Clearing: Clear water from your mask without surfacing. One of the first skills you’ll practise in confined water sessions.
Buoyancy Basics: Hover in the water column without drifting up or down. Practised in confined water before your first open water dives.
What Skills Will You Learn?
PADI Scuba Diver Course FAQ
What's the difference between Scuba Diver and Open Water?
Scuba Diver covers the first half of the Open Water curriculum. You’re certified to 12 metres under direct PADI supervision. Open Water certifies you to 18 metres with a buddy. Upgrading takes one day.
Can I upgrade to Open Water Diver after I've completed Scuba Diver?
Yes. One more day from our dock in Half Moon Bay and you’re there. Most students complete both in the same week.
What is included in the course price?
Equipment, instruction, both reef dives, and your PADI Scuba Diver certification card. The Roatan Marine Park fee is the only extra.
How deep will I dive?
Up to 12 meters / 40 feet. There’s plenty to see in Roatan at that depth.
What is the minimum age to take Scuba Diver?
To enroll in a PADI Scuba Diver course (or Junior Scuba Diver course), you must be 10 years old or older.
What's Diving Like in Roatan?
Two mornings at the dock in Half Moon Bay, West End. First you work through skills in confined water, then you’re on the boat to the reef. Your instructor stays beside you on both dives. Most people finish day two already asking about Open Water before they’ve rinsed their gear off.
Why Dive With Coconut Tree Divers?
Coconut Tree Divers is based in Half Moon Bay, a white-sand, palm-fringed paradise right in the heart of West End, with some of the Roatan’s best dive sites right on our doorstep.
Completed, official PADI course certification records, May 2026.
9,034 PADI Certifications
Our PADI 5-Star IDC Center is one of Roatan’s oldest & top-rated dive shops.
24+ Years Open in West End
Four daily fun dives and Turs & Thurs night dives make five.
4+ Daily Certified Dive Tours
TDI courses and guided deep diving from Advanced Nitrox to Trimix to Helitrox.
Roatan's Only TEC Center
What Comes Next?
Your Scuba Diver certification is the just the beginning. Add one more day with us in West End and you’ll have full Open Water Diver card, certified to dive with a buddy anywhere in the world. Most of our students do both courses in the same trip.
One more day. Certified to 18 metres, dive-ready for the world.
Five adventure dives. No exam. Depth limit goes to 30 metres.
Choose your underwater favorites and expand your diving knowledge and skills.
Ready to Become a Diver?
Send us a message and we’ll get you ready to start your PADI course and dive with us in Roatan.
Diver Experiences
Awesome place! We booked to practice and get educated to earn the "Scuba Diver" certificate, which btw, also credits you towards the PADI Open Water certificate!