Discover Scuba Diving vs Open Water Course
Two different ways to get into scuba diving — a single taster session or a full certification course. Here's how they compare, so you can choose the right fit for your trip.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving · No experience needed
Two different goals
Discover Scuba Diving and the PADI Open Water Diver course are often confused, but they answer different questions. Discover Scuba Diving answers “what does diving feel like?” in a single short session. The Open Water course answers “how do I become a certified diver who can dive independently anywhere in the world?” — a more involved process spread over several days.
Neither is “better” in general — it depends on your time, goals and budget for this trip.
Side-by-side comparison
| Discover Scuba Diving | PADI Open Water Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | None — an introductory experience only | Yes — internationally recognised PADI Open Water Diver certification |
| Typical duration | A single session, around 2.5 hours | Typically 3–4 days (less if eLearning is completed in advance) |
| Prior experience needed | None | None to start, though a basic swim/float assessment is included |
| Maximum depth | Up to around 6–8 metres | Open Water certification allows diving to 18 metres (with appropriate experience) |
| Supervision | Direct 1:2 instructor ratio throughout | Instructor-led training, progressing toward independent diving with a buddy |
| Best for | Trying diving for the first time, limited time available | Wanting to dive independently in future, anywhere in the world |
| Repeatable / upgradeable | Can be repeated, but doesn't lead to certification on its own | Certification is permanent and can be built on with further courses |
If you’re still deciding
If you’re unsure, Discover Scuba Diving is the lower-commitment starting point — see Try Scuba Diving in Porto Cristo for the full picture of what that session involves. If you already know you want to come away from your trip with a certification, see PADI courses in Porto Cristo for how that process generally works.
Ready to get in the water?
Recommended experience
PADI Discover Scuba Diving
Skualo Porto Cristo · Porto Cristo, Mallorca
No certification · ~2h 30m · Equipment included
- Designed for first-time divers
- No certification needed
- PADI professional supervision
- Strict 1:2 instructor ratio
- Full scuba equipment included
- Based in Porto Cristo
Opens Skualo’s official website in a new tab.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Discover Scuba Diving first and decide later?
Yes — many people use Discover Scuba Diving as a way to find out whether they enjoy diving before committing the extra time to a full course. There's no obligation to continue afterwards either way.
Does Discover Scuba Diving count toward the Open Water course?
Not directly as a rule, though some operators may credit certain elements — this varies, so it's worth asking the dive centre directly if you think you might want to continue to certification afterwards.
Which option is cheaper?
Discover Scuba Diving is a single short session, while the Open Water course is a multi-day training programme — naturally, the course represents a larger investment of both time and money. For current pricing, check directly with the dive centre, as this isn't something we list here.
I'm only here for two days — which should I choose?
With two days, Discover Scuba Diving is the more realistic option, since a full Open Water course typically needs three to four days. If certification is a priority, completing the eLearning portion before your trip (where offered) may make a shorter on-site schedule possible — worth discussing with the dive centre.
Continue reading
Related guides
Try Scuba Diving
Curious about breathing underwater for the first time? Here's how Discover Scuba Diving works in Porto Cristo, who it's for, and what a typical session looks like.
PADI Courses
Thinking about getting certified while on holiday? An overview of how PADI diving courses generally work and how to find out more from a local PADI centre.
Your First Dive: What to Expect
A step-by-step look at what happens during a Discover Scuba Diving session in Porto Cristo, from the briefing to your first breaths underwater.