Open Water Course in Curaçao:
Level 1 Certification
Starting your underwater adventure by choosing to complete your Open Water Course in Curaçao is one of the best decisions you can make for both safety and enjoyment.
Designed to adapt to your personal pace, this private diving course combines flexible online theory with practical sessions directly in the Caribbean Sea.
No stressful groups, no rushing, just you and your dedicated instructor.
Leave with a certification recognized worldwide, ready to explore the underwater world.
Why choose our dive center for your Open Water Course in Curaçao?
Why train with The Little Green Boat?
- 100% private training with your family or friends
- A supportive, eco-conscious approach focused on confidence and comfort
- Sustainable best practices from the very start
- Once certified, you can join our Reef Scout or Turtle Tracker missions to give real purpose to your dives
Structure and Schedule of your Open Water Course in Curaçao:
What you’ll learn:
- Plan and safely conduct scuba dives up to 18 m / 60 ft
- Safe use and basic maintenance of scuba diving equipment
- Underwater communication and navigation skills
- Buoyancy control for relaxed, efficient, and environmentally respectful diving
- Self-management and buddy awareness with calm and confidence
The Course Program and Training Stages:
- Theory: online learning at your own pace
- Confined water: skills practice in shallow, calm conditions
- Open water: four shore dives on Curaçao’s reefs — your first true underwater adventures
Minimum requirements for the Open Water Course in Curaçao:
- Age: 10 years and up. Junior certification available for ages 10–14
- Water comfort: confident in the water and able to swim 200 m
- Health: good general fitness with no major medical contraindications
- Prerequisites: none. This is your starting point
Price, duration, and certification for the Open Water Course in Curaçao
- Duration: three half-days
- Price : $550
- Certification: earn an internationally recognised scuba diving certification, valid for life and accepted worldwide. Your passport to exploring reefs around the globe and the foundation for the rest of your diving journey.
Open Water Course Curaçao FAQ:
How does the training for the Open Water Course in Curaçao work?
Our Open Water Course in Curaçao program is fully adapted to you, your schedule, and your comfort in the water.
It includes an online theory component (e-learning) to complete at your own pace before your arrival or during your stay, followed by approximately three half-days (or more depending on your progress) of practical training in the Caribbean Sea, in protected areas or open-water sites depending on the training module.
Why choose a private Open Water Course in Curaçao?
Choosing a 100% private Open Water Course in Curaçao ensures a safe learning experience without the pressure of a large group. Your dedicated bilingual instructor (French or English) focuses entirely on your comfort and progress.
It is the ideal option to learn at your own pace, overcome any apprehension, and fully enjoy the beauty of Curaçao’s reefs from your very first bubbles.
What is the difference between a PADI or SSI Open Water certification?
In terms of international recognition, there is no difference: both PADI and SSI certifications are globally recognized for life and allow you to dive up to 18 meters.
The main difference lies in the teaching approach. SSI offers more flexibility for your private instructor to adapt the sequence of exercises to your pace and comfort in the water, while PADI follows a more structured teaching framework.
In all cases, we prioritize a tailor-made, comfort-focused approach to ensure your diving training in Curaçao is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Is the e-learning for the Open Water Course in Curaçao difficult?
Not at all. The e-learning is designed to be simple, engaging, and accessible to all divers from the age of 10.
Its purpose is to help you understand the fundamental basics of scuba diving: pressure effects, equipment familiarization, and environmental awareness.
It usually takes around 4 hours in total.
You are completely free to organize it as you wish: you can complete it at home well before arriving in Curaçao, or during your stay.
Once finished, it’s time for practice and enjoyment.
Do you need to already know how to swim to complete your first diving certification?
Yes, you need to know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water to start an Open Water Course in Curaçao.
During the first sessions, your private instructor will ask you to complete a simple swim test and maintain buoyancy for a few minutes.
No high-level athletic ability is required, as scuba diving is primarily a relaxing activity focused on control and comfort in the water.
How can I organize my days in Curaçao around my diving courses?
Our private program offers full flexibility to organize your days. As the practical training takes around three half-days, you will still have plenty of time to explore the island.
To plan your stay in the best way, we recommend checking our complete driving guide for Curaçao. For the rest of your trip, take inspiration from our top 5 itineraries to visit Curaçao so you don’t miss any of the island’s most beautiful spots between dives.
Find more articles on our blog, or additional Q&A in our general FAQ.
After the diving course?
Once you have your certification, the underwater world is yours, and Curaçao still has so much to offer!
To put your new skills as a certified diver into practice, join our dives for certified divers and explore the island’s most untouched and wild reefs. You can choose to refine your skills by becoming a true coral guardian during a dedicated reef immersion, or simply let yourself be guided to the best spots through our guided dive experience with sea turtles.
And if you want to take a break from diving altogether, you can also stay dry and enjoy the island’s colors from the boat deck by booking our private sunset cruise.
Ready to complete your Open Water Course in Curaçao?
Contact us to book your private Open Water course. We will choose your course dates together to help you take your first steps toward confident and eco-responsible diving.