How Much Does Scuba Certification Cost in Denver?
Online May 07, 2026
The honest answer: PADI Open Water certification in Denver typically runs between $475 and up for Part 1 (Classroom and Pool), and $275 to $350 (plus entrance fees and rental gear) for Part 2 (Open Water Dives) depending on where you go and what's included.
Here's how to read a scuba certification price and know what you're actually getting.
What the course covers
A standard PADI Open Water certification includes two parts: the academic portion (either in-person classroom sessions or online eLearning) and confined water sessions (pool dives to learn and practice skills), and four open water dives to complete your certification.
All phases need to happen before you're certified. A quote that only covers part of the course isn't a quote for full certification.
What's typically included in the price
A complete course price should include your PADI eLearning or classroom materials, all pool sessions, open water dive fees, and the certification card processing fee. Equipment rental for the pool and open water phases is often included, sometimes at an additional charge.
At Underwater Phantaseas, we include class materials and pool sessions in our course fee. Open water dive fees are separate because the cost varies based on which site we use and when.
What affects the price
A few things move the number up or down.
eLearning vs. classroom. PADI eLearning lets you complete the academic portion online at your own pace before you set foot in the water. Some shops include it in the course price, some charge it separately (~$185 through PADI directly). Either way, you'll pay for it somewhere.
Equipment rental. If you have your own mask, fins, and wetsuit, your rental costs drop. If you're starting with nothing, budget for a full rental package for both pool and open water sessions.
Class size. Shops that run large open water classes can charge less per student. Shops with small class sizes charge more and give you more individual attention. This is one of the bigger quality differences in the Denver market. Our classes stay small by design.
The dive site. Colorado's open water sites each have their own access fees. Aurora Reservoir requires a permit. Chatfield requires a Colorado State Parks pass. These costs are typically passed through at cost and aren't markup.
What to watch out for
A very low price almost always means something is cut out. Common patterns: the "course" fee covers classroom only and open water is extra, equipment rental isn't included, or class sizes are large enough that you get minimal face time with an instructor.
It's worth asking: what exactly does this price include? Does it cover all four open water dives? Is equipment rental included? How many students are in a typical class?
A PADI Open Water certification lasts a lifetime. Saving $75 on a class where you don't feel confident underwater isn't a great trade.
What about gear?
The certification course doesn't require you to own any equipment. We provide everything you need for pool and open water sessions.
That said, a lot of students decide to start buying gear during or after the course. If you want to own your own mask and fins before you start, we'll help you fit them. If you'd rather wait and see if you like it first, that's fine too.
What you'll be able to do when you're done
A PADI Open Water certification qualifies you to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 60 feet with a buddy. It's recognized globally. You can rent equipment, join guided dives, and continue on to Advanced Open Water, specialty courses, or eventually professional-level training.
Ready to get started?
The best way to get a clear price is to call us or stop by. We'll walk you through exactly what's included, when the next class starts, and whether eLearning or classroom makes more sense for your schedule.
Call 303-988-6725 or enroll online.
Underwater Phantaseas is a PADI 5 Star IDC in Lakewood, CO. We've been training Denver divers since 1982.
