{"id":3700,"date":"2026-10-28T22:00:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T19:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/?p=3700"},"modified":"2026-10-28T06:47:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T03:47:51","slug":"padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver: Key Differences Explained (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PADI_Scuba_Diver_vs_Open_Water_Diver_Which_Beginner_Course_Should_You_Take\"><\/span>PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver: Which Beginner Course Should You Take?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver is the first big decision for many new divers. Both are official PADI certifications, but they give you very different freedom underwater.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#PADI_Scuba_Diver_vs_Open_Water_Diver_Which_Beginner_Course_Should_You_Take\" >PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver: Which Beginner Course Should You Take?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Side-by-Side_Comparison\" >Side-by-Side Comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#The_Biggest_Difference_Freedom\" >The Biggest Difference: Freedom<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Depth_Limits\" >Depth Limits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Time_and_Cost\" >Time and Cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Which_One_Should_You_Choose\" >Which One Should You Choose?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Choose_PADI_Scuba_Diver_if\" >Choose PADI Scuba Diver if:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Choose_PADI_Open_Water_Diver_if\" >Choose PADI Open Water Diver if:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Book_Your_Beginner_Course\" >Book Your Beginner Course<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Is_PADI_Scuba_Diver_the_same_as_Open_Water\" >Is PADI Scuba Diver the same as Open Water?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Can_I_upgrade_from_Scuba_Diver_to_Open_Water\" >Can I upgrade from Scuba Diver to Open Water?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Which_is_better_value\" >Which is better value?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/padi-scuba-diver-vs-open-water-diver-key-differences-explained-2026\/#Can_I_join_fun_dives_as_a_Scuba_Diver\" >Can I join fun dives as a Scuba Diver?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>In short: Scuba Diver is quicker and limited, while Open Water is the full beginner certification that lets you dive with a buddy around the world. Need help choosing? Tell us how many days you have in the form below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"everest-forms\"><div class=\"evf-container layout-two\" id=\"evf-664\"><form id=\"evf-form-664\" class=\"everest-form\" data-formid=\"664\" data-ajax_submission=\"0\" data-keyboard_friendly_form=\"0\" data-form_state_type=\"\" method=\"post\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" action=\"\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3700\"><div class=\"evf-field-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" id=\"_wpnonce664\" name=\"_wpnonce664\" value=\"57393e0abe\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3700\" \/><div class=\"evf-frontend-row\" data-row=\"row_1\" conditional_rules=\"[]\"><div class=\"evf-frontend-grid evf-grid-2\" data-grid=\"grid_1\"><div id=\"evf-664-field_ys0GeZISRs-1-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-first-name form-row validate-required\" data-required-field-message=\"This field is required.\" data-field-id=\"ys0GeZISRs-1\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_ys0GeZISRs-1\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Full Name<\/span> <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"N\u00e9cessaire\">*<\/abbr><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"evf-664-field_ys0GeZISRs-1\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][ys0GeZISRs-1]\" required><\/div><div id=\"evf-664-field_GU24mUTKxO-12-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-phone form-row validate-required validate-phone\" data-required-field-message=\"\" data-field-id=\"GU24mUTKxO-12\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_GU24mUTKxO-12\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Phone<\/span> <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"N\u00e9cessaire\">*<\/abbr><\/label><input type=\"tel\" id=\"evf-664-field_GU24mUTKxO-12\" class=\"input-text evf-smart-phone-field\" data-rule-smart-phone-field=\"true\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][GU24mUTKxO-12]\" required><\/div><\/div><div class=\"evf-frontend-grid evf-grid-2\" data-grid=\"grid_2\"><div id=\"evf-664-field_29GJhOXdeF-5-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-date-time form-row validate-required\" data-required-field-message=\"This field is required.\" data-field-id=\"29GJhOXdeF-5\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_29GJhOXdeF-5\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Date \/ Time<\/span> <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"N\u00e9cessaire\">*<\/abbr><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"evf-664-field_29GJhOXdeF-5\" class=\"flatpickr-field input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][29GJhOXdeF-5]\" data-time-interval=\"15\" data-date-time=\"date\" data-mode=\"single\" data-locale=\"en\" data-date-format=\"Y-m-d\" required ><\/div><div id=\"evf-664-field_LbH5NxasXM-2-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-email form-row validate-required validate-email\" data-required-field-message=\"Please enter a valid email address.\" data-field-id=\"LbH5NxasXM-2\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_LbH5NxasXM-2\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Email<\/span> <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"N\u00e9cessaire\">*<\/abbr><\/label><input type=\"email\" id=\"evf-664-field_LbH5NxasXM-2\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][LbH5NxasXM-2]\" required ><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"evf-frontend-row\" data-row=\"row_2\" conditional_rules=\"[]\"><div class=\"evf-frontend-grid evf-grid-1\" data-grid=\"grid_1\"><div id=\"evf-664-field_66FR384cge-3-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-text form-row validate-required\" data-required-field-message=\"This field is required.\" data-field-id=\"66FR384cge-3\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_66FR384cge-3\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Hotel Name<\/span> <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"N\u00e9cessaire\">*<\/abbr><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"evf-664-field_66FR384cge-3\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][66FR384cge-3]\" required><\/div><div id=\"evf-664-field_BTHyEdkhNI-6-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-select form-row\" data-field-id=\"BTHyEdkhNI-6\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_BTHyEdkhNI-6\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Choose your Trip<\/span> <\/label><select id=\"evf-664-field_BTHyEdkhNI-6\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][BTHyEdkhNI-6]\" ><option value=\"\" class=\"placeholder\" disabled  selected='selected'>Select Trip<\/option><option value=\"None\" >None<\/option><option value=\"Snorkeling - \u20ac35\" >Snorkeling - \u20ac35<\/option><option value=\"introduction dive - \u20ac65\" >introduction dive - \u20ac65<\/option><option value=\"Scuba Review - \u20ac80\" >Scuba Review - \u20ac80<\/option><option value=\"1 Day Dive - \u20ac55\" >1 Day Dive - \u20ac55<\/option><option value=\"2 Days Dive - \u20ac97\" >2 Days Dive - \u20ac97<\/option><option value=\"3 Days Dive - \u20ac133\" >3 Days Dive - \u20ac133<\/option><option value=\"4 Days Dive - \u20ac163\" >4 Days Dive - \u20ac163<\/option><option value=\"5 Days Dive - \u20ac197\" >5 Days Dive - \u20ac197<\/option><option value=\"6 Days Dive - \u20ac235\" >6 Days Dive - \u20ac235<\/option><option value=\"7 Days Dive - \u20ac274\" >7 Days Dive - \u20ac274<\/option><option value=\"8 Days Dive - \u20ac313\" >8 Days Dive - \u20ac313<\/option><option value=\"9 Days Dive - \u20ac351\" >9 Days Dive - \u20ac351<\/option><option value=\"10 Days Dive - \u20ac368\" >10 Days Dive - \u20ac368<\/option><option value=\"Private Sunset Trip - \u20ac500\" >Private Sunset Trip - \u20ac500<\/option><\/select><\/div><div id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-checkbox form-row\" data-field-id=\"WtSgC3YrMq-8\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Extra<\/span> <\/label><ul id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8\"><li class=\"choice-1 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_1\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][WtSgC3YrMq-8][]\" value=\"Private Guide - \u20ac65\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_1\">Private Guide - \u20ac65<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-2 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_2\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][WtSgC3YrMq-8][]\" value=\"extra third dive - \u20ac30\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_2\">extra third dive - \u20ac30<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-3 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_3\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][WtSgC3YrMq-8][]\" value=\"extra wreck third dive &quot;el Mina wreck&quot; - \u20ac35\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_3\">extra wreck third dive \"el Mina wreck\" - \u20ac35<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-4 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_4\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][WtSgC3YrMq-8][]\" value=\"Dolphin House trip - \u20ac80\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_4\">Dolphin House trip - \u20ac80<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-5 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_5\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][WtSgC3YrMq-8][]\" value=\"Private Boat - The price depends on what you&#039;re looking for \u2014 just let us know what you need and we&#039;ll customize it for you.\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_WtSgC3YrMq-8_5\">Private Boat - The price depends on what you're looking for \u2014 just let us know what you need and we'll customize it for you.<\/label><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"evf-frontend-row\" data-row=\"row_3\" conditional_rules=\"[]\"><div class=\"evf-frontend-grid evf-grid-1\" data-grid=\"grid_1\"><div id=\"evf-664-field_2qT3987aVS-11-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-select form-row\" data-field-id=\"2qT3987aVS-11\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_2qT3987aVS-11\"><span class=\"evf-label\">PADI Scuba diving courses<\/span> <\/label><select id=\"evf-664-field_2qT3987aVS-11\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][2qT3987aVS-11]\" ><option value=\"\" class=\"placeholder\" disabled  selected='selected'>Select Course<\/option><option value=\"None\" >None<\/option><option value=\"PADI Scuba diver course - \u20ac300\" >PADI Scuba diver course - \u20ac300<\/option><option value=\"Upgrade to PADI Open water diver - \u20ac300\" >Upgrade to PADI Open water diver - \u20ac300<\/option><option value=\"PADI Open water diver course - \u20ac400\" >PADI Open water diver course - \u20ac400<\/option><option value=\"PADI advanced open water diver course - \u20ac310\" >PADI advanced open water diver course - \u20ac310<\/option><option value=\"PADI emergnecy first response course - \u20ac200\" >PADI emergnecy first response course - \u20ac200<\/option><option value=\"PADI Rescue diver course - \u20ac500\" >PADI Rescue diver course - \u20ac500<\/option><option value=\"PADI divemaster course - \u20ac700\" >PADI divemaster course - \u20ac700<\/option><option value=\"PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver - \u20ac190\" >PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver - \u20ac190<\/option><option value=\"PADI deep diver course - \u20ac250\" >PADI deep diver course - \u20ac250<\/option><option value=\"bubblemaker Course - \u20ac100\" >bubblemaker Course - \u20ac100<\/option><\/select><\/div><div id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-checkbox form-row everest-forms-list-3-columns\" data-field-id=\"OiUhPVrOMs-13\"><label class=\"evf-field-label\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Equipment Rental<\/span> <\/label><ul id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13\"><li class=\"choice-1 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_1\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"Full Equipment - \u20ac20\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_1\">Full Equipment - \u20ac20<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-2 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_2\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"Dive Computer - \u20ac10\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_2\">Dive Computer - \u20ac10<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-3 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_3\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"BCD - \u20ac5\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_3\">BCD - \u20ac5<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-4 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_4\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"Regulator - \u20ac5\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_4\">Regulator - \u20ac5<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-5 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_5\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"Mask, Fins &amp; Tube - \u20ac5\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_5\">Mask, Fins &amp; Tube - \u20ac5<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-6 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_6\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"optical mask - \u20ac10\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_6\">optical mask - \u20ac10<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-7 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_7\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"wet suit - \u20ac5\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_7\">wet suit - \u20ac5<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-8 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_8\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"15L Tank - \u20ac5\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_8\">15L Tank - \u20ac5<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-9 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_9\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][OiUhPVrOMs-13][]\" value=\"Logbook - \u20ac15\"  ><label class=\"everest-forms-field-label-inline\" for=\"evf-664-field_OiUhPVrOMs-13_9\">Logbook - \u20ac15<\/label><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div id=\"evf-664-field_yhGx3FOwr2-4-container\" class=\"evf-field evf-field-textarea form-row\" data-field-id=\"yhGx3FOwr2-4\"><label class=\"evf-field-label evf-label-hide\" for=\"evf-664-field_yhGx3FOwr2-4\"><span class=\"evf-label\">Notes<\/span> <\/label><textarea id=\"evf-664-field_yhGx3FOwr2-4\" class=\"input-text\" name=\"everest_forms[form_fields][yhGx3FOwr2-4]\" placeholder=\"Add your notes here\"  ><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"evf-honeypot-container evf-field-hp\"><label for=\"evf-664-field-hp\" class=\"evf-field-label\">Message<\/label><input type=\"text\" name=\"everest_forms[hp]\" id=\"evf-664-field-hp\" class=\"input-text\"><\/div><div class=\"evf-submit-container \" ><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"everest_forms[id]\" value=\"664\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"everest_forms[author]\" value=\"1\"><button type='submit' name='everest_forms[submit]' class='everest-forms-submit-button button evf-submit ' id='evf-submit-664' value='evf-submit' data-process-text=\"Processing\u2026\" conditional_rules='&quot;&quot;' conditional_id='evf-submit-664'  id=\"evf-submit-664\" aria-live=\"assertive\">Submit<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div><!-- .evf-container --><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Side-by-Side_Comparison\"><\/span>Side-by-Side Comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Factor<\/td>\n<td>PADI Scuba Diver<\/td>\n<td>PADI Open Water Diver<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Maximum depth<\/td>\n<td>12 m<\/td>\n<td>18 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Who you dive with<\/td>\n<td>A PADI professional only<\/td>\n<td>A certified buddy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Open water training dives<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Typical duration<\/td>\n<td>About 2 days<\/td>\n<td>3\u20134 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Minimum age<\/td>\n<td>10 years<\/td>\n<td>10 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Price at Chloe&#8217;s Diving Center<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac300<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Can be upgraded?<\/td>\n<td>Yes, to Open Water for \u20ac300<\/td>\n<td>Next step: Advanced Open Water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>See all prices on our<a href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/daily-diving-prices-in-hurghada\/\"> diving prices in Hurghada<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Biggest_Difference_Freedom\"><\/span>The Biggest Difference: Freedom<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most important difference is independence. A PADI Scuba Diver must always dive with a PADI professional, such as a Divemaster or Instructor.<\/p>\n<p>A PADI Open Water Diver can plan and make dives with a buddy, without a professional, within their training and experience. That makes Open Water the better choice if you want to dive on future holidays without always booking a guide.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Depth_Limits\"><\/span>Depth Limits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Scuba Divers are limited to 12 metres, which is enough for many beautiful shallow reefs around Hurghada. Open Water Divers can go to 18 metres, opening more reefs and the shallower parts of some wrecks.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Time_and_Cost\"><\/span>Time and Cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you have only 2 days, Scuba Diver is a great way to get certified. If you have 3 to 4 days, Open Water is better value: doing Scuba Diver (\u20ac300) and then the upgrade (\u20ac300) costs \u20ac600, while the full Open Water course costs \u20ac400.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_One_Should_You_Choose\"><\/span>Which One Should You Choose?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_PADI_Scuba_Diver_if\"><\/span>Choose PADI Scuba Diver if:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You have only about 2 days for diving<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You are happy to dive with a guide on future trips<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You want to test diving before committing to the full course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>See all beginner options on our<a href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/padi-diving-courses-in-hurghada\/\"> PADI diving courses in Hurghada<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_PADI_Open_Water_Diver_if\"><\/span>Choose PADI Open Water Diver if:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You have 3 to 4 days<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You want to dive with a buddy anywhere in the world<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You plan to continue to Advanced Open Water later<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn more on our<a href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/padi-open-water-diver-course-in-hurghada\/\"> PADI Open Water Diver course in Hurghada<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Book_Your_Beginner_Course\"><\/span>Book Your Beginner Course<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver choice comes down to time and freedom. Whichever you choose, our instructors will guide you every step.<a href=\"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/booking\/\"> Book your course<\/a> or message us on<a href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/201221590220\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> WhatsApp<\/a>.<\/p>\n        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_PADI_Scuba_Diver_the_same_as_Open_Water\"><\/span>Is PADI Scuba Diver the same as Open Water?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNo. Scuba Diver is a subset of Open Water, with fewer dives, a 12 m limit and diving only with a professional.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_upgrade_from_Scuba_Diver_to_Open_Water\"><\/span>Can I upgrade from Scuba Diver to Open Water?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYes. At Chloe's Diving Center the upgrade costs \u20ac300.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_is_better_value\"><\/span>Which is better value?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you have enough time, Open Water at \u20ac400 is better value than Scuba Diver plus upgrade at \u20ac600.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_join_fun_dives_as_a_Scuba_Diver\"><\/span>Can I join fun dives as a Scuba Diver?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, as long as a PADI professional guides you and the dive stays within 12 metres.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n    {\n\t\t\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t\t\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\t\t\"mainEntity\": [\n\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Is PADI Scuba Diver the same as Open Water?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"No. Scuba Diver is a subset of Open Water, with fewer dives, a 12 m limit and diving only with a professional.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Can I upgrade from Scuba Diver to Open Water?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Yes. At Chloe's Diving Center the upgrade costs \u20ac300.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Which is better value?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"If you have enough time, Open Water at \u20ac400 is better value than Scuba Diver plus upgrade at \u20ac600.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Can I join fun dives as a Scuba Diver?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Yes, as long as a PADI professional guides you and the dive stays within 12 metres.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t    ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver: Which Beginner Course Should You Take? PADI Scuba Diver vs Open Water Diver is the first big decision for many new divers. Both are official PADI certifications, but they give you very different freedom underwater. In short: Scuba Diver is quicker and limited, while Open Water is the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2865,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diving-in-hurghada"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3700"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3700\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3703,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3700\/revisions\/3703"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chloes-diving.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}