OPEN WATER CHECKOUT DIVES

To receive the SSI Open Water Diver certification, you will need to complete four checkout dives within 6 months of completing your classroom and pool training. We offer a variety of options to choose from, including local, domestic and international destinations every month. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ocean First Travel can help you plan a custom adventure just the way you like it!

These locations are also perfect for completing Continuing Education certification dives.

Cozumel, Mexico

Complete your open water dives in the warm waters of Cozumel. Fly in on Saturday, have five days of diving, and return on Saturday. This trip is extremely popular for those who prefer tropical waters or who have certified friends or family looking to blow some bubbles. Trips run Jan/Feb and Sept/Oct.

Trip Cost: $1,725 double occupancy/$2,195 single occupancy

Open Water students who choose to complete their Open Water certification dives on this trip can apply the certification fee towards the overall trip cost.

Includes: hotel, transfers, breakfasts and lunches, and five days of diving including one day of cenote diving. Airfare & rental gear not included.

Visit our Upcoming Adventures page for more information about upcoming Cozumel trips, or call Ocean First to speak with a representative.

 

Homestead Resort, Utah

Complete your open water referral dives in the geothermally heated Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah. The toasty 95ºF water combines scuba diving and a spa treatment into one fantastic experience! Homestead Crater is a truly unique experience and a wonderful way for novice divers to test the waters. Drive time from Boulder is approximately seven hours, but varies depending on the weather. Trips run from the fall through the spring. 

Please give us a call to find out more about Homestead Crater or visit our calendar to find a date that works for you.

Open Water Diver Certification Fee: $275 ($225 when you pre-register)

• INCLUDES: Tanks, weights, and Ocean First instructor for four checkout dives.
• Prices do not include tax, rental gear, lodging, meals, crater entrance fee (payable directly to Homestead Resort), or transportation.
• All divers are required to transport their own tanks, weights, and dive gear to and from the dive site.

Rental gear cost for the weekend: $100 + tax

• Includes: BCD and a regulator with a dive computer and compass.

 

Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, New Mexico

The Blue Hole appears in the midst of the desert like a great blue gem. Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico along old Route 66, the Blue Hole is a natural sinkhole filled with cool springwater. Dropping down to over 80 feet, this crystal-clear lake is perfect for all types of certification dives, including open water, continuing education specialities, and freediving. Drive time from Boulder is approximately seven to eight hours and varies depending on the weather. Trips run year-round. 

Please give us a call to find out more about the Blue Hole or visit our calendar to find a date that works for you. Divers are responsible for their own accommodations. Ocean First divers receive a discount at Homestead Resort when booking online, ask us for the discount booking code. 

OPEN WATER DIVER CERTIFICATION FEE: $275 ($225 when you pre-register)

• INCLUDES: Tanks, weights, and Ocean First instructor for four checkout dives.
• Prices do not include tax, rental gear, lodging, meals, Blue Hole entrance fee (payable directly to Blue Hole), or transportation.
• All divers are required to transport their own tanks, weights, and dive gear to and from the dive site.

Rental gear cost for the weekend: $100 + tax

• Includes: BCD and a regulator with a dive computer and compass.

 

Aurora Reservoir

From June to September, you can complete your open water certification closer to home at Aurora Reservoir. Only an hour from Boulder, this is the ideal summer location for completing your open water or continuing education dives without having to pay for flights or lodging. Summer water temperatures are generally 65-70ºF. 

Please give us a call to find out more about Aurora Reservoir or visit our calendar to find a date that works for you. Due to its proximity, we can also schedule private checkout dives.

OPEN WATER DIVER CERTIFICATION FEE: $275 ($225 when you pre-register)

• INCLUDES: Tanks, weights, and Ocean First instructor for four checkout dives.
• Prices do not include tax, rental gear, parking fees (payable to Aurora Reservoir), or transportation.
• All divers are required to transport their own tanks, weights, and dive gear to and from the dive site.

Rental gear cost for the weekend: $100 + tax

• Includes: BCD and a regulator with a dive computer and compass.