Why Doing Your PADI Open Water Course Inland Might Be the Best Choice

When most people think about learning to scuba dive, they imagine turquoise oceans, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and tropical fish flitting through coral reefs. While that does sound dreamy, doing your PADI Open Water Diver course inland can actually offer a ton of advantages—especially for those who want to learn at their own pace, save money, and build solid skills before hitting the sea.

Here’s why you might want to consider starting your scuba journey closer to home:

No Extra Cost of Travel

Let’s face it—getting to the coast isn’t always cheap. Flights, accommodation, fuel, and meals can quickly add up, especially if you’re traveling to a remote or international destination. By choosing an inland dive centre, you eliminate all those extra expenses. That means more money in your pocket, and less stress planning a full-blown holiday around your course.

 No Catering or Park Board Fees

Ocean-based dive sites, especially in popular tourist areas, often come with hidden fees—marine park permits, resort surcharges, and even mandatory meal plans. Inland dive sites and training centres usually don’t have those costs. You’re not paying to access the beach, the reef, or the resort restaurant—you’re paying purely for the training you’re getting.

Take Your Time

When you train inland, you’re typically not locked into a jam-packed 3-day course. You can spread your training out over several weekends or even evenings. That means more time to absorb what you’re learning, practice your skills thoroughly, and go at a pace that feels comfortable—not rushed.

Plenty of Practice

With fewer time constraints and better control over the training environment, inland courses often allow for extra practice dives, more time to master each skill, and even opportunities to repeat sessions if needed. That kind of flexibility helps you build confidence underwater, so when you do hit the ocean, you feel ready.

No Rough Seas

One of the biggest advantages of diving inland? No waves, no surge, no seasickness. Inland dive sites—whether they’re lakes, quarries, or pools—are much calmer than the open sea. That means better visibility, fewer distractions, and a more comfortable learning environment, especially for beginners.

No Need to Take Leave

Because you can train in your own town or region, there's no need to take time off work or school. Weekend sessions or evening classes make it easy to fit scuba training into your normal schedule. You don’t have to sacrifice annual leave or juggle family commitments just to get certified.

Enjoy Your Ocean Dives After You’re Certified

Here’s the best part: once you're qualified, your ocean dives become pure enjoyment. No more drills, no more clearing masks or practicing emergency ascents—just exploring reefs, wrecks, and marine life at your own pace. You’ll feel more confident, more relaxed, and way more ready to enjoy everything the ocean has to offer.

Final Thoughts

Doing your PADI Open Water course inland might not come with palm trees or postcard-perfect sunsets, but it does come with practical perks: affordability, flexibility, and plenty of solid skill-building. So if you’re dreaming of scuba diving but aren’t near the ocean—don’t worry. You can still start your underwater adventure the smart way, right where you are.

And when you do finally dive into the sea? You’ll be ready to enjoy every second of it.