Achieving the prestigious Open Water Diver certification is a popular aspiration for many travelers. Completing this globally recognized program allows individuals to safely explore the underwater world, unlocking a realm of stunning marine life and captivating scenery. Offered in breathtaking locations like Tamarindo, Costa Rica, the OWD certification imparts essential diving skills through comprehensive training under the guidance of experienced instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time diver, this certification promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover what lies beneath the surface.
Key Points

- OWD is the most popular scuba diving certification program, allowing exploration of the underwater world.
- The OWD certification course is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica and is highly recommended by travelers.
- The OWD tour highlights include close encounters with diverse marine life, a family-friendly experience, and opportunities for both beginner and experienced divers.
- The OWD tour includes snacks, water, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, diving equipment, and a delicious lunch.
- The OWD tour has a maximum of 5 travelers per group, and a health questionnaire is required before the tour.
Overview

The Open Water Diver Certification (OWD) is the most popular scuba diving certification program, allowing individuals to explore the underwater world.
The Open Water Diver Certification (OWD) is the most popular scuba diving certification program, allowing individuals to explore the underwater world.
Located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, this OWD experience is highly recommended by 100% of travelers, with 12 reviews and a 5.0 rating.
The tour highlights include close encounters with wildlife, a family-friendly experience, all-inclusive with free snacks, and a day away from the city hustle.
The tour includes snacks, water, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, diving equipment, and lunch.
The meeting point is the Tamarindo Diving Center, with a start time of 2:00 PM.
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Tour Highlights
Close encounters with a diverse array of marine life are a highlight of this Open Water Diver Certification experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Divers can get up close with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. The family-friendly tour provides an all-inclusive day away from the city hustle, with free snacks and a professional guide to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced diver, this tour offers the chance to explore the stunning underwater world of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Inclusions

This Open Water Diver Certification tour in Tamarindo, Costa Rica includes a variety of essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The tour provides snacks and water to keep you refreshed, as well as a professional guide to lead the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
The experience also includes:
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All necessary diving equipment for a safe and successful dive.
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A delicious lunch to refuel after the dive.
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Close encounters with the region’s diverse wildlife.
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A family-friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Meeting and Pickup
After booking, guests can meet the group at the Tamarindo Diving Center, located 200 meters east of the El Chiringuito Restaurant. Outside the center’s reception, guests should wait to be picked up. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
| Meeting Point | Pickup Location | Start Time | End Location |
| — | — | — | — |
| Tamarindo Diving Center, 200m East of El Chiringuito Restaurant | Wait outside reception (no entry to condos) | 2:00 PM | Tamarindo Diving Center |
Confirmation is received at booking, and a health questionnaire is required. Guests should consult a doctor for any pre-existing conditions. The tour has a maximum of 5 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Important Information
Confirmation is received at booking, and guests must complete a health questionnaire prior to the tour. This questionnaire helps ensure the tour is suitable for each participant’s physical condition.
Guests must complete a health questionnaire before the tour to ensure the experience suits their physical condition.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can accompany the group by sitting on laps. However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 5 travelers per tour, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.
Lastly, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
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Diving Certification Process

The Open Water Diver Certification (OWD) course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to explore the underwater world safely.
Through a combination of classroom sessions, confined water training, and open water dives, aspiring divers learn critical techniques like mask clearing, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
Under the guidance of certified instructors, divers-in-training master the fundamentals and gain confidence in their abilities.
Upon successful completion, they receive the internationally recognized OWD certification, empowering them to dive independently in open water environments worldwide.
This comprehensive program lays the groundwork for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable underwater adventures.
Tamarindo: The Ideal Diving Destination
Set against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coastline, Tamarindo is the quintessential hub for open water diving enthusiasts.
This vibrant beach town offers:
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Unparalleled visibility and diverse marine life
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Year-round warm waters perfect for beginner and experienced divers
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Easy access to premier dive sites, from coral reefs to shipwrecks
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A thriving dive community with top-notch instructors and equipment
Coupled with its laidback vibe and array of off-the-water activities, it’s no wonder Tamarindo is the go-to destination for earning an Open Water Diver certification.
Dive in and experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s underwater world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the OWD Certification?
The minimum age requirement for the Open Water Diver certification is 12 years old. Children under 12 can participate but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The certification is suitable for both adults and children.
Can This Tour Be Arranged for a Group of 10 or More People?
The tour has a maximum of 5 travelers per group, so it can’t be arranged for a group of 10 or more people. However, the company may be able to accommodate a larger group by arranging multiple tours or providing a private charter option.
Is There a Special Attire Required for the Diving Experience?
Participants are advised to wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing like swimsuits or rashguards. Closed-toe water shoes are recommended to protect feet. The tour provider supplies all necessary diving equipment, so there’s no need to bring specialized attire.
Are There Any Additional Costs for Underwater Photography?
The tour includes all necessary diving equipment, but doesn’t cover the cost of underwater photography. Guests can bring their own cameras or rent one for an additional fee from the diving center.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change the Tour Date?
According to the information provided, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts. So you can change the tour date without any additional costs if you cancel within that time frame.
The Sum Up
The Open Water Diver Certification in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a fantastic opportunity to explore the underwater world. With comprehensive training from professional instructors, divers can enjoy the diverse marine life and stunning coastal scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, this certification is highly recommended for its safety, fun, and unforgettable experiences.
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