Day 1 — Confined water
Introduction · knowledge review (sections 1, 2 & 3) · equipment setup · confined water session.
Preparation: read sections 1, 2 & 3 of your PADI manual.
End: between 16:00 and 19:00, depending on group progress.
PADI Open Water Diver in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde
Get your first scuba certification at our PADI centre in Cidade Velha — about 30 minutes from Praia. Small groups, full equipment included, courses in English, Spanish and Portuguese. €390 all-in (3 days).
€390All-inclusive · also ~43.000 CVE
~30 minFrom Praia by hiace (incl. wait)
3 daysStart 9:00 · finish ~16:00–19:00
What is the PADI Open Water course?
Open Water is the worldwide entry-level scuba certification. When you finish, you can dive to 18 m with a buddy anywhere in the world — without an instructor.
You train in warm Atlantic water (22–29 °C) on volcanic sites along Santiago’s south coast. No other dive school operates here — so your group is alone on the site.
Course itinerary (3 days)
Complete PADI eLearning before day 1 when you can. Each day starts at 9:00 at the centre; we finish between 16:00 and 19:00 depending on the group’s pace.
Meeting point: Cidade Velha Diving on Google Maps.
Day 2 — Open Water dives 1 & 2
Knowledge review (section 4) · Open Water dives 1 & 2: we gradually increase depth and practice skills to gain confidence and control with your equipment.
Preparation: read section 4 of your PADI manual.
End: between 16:00 and 19:00, depending on group progress.
Day 3 — Open Water dives 3 & 4 + certification
Knowledge review (section 5) · Open Water dives 3 & 4: finish skills on the first dive, then a fun recreational dive to 18 m. At the end: online logbooks, PADI App (photo + certification) and final talk.
Preparation: read section 5 of your PADI manual.
End: between 16:00 and 19:00, depending on group progress.
What’s included
- Full scuba equipment for the course
- PADI eLearning support + daily knowledge reviews
- Confined session + 4 open-water dives
- Official PADI Open Water certification
- Small groups · languages: EN / ES / PT
Why certify in Santiago (not Sal)?
Sal is built for mass resort diving. On Santiago’s south coast there is no other dive school diving here — so you are not sharing sites with charter boats. Dense fish life, volcanic rock, historic anchors, and a quiet learning environment.
Staying in Praia? We are about 30 minutes by hiace. See the full price list for Advanced, Rescue and fun dives.
Open Water FAQ
How much is PADI Open Water in Cape Verde / Praia?
€390 all-inclusive at Cidade Velha Diving (equipment, eLearning support, dives and certification). Three full days, start 9:00.
Do I need to stay in Cidade Velha?
No. Many students stay in Praia and come by hiace (~30 min including wait) or taxi.
Will other dive boats be on our sites?
No. We are the only dive school operating on the south of Santiago Island, so your group is alone on the site.
What if I only want to try diving first?
Start with Discover Scuba (€70, or €90 with boat). It can credit toward Open Water if you continue.
Minimum age and fitness?
From 10 years (Junior limits apply under 15). Comfortable floating in water; medical form required.
Ready to get certified?
WhatsApp us your dates — we will confirm availability for a standard or private Open Water course.