Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Open Water Diver Certification OWD

Outty Ranking 70 5.0 · 13 traveler reviews96 hoursFrom $709
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Open Water Diver Certification OWD worth booking?

Open Water Diver Certification OWD is a 96-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $709 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
5/5 (13)
Duration
96 hours
From
$709 per person

The Open Water Diver (OWD) is the most famous certification, recognized all over the world. A certified open water diver can go diving 18 meters deep. (60 feet) with a buddy of the same level.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Open Water Diver (OWD) is the most famous certification, recognized all over the world. A certified open water diver can go diving 18 meters deep. (60 feet) with a buddy of the same level.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Professional guide
    • Snacks
    • equipment
    • water

    Not included

    • Lunch

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Tamarindo

    We are on Tamarindo's main road just in front of hotel Best Western Vista Villa

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    We are on Tamarindo's main road just in front of hotel Best Western Vista Villa

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tamarindo Diving

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Diving within 18 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor

    Photos

    Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, photo 2Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, photo 3Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, photo 4Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, photo 5Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, photo 6Open Water Diver Certification OWD in Tamarindo, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    13 verified traveler reviews for Open Water Diver Certification OWD. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13
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    wanderhappy1 · October 2026

    Open Water Diver Cert with Isa Castro

    Isa Catro was my instructor. She has a background of International Travel as an instructor with her roots here in the Tamarindo area and Las Catalinas. Growing up in the diving community here, she has a fundamental knowledge of the area and a whole lot of passion for the preservation of this absolutely stunning eco system. By the way if you are nervous about sharks, she is also an experienced shark safety diver. She speaks perfect English in addition to native Spanish. I was also lucky to dive alongside a marine scientist who was working on monitoring and protecting the marine Eco System of Costa Rica. The water is a deep Sapphire Blue, The boat crew and captain as well as the other dive instructors exhibited maritime competency and safety. The vibe was fun amongst everyone involved in the trip, It was apparent that those involved were 100% about what they were doing,

    Response from the operator: Hi and thank you for your review! It was fantastic for all Tamarindo Diving team to have you with us! Now that you have the diving certification we are waiting for you again for unforgettable dives.... Pura Vida

    via Tripadvisor

    Pepper1990 · December 2024

    Amazing!

    Awesome experience. Booked a discovery dive and ended up doing my open water diver certification. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I paid an extra 30 to have them video and was lucky to see sharks, mantas stone fish the list goes on! Was quite expensive but I found CR is anyways but well worth the experience

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review! All Tamarindo Diving staff was happy to have you in the boat and glad to bring you diving for the 1st time! See you next diving adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    loopchoke · October 2024

    Great experience with Tamarindo Diving!

    The staff at Tamarindo Diving were very friendly and hospitable. They have a smooth running operation and are located right along the beach, so they get you out on the boat and out to the diving area efficiently. Communication with the shop was timely, transparent, and very respectful. My son and I did our open water certification dives with Davide for two days. He was very friendly, energetic, informative, and very knowledgeable of the marine life and terrain where we were diving. There was even a sea turtle that recognized him from so many previous interactions with him! He tested us on all the requirements for our open water certification while taking us on an incredible journey of the local marine life. My wife and two other kids did the snorkeling excursion, and had a great time as well. The other instructors/guides were all also very hospitable and accommodating, and made everyone feel safe and looked after. It was a pleasure working with Davide and the rest of the staff at Tamarindo Diving. I would very highly recommend their services!

    Response from the operator: Hi and thank you for the beautiful review! We are happy you enjoy our service and see you the next diving adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    Odyssey19497798090 · April 2024

    Fantastic place to SCUBA certified

    My wife and I experienced the best training and preparation for diving, better then we did at 2 American dive shops. The entire staff are extremely patient when working with older couples. We had such a wonderful time diving around the Catalina and Sombrero islands.

    Response from the operator: Thrilled to hear your dive training & prep exceeded your expectations! We take pride in catering to all experience levels, and patience is key. So happy you enjoyed exploring Catalina & Sombrero Islands! We can't wait to welcome you back for more underwater adventures! Pura Vida!

    via Tripadvisor

    833melissaa · February 2024

    Amazing experience diving for the first time!

    It was the most wonderful experience, I’m officially certified thanks to the amazing crew from Tamarindo Divers. My trainer Jac was very kind and professional, both days were very satisfactory. We saw so many different creatures like sharks and moray eels. I can’t wait to dive again with these guys!

    Response from the operator: Meli!, congrats on your certification and thanks for choosing Tamarindo Diving! We're thrilled Jac helped make your experience "the most wonderful" and led you to encounter amazing creatures like sharks and moray eels. His kindness, professionalism, and dedication to your success are what we're all about. We can't wait to welcome you back for more underwater adventures soon! Pura vida!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    96 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tamarindo Diving, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.3.

    See everything Tamarindo Diving runs

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)40
    Booking momentum (14% weight)32
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)60
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Open Water Diver Certification OWD: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.

    How much does Open Water Diver Certification OWD cost?

    +

    Prices start at $709 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Open Water Diver Certification OWD take?

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    Plan for about 96 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tamarindo is not rushed.

    Is Open Water Diver Certification OWD worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Open Water Diver Certification OWD?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Open Water Diver Certification OWD suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Open Water Diver Certification OWD?

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    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tamarindo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Open Water Diver Certification OWD start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tamarindo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Tamarindo?

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    On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Tamarindo?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Open Water Diver Certification OWD?

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    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Professional guide; Snacks; equipment; and water. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Open Water Diver Certification OWD include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 26 listed pickup locations in and around Tamarindo. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Open Water Diver Certification OWD offered in?

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    It is offered in English, Italian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Open Water Diver Certification OWD?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Open Water Diver Certification OWD wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Open Water Diver Certification OWD if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tamarindo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Open Water Diver Certification OWD?

    +

    Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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