Learn to Dive in the UK, Get Certified in Spain: The Best Way to Do Your PADI Open Water Course

Ever dreamed of learning to scuba dive, but the thought of a chilly UK lake made you shiver before you'd even zipped up a wetsuit? We've got very good news.

At Ocean Turtle Diving, you can split your PADI Open Water Diver course into two parts. Do Part A — your theory and pool training — right here in the UK at our dive centres in Hampshire (Basingstoke) or London (Stratford). Then hop on a flight and finish Part B — your four open water qualifying dives — in the warm, sparkling Mediterranean with our sister centre, Ocean Turtle Tropical in La Herradura, on Spain's stunning Costa Tropical.

Same course. Same friendly Ocean Turtle team. Considerably more sunshine.

How the PADI Open Water Course UK-to-Spain Split Works

The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world's most recognised entry-level scuba certification. Once certified, you can dive independently with a buddy to 18 metres, anywhere in the world. We split it into two flexible parts:

Part A – Theory + Pool (UK). You'll start with PADI eLearning, which you complete at your own pace on your phone, tablet or computer (allow 5–10 hours). Then you'll join us at the dive centre, get fitted with the latest dive gear, and head into the pool to master your scuba skills with a highly trained PADI Instructor. In London we run Part A as one intensive full day; in Hampshire it's spread over two relaxed days. Book Part A here.

Part B – Open Water Dives (Spain!). This is where it all comes together: four open water dives over two days, putting your new skills into practice in the real ocean. Complete them with Ocean Turtle Tropical in La Herradura — one of Spain's most beautiful, sheltered bays, with warm water, dramatic rock formations and marine life everywhere you look. Book Part B here.

Why Finish Your Course in La Herradura?

Learning in a UK pool builds solid skills. Finishing in the Med builds unforgettable memories. Here's why our students love it:

Warm, clear water. Your first ocean dives are exciting enough without numb fingers. La Herradura's sheltered bay offers fantastic visibility and comfortable conditions — ideal for building confidence.

Real marine life from dive one. Octopus, moray eels, nudibranchs, shoals of fish drifting over volcanic rock formations. Your qualifying dives become genuine adventures.

The same Ocean Turtle family. Ocean Turtle Tropical is our own PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centre — the same standards, the same fun and passionate instructors, and a seamless handover of your training records. No paperwork headaches, no repeating anything.

A certification and a holiday in one. Two days of diving still leaves plenty of time for tapas, beach time and exploring the Costa Tropical. Bring the family — non- divers can go snorkelling or even try a Discover Scuba Diving experience.

Your Questions, Answered

How long does the PADI Open Water course take?

Around 3–4 days in total. Part A takes one day in London or two days in Hampshire, plus your self-paced eLearning. Part B is two days of open water diving in Spain (or in a UK lake, if you prefer).

Do I have to do both parts together?

No — that's the beauty of it. Book Part A whenever suits you, then complete Part B when your Spanish getaway lines up. Your Part A training stays valid for 12 months, so there's no rush.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You don't need to be an athlete. You'll need to swim 200 metres (any stroke, no time limit) and float or tread water for 10 minutes. If you're comfortable in the water, you're ready.

How old do I need to be?

The minimum age is 10. Divers aged 10–14 earn a Junior Open Water Diver certification, which automatically upgrades to full Open Water Diver at 15. It's a brilliant family adventure — we regularly certify parents and kids together.

Am I fit to dive?

Most people are! Before enrolling, review the PADI Diver Medical form. If you answer "yes" to any question, you'll just need a quick sign-off from your doctor before getting in the water.

What's included, and what do I need to buy?

All your core scuba gear — regulator, BCD, fins, wetsuit, boots and cylinder — is included in the course price. You'll just need your own mask and snorkel, which you can pick up in our dive shop or at your orientation session.

What can I do once I'm certified?

The ocean, quite literally, opens up. Dive anywhere in the world to 18 metres, join our dive trips, become part of the Ocean Turtle Scuba Club, or keep progressing with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course — which you can also complete in Spain.

What if I'd rather finish in the UK?

No problem at all. We run Part B at inland dive sites in the UK too (site entry fees range from £15–£24 per day).

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Your journey to becoming a certified diver starts with a single splash — and it can end with you surfacing in the Mediterranean, grinning through your mask.

Book Part A in the UK | Book Part B in Spain

Got questions? Check our FAQ page, call us on 01256 819595, or email enquiries@oceanturtlediving.com. See you underwater! 🐢