Learn to dive
Scuba certification,
done right
Your scuba certification is a lifetime license to explore the underwater world — and the class you take determines whether you come out a confident diver or a nervous one. Texas Scuba Academy teaches SDI & PADI open water courses in groups of four or fewer, with instruction that comes to your city instead of the other way around.
How certification works
eLearning at home
Knowledge development happens online at your own pace — usually 6–10 hours spread over a week or two. You learn the physics, safety rules and dive planning before you ever get wet.
Pool sessions
Confined-water training with your instructor — max 4 students per class. You practice every skill (mask clearing, buoyancy, regulator recovery) until it feels natural, not just once for a checkmark.
Open-water checkout dives
Four dives over two days at a Texas lake — Lake Travis, Spring Lake, Scuba Ranch or Blue Lagoon depending on where you are. Pass those and you’re a certified diver for life.
Pick your course
$499
SDI Open Water
Fully-online academics and a modern curriculum. Recognized worldwide.
View course →$599
PADI Open Water
The most widely recognized brand name in diving. Recognized worldwide.
View course →Locations
Where we teach
Small-group scuba certification across Texas — pick your city:
Available on request
Common questions
How long does it take to get scuba certified?
Most students finish in 2–4 weeks: eLearning at your own pace, then pool sessions and a weekend of open-water dives. Because classes are max 4 students, scheduling is flexible — many students go from sign-up to certified in two weekends.
SDI or PADI — which certification should I choose?
Both are recognized worldwide and teach the same core skills. SDI ($499) has fully-online academics and a slightly more modern curriculum; PADI ($599) is the most widely recognized brand name in diving. Either card lets you dive and continue training anywhere on earth.
Do I need to buy gear before certification?
No. Tanks, BCD, regulator and weights are provided. You only need personal basics — mask, snorkel, fins and boots — and we’ll help you pick those without overspending.
Where do the open-water dives happen?
At real Texas dive sites: Lake Travis (Austin), Spring Lake (San Marcos), Scuba Ranch (Terrell, for DFW students) and Blue Lagoon (Huntsville). Your instructor picks the best site for your city and the season.
Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?
Ages 10+ can certify (10–14 earn a junior rating). You should be a comfortable swimmer and in reasonable health — a standard medical questionnaire covers the rest, and a physician sign-off is only needed if it flags something.