drnick07
06-08-2004, 11:51 PM
I did some research and i figured someone might find it useful. The 2 most popular places (maybe the only 2) for students to get SCUBA certified are Aquanauts and ECODive. Both have websites and both give a discount for students (and their relatives if you ask nicely). 2nd and 3rd terms offer the best opportunity to do things, such as scuba, outside of class. You can either do the entire course down here, or do the classroom, pool, and written testing at home and open water portion down here (1/2 course). So here's the student prices i was quoted:
Aquanauts - the most popular dive shop among students, but i don't know why
full course - $290, and can be done in 4 straight days
1/2 course - 160, takes 2 days min.
ECODive
full - 280 (usually 350 for tourists), takes 3 long days
1/2 - 180 (220 for tourists), takes 2 days
The course lengths are really for family members who may only come visit you for a short time and have to squeeze it all in. You length will probably be longer since you still oughta have time to study. If you decide to do the 1/2 course, make sure the dive shop at home is PADI certified or else you can't even put the regulator in your mouth unless you start over from scratch. If a family member decides to get certified while they're down here visiting you, they can fly no sooner than 12 hours after their last dive. Both shops offer discounted rates if you are already certified and just want to do some dives.
Don't ask me any questions about getting certified. I haven't done it and don't plan to. I'm a bit of a cheapskate and Indiana doesn't offer too many scuba opportunities. Both places also rent sailboats, kayaks, and run snorkeling trips. (I promise, i don't work for either nor have been compensated for this plug.)
Aquanauts - the most popular dive shop among students, but i don't know why
full course - $290, and can be done in 4 straight days
1/2 course - 160, takes 2 days min.
ECODive
full - 280 (usually 350 for tourists), takes 3 long days
1/2 - 180 (220 for tourists), takes 2 days
The course lengths are really for family members who may only come visit you for a short time and have to squeeze it all in. You length will probably be longer since you still oughta have time to study. If you decide to do the 1/2 course, make sure the dive shop at home is PADI certified or else you can't even put the regulator in your mouth unless you start over from scratch. If a family member decides to get certified while they're down here visiting you, they can fly no sooner than 12 hours after their last dive. Both shops offer discounted rates if you are already certified and just want to do some dives.
Don't ask me any questions about getting certified. I haven't done it and don't plan to. I'm a bit of a cheapskate and Indiana doesn't offer too many scuba opportunities. Both places also rent sailboats, kayaks, and run snorkeling trips. (I promise, i don't work for either nor have been compensated for this plug.)