The old adage “if it sounds too good to be true…” may not necessarily always be true

For those who adores the sea or has an adventurous spirit, taking your very first breathe underwater is an unforgettable experience. It’s the ideal activity for romantic getaways, adventurous trips, family holidays, and everything in between.

It can also be pretty pricey as costs can quickly escalate. But think of it as a life investment to yourself. To most divers, it’s well worth the investment that opens up a new world of exploration and makes you grow as an individual too.

If you are still reading this, Hello! 🙂 That would probably mean that you are interested in getting scuba certified. Let us guide you through with some numbers.

As of 2019, the average cost of an Open Water Diver course in Malaysia is around RM1200 (USD286) per person. And quite honestly, it isn’t that bad compared to its neighbors:

Average price of Open Water Diver Course

The average price reference is solely for the course, and it doesn’t include lodging and other non-course related expenses.

The course price may also be higher if you are looking for a private instructor who can cater to your schedule (applicable to city-based dive academies).

A 4-days full board stay and dive course package could start anywhere from RM1550 (USD370) to RM6375 (USD1520), depending on the location and type of accommodation.

Lankayan Resort Sandakan

In theory, the quality of a dive course should be the same all over the world. After all, scuba instructors are certified through international agencies with ISO standardized training methods.

However, the reality is that there are good and questionable dive centers and instructors everywhere regardless of the agency they represent.

So here are some important bits to consider:

What is the instructor to student ratio?

A smaller group is always preferable, as you’d be getting more attention from the instructor.

How long does it take?

An Open Water Diver course typically takes a minimum of 3 days to complete. 4 days or more is preferable in order to give you enough time to practice the diving skills that are meant to keep you safe underwater.

What course exactly are you getting?

You’d be surprised to hear stories of dive centers selling Scuba Diver Courses when guests were expecting an Open Water Diver Course. Two completely different courses at different price points. Yes, it happens.

Are there any hidden charges?

If you need to pay extra for dive equipment rental, course materials, certification fees, boat fees. A cheap scuba diving course can quickly become expensive.

The costs of lodging and traveling to the destination

Consider how much you need to allocate on travel expenses to the location. Getting to some destinations may require a full day of traveling, which means you need to spend an extra day or two to complete your course. Also, the type of lodging you would like, for example, a shared dormitory versus an air-conditioned beachside deluxe chalet.

Here are some tips to lower the costs of your scuba diving course:

Get your buddies to join in

Some (not all) dive centers offer slightly cheaper rates for group courses. Courses are more fun with a group of friends too.

Share a room perhaps?

If you’re spending a few nights on location, consider sharing a room with your fellow buddies. This would definitely lower the cost of the entire trip.

Get a different room type

On a restricted budget? Perhaps you may want to forgo the beachfront super deluxe chalet and opt for a bayfront garden chalet instead. On a tighter budget? How about a shared dorm? We’d rather you “sacrifice” the view, than on teaching quality.

Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality, and on the flip side, pricey doesn’t necessarily mean good. It is important that you research your options carefully to make sure you’re not saving a few dollars by sacrificing on safety.

If you are tired of doing all the research, how about contacting us so that we could help you on your journey? We have all the information on the dive locations and our dive partners are tried and tested by our dive professionals so that you have comfort that they’re legit.

What’s more, we offer a ScubaHive Price Guarantee so you’re sure to get the best deals out there. How about that? 🙂