You need to pass the Open Water Diver Course has a the necessary foundation if you want to learn scuba diving. But for the PADI course can be expensive and it would be muuch better if you could find a way to have your Open water for a cheap price with a good instruction level. Here is an exhaustive list of the 10 cheapest countries to pass the Open Water.
In Honduras
Price: around 300 USD
This is the country where you can spend your first level at the best price. On the islands of Roatan and Utila, you dive into the Caribbean Sea on the archipelago Islas de las Bahia. These are 7 islands and 50 islets with a variety of flora and fauna. Prices are attractive and great news Honduras is a great scuba diving destination with good visibility.
In Vietnam
Price: around 400 USD on average
To pass your Open Water in Vietnam, in the waters of the China Sea, is also a possibility. Vietnam is not yet a very famous scuba diving destination. But it represent little paradise for divers, you will find diving centers in towns along the coast and usually there is not too many tourist yet. It might change in the next few years. On the famous Moray Beach or Madonna Rock you will be dazzled by the underwater landscape. The cost of the Open Water in Vietnam is very low and the price / quality ratio is simply excellent.
In Malaysia
Price: between 300 and 400 USD
Malaysia is a jewel for all enthusiasts. There are plenty of diving shops in Malaysia and the islands are very attractive because of their characteristics such as a particularly rich fauna, great diving spots and crystal clear waters. A perfect setting for all divers! Diving on the island of Borneo or Tioman, long considered as one of the most idyllic islands in the world, will, without a shadow of a doubt, be a great way to learn scuba-diving.
In Thailand
Price: between 300 USD and 450 USD
You should definitely consider to get your Open Water Diver licence in Thailand if you love beautiful beach and amazing landscape. Thailand often considered as one of the best diving destination in South-East Asia. You can choose between different islands to pass your fist diving level and each of the island offers a different experience of its own. Koh Tao, situated in the Gulf of Thailand is the place on earth where there is the highest number of Open Water Diver licence delivered per year. The island of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are also great place to pass your course. However, the islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, in the Andaman sea, are also excellent alternatives to experience the magic of diving in warm and clear water.
In Indonesia
Price: between 250 USD to 400 USD.
Indonesia is definitely one of the best diving destination in the world. Located between the China Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, the underwater landscapes are rich and varied. With no less than 17,000 islands listed on the territory, there is a wide variety of diving sites in Indonesia and even if the destination is on average better for advanced divers because of the current, the country also has great dive spots for beginners. Komodo Island or North Sulawesi are highly recommended places to pass the Open Water Diver while enjoying the incredible biodiversity offered by Indonesia.
In the Philippines
Price: from 400 USD to 500 USD
With more than 7,000 islands listed, dive sites scattered all over the country and an extremely rich underwater landscape, the Philippines is a popular destination for all types of divers. Passing the Padi Open Water certification in the Philippines is a great start in your scuba diving adventure.
In Egypt
Price: from 250 USD to 350 USD
Egypt is often considered as the best scuba diving destination of Africa. Egypt is well known for its extremely rich flora and fauna and good underwater visibility. You will dive into the Red Sea on a wide variety of great diving sites. Egypts has some of the best dive spots in the world such as Elphinstone for example.
In Mexico
Price: between 375 and 475 USD
In this Central American country, there are several interesting diving sites to pass your first level. Diving in Cozumel or in Playa del Carmen, where you will find the second largest barrier reef in the world, is a great choice for your introduction to scuba-diving. You could also consider diving in some cenotes but these places are often recommended for advanced divers.
Costa Rica
Price: between 450 and 550 USD
Diving in Costa Rica is the perfect destination if you want to combine your diving course with a great travel adventure. Even if it is not the cheapest country to pass your open water, you might be able to find a cheap hostel on a beautiful beach and end up paying less in total than in any other destination. To pass the Open Water, prefer the period from June to September, you will have the opportunity to meet dolphins, moray eels or even humpback whales.