It’s one of the first questions anyone who wants to learn to dive asks. The honest answer is: it depends on the level and — above all — on what’s included. Let’s look at how it really works, with clear figures and no surprises.
Updated: August 2026
The cost of a scuba diving course changes depending on the level (try-dive, Open Water Diver, advanced courses) and on what the price covers. The items that really make the difference are: the theory lessons and the digital learning materials, the pool sessions, the equipment rental, the open-water dives, the certification and the insurance.
Two courses with the same “starting price” can end up costing very differently: the key is to understand which of these items are included and which are charged separately.
At Top One Diving the Open Water Diver — the first certification, which lets you dive independently down to 18 metres anywhere in the world — is all-inclusive: from €470 if you have your own gear, €570 all-in with rental equipment.
The price covers the theory lessons, the pool, the SSI learning materials, the 4 open-water dives, the certification and the DAN insurance. No hidden costs: you know from the start exactly what you’re paying for.
You’ll sometimes see courses advertised at very low figures (for example “€230”). Often, though, that price doesn’t include the open-water dives, the equipment rental or the certification fees: extras that push the real total to levels similar to — or higher than — a course that’s already all-inclusive.
Our advice: don’t stop at the lowest number, but look at what’s really included. Transparency about costs is the first sign of a serious school.
Before signing up for a course, you can find out whether diving is right for you with a free pool try-dive: you breathe underwater for the first time, guided by an instructor, at no cost and with no commitment.
Once you’ve earned your Open Water, you can keep growing with advanced courses and specialties (Advanced, Deep, Wreck, Nitrox, Navigation and more), starting from €155. Here too the price is for the course; any open-water dives are added transparently.
In our all-inclusive Open Water package, yes — the 4 certification dives are included. Many other offers charge for the dives separately: always check.
Having your own equipment is strongly recommended: it helps you become a more independent and active diver. We know, though, that it can be a significant investment, so you can take it one step at a time. For the free try-dive and the entry-level courses you can rent gear from us; and when you decide to buy your own, we’ll guide you through the specialist shops affiliated with the school.
No, we state everything up front. To take part you only need the annual membership to the association (€30), which includes the insurance and access to all activities.
Yes, in many cases you can spread the payment: get in touch and we’ll find the most convenient solution for you.