Below the Break: Three Days to a PADI Open Water License off Coffs Harbour

COFFS HARBOUR WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Below the Break: Three Days to a PADI Open Water License off Coffs Harbour

A three-day PADI Open Water Scuba Diver course run by Jetty Dive Centre that combines e‑learning, confined‑water practice and four boat dives at Solitary Islands Marine Park to earn certification to 18 metres.

Below the Break: Three Days to a PADI Open Water License off Coffs Harbour.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Coffs Harbour
Operator
Jetty Dive Centre
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on an unforgettable, tightly structured introduction to scuba: over three days you complete PADI e‑learning, confined‑water skills and four ocean boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park, emerging with an Open Water certification that lets you dive to 18 metres worldwide.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MARINE PARK

Four boat dives in the Solitary Islands Marine Park

The ocean component consists of four beautiful boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park, conducted from purpose‑built boats so you don’t have to haul gear across beaches.

THE CERTIFICATE

A universally recognized ticket to 18 metres

Successful completion awards the PADI Open Water certification — registered in the PADI database with a digital e‑card — authorizing dives to a maximum depth of 18 metres anywhere in the world.

THE TRAINING

Small‑group, 5‑Star PADI instruction and full kit support

Training is delivered in small groups with confined‑water pool sessions and personalized instruction; all equipment hire is included and you retain lifetime access to your PADI e‑learning library.

What the day feels like

What the three days feel like

You begin with PADI e‑learning and confined‑water skill practice in a pool, then transition to the ocean for four boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park under instructor supervision; the schedule is compressed but methodical so you finish with registered certification and a digital e‑card.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course is built for — and who should think twice.

1
Older teens & adultsSuitable for participants aged 12 and above; ages 10–12 should contact the operator for guidance.
2
Budding divers who can swimIdeal for people who can swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres and who can remain afloat or tread water for 10 minutes.
3
People with medical considerationsNot suitable unless medically cleared—students must be healthy and medically fit to scuba dive.
4
Pregnant participantsCannot scuba dive while pregnant; pregnancy is an absolute restriction for participation.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Course duration is 3 days plus required self‑study via PADI e‑learning.

What to Bring

All scuba equipment hire is included and students retain lifetime access to the PADI e‑learning library; participants still need to meet the swim and float requirements before in‑water sessions.

Logistics & inclusions

The course includes four boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park, confined‑water training, PADI Open Water certification registered in the PADI database with a digital e‑card, small‑group instruction and full equipment hire; ocean dives may be altered due to weather—Jetty Dive Centre will contact you with any changes.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the PADI Open Water course take?

The course runs over 3 days plus required self‑study (PADI e‑learning).

What depth will I be certified to dive to?

Open Water certification permits dives to a maximum depth of 18 metres worldwide.

How many ocean dives are included?

The course includes four ocean boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is gear provided?

All equipment hire is included as part of the course package.

Are there swim or fitness requirements?

Yes: you must be able to swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres (with mask, snorkel and fins), and be able to stay afloat or tread water for 10 minutes; you must be healthy and medically fit to scuba dive.

Can I do the course if I am pregnant?

No — you cannot scuba dive when pregnant.

What if the weather prevents ocean dives?

Open Water ocean dives are subject to weather and availability; Jetty Dive Centre will contact you with any changes.