How to Choose the Right Dive School

Finding the perfect dive school can make or break your certification experience. A great school transforms learning to dive into an unforgettable adventure. A poor choice can leave you frustrated, under-trained, or even put off diving entirely.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Certifications and Affiliations

Look for schools certified by recognized agencies:

• PADI: World's largest agency, recognized everywhere
• SSI: Growing rapidly, excellent digital materials
• NAUI: Known for rigorous training standards
• CMAS: Popular in Europe and South America

Important: All major agencies are internationally recognized. Choose based on the school and instructor quality, not just the agency name.

2. Instructor Quality

The instructor makes the biggest difference. Look for:

• Experience (years teaching, number of certifications issued)
• Communication style that matches yours
• Patience with beginners
• Passion for diving and marine life
• Current certifications and insurance

3. Class Size

Smaller is better for learning:

4. Equipment Quality

Well-maintained gear is essential for safety and comfort:

• Ask when equipment was last serviced
• Look for a variety of sizes available
• Check that rental gear is modern and well-kept
• Ensure BCDs and regulators are serviced annually

Questions to Ask Before Booking

1. What is your student-to-instructor ratio?
2. How long has the instructor been teaching?
3. What's included in the price (materials, equipment, certification)?
4. Where will confined water and open water training take place?
5. What happens if I need extra time to complete skills?
6. Can I see your equipment before committing?
7. Do you have insurance coverage?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure to sign up immediately without answering questions
• Unusually low prices (corners may be cut)
• Vague answers about instructor qualifications
• No mention of insurance or safety procedures
• Rushed schedules that skip pool training
• Old, worn-out equipment
• Negative or limited online reviews

Using Reviews Effectively

Online reviews are valuable, but read them critically:

• Look for patterns across multiple reviews
• Recent reviews matter more than old ones
• Pay attention to mentions of safety and instructor quality
• One bad review among many good ones may be an outlier
• Be wary of schools with only 5-star reviews (may be fake)

Price vs. Value

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider what's included:

• Materials: Digital or physical manuals?
• Equipment: All rental gear included?
• Certification card: Included or extra fee?
• Photos/videos: Often an extra charge
• Extra dives: Some include fun dives after certification

Pro tip: Use WeGoDive's comparison tools to see exactly what's included at each school before making your decision.

Your certification is for life – invest in quality training and you'll become a confident, skilled diver who enjoys every underwater moment.