Learn to dive in the waters of the Mediterranean and begin your scuba diving adventure by earning your Open Water Diver certification ! Perfect for beginners, the PADI Open Water Diver course is the first level of scuba diving certification. It's designed for those who want to learn scuba diving in a safe and fun environment . After studying diving theory through the interactive online learning platform in your language, a highly qualified PADI instructor will teach you all the necessary shallow-water skills in English during several confined-water sessions in the sea. Once you're comfortable with these basic skills, you'll put them into practice during open-water sessions while safely discovering the underwater beauty of the protected Ustica Marine Reserve.
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Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
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Photos
+ 4 photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
Beginner
This level is open to everyone. You know how to swim but have never dived or tried scuba diving.
The expert's opinion
Designed for beginners, this course teaches you everything you need to dive safely and confidently, while enjoying an unforgettable experience at sea.
In figures
Diving
Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
🇬🇧
English
🇮🇹
Italian
🇩🇪
German
🇫🇷
French
claire
claire
French-speaking PADI Instructor
Program
Day 1
Days 2 to 5
Day 6
Transfer from Palermo airport and first night in Ustica
TransportationFerry - 03h - 80km
ActivityDiving
Duration of the activity0h10
Accommodation2-star hotel
Breakfastnot included
Lunchnot included
Dinnernot included
Transfer by car with driver from Palermo airport to the port of Palermo (please ensure your flights connect with a hydrofoil when booking). You will begin the crossing to Ustica from the port of Palermo by hydrofoil. You will meet at the dive center at 6:00 PM to choose your equipment and meet your French-speaking instructor for a program overview. Overnight in Ustica (dinner at your own expense).
Day 1
PADI Open Water Course
ActivityDiving
Duration of the activity5h per day
Accommodation2-star hotel
Breakfastincluded
Lunchnot included
Dinnernot included
Breakfast at the hotel and then meet at the dive center at 7:45 am. Return to the center to enjoy a delicious sweet or savory snack, depending on your preference. After the second briefing of the day, you'll depart for your second dive session. You'll be back at the center around 1:00 pm. The afternoon is free; you can explore the island and/or relax before diving again the next day!
(On the last day, only one dive, with the option to add another)
Days 2 to 5
Departure from Ustica and return to the airport
TransportationFerry - 03h - 70km
Accommodation2-star hotel
Breakfastincluded
Lunchnot included
Dinnernot included
Final breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure for Palermo by hydrofoil followed by private transfer from the port of Palermo to the airport.
Pay attention to flight times for hydrofoil/plane connections.
Day 6
Note
This program may be modified at the decision of the dive center or the instructor if weather conditions or the physical condition of the participant requires it.
Accommodation
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 6
The residence where you'll be staying is a small gem of Mediterranean architecture nestled in the extraordinary setting of the Sicilian Sea. For those seeking a holiday focused on comfort and relaxation, the establishment offers elegantly decorated rooms, where everything is designed to make your vacation in Ustica unforgettable. For three generations, the residence has been a benchmark of hospitality on the island. Since 1954, the family has been dedicated to providing exceptional service and professionalism, ensuring your every need is met and your holiday is truly unique!
Access
Departure
Aéroport De Palerme
Day 1
End of stay
Aéroport De Palerme
Day 6
The stay ends when our driver drops you off at Palermo airport.
Go to the starting point
Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport de Palerme
To get to Palermo: To give you maximum flexibility, this trip is offered without flights. Don't hesitate to contact us by phone: one of our advisors will be happy to find the best route for you. Here are the routes we recommend to get to Palermo: From Paris CDG: Direct flights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays with Easyjet. From Orly: Direct flights daily with Transavia. From Lyon: Direct flights 4 times a week with Easyjet and Transavia. From Brussels: Flights with a layover daily with Easyjet, Swiss, and ITA Airways. From Toulouse: Direct flights on Tuesdays and Fridays with Volotea. From Nice: Direct flights 4 times a week with Volotea and Easyjet. From Marseille: Direct flights 6 times a week with Ryanair. Here are the schedules for the last ferries: High season (July-August): 6:00 PM. Mid-season (April-June and September-October): 5:00 PM. Please be mindful of connections between the plane and the ferry: allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes between the arrival of your flight and... Palermo and the last hydrofoil boat, as it's about a 45-minute drive between the airport and the port of Palermo. For your return trip, if your flight is before noon, you will need to spend the night in Palermo.
Price details
The price includes
5 nights in a double room, breakfasts included.
Transfers between Palermo airport and the port of Palermo (Round trip)
Hydrofoil tickets between the port of Palermo and the port of Ustica (Round trip)
The theoretical briefings.
Boat trips to and from the dive sites.
Sea sessions (7).
A dedicated French-speaking PADI professional.
The complete equipment.
Diving insurance.
Snacks and refreshments at the dive center.
The dive logbook is given out at the end of the course.
The eLearning manual and certification eCard.
Breakfasts
Extra luggage in the hydrofoil.
The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
The price does not include
Flights to get to Palermo.
Meals (excluding breakfasts).
Extra luggage in the hydrofoil.
The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
Nitrox enriched air (€6/bottle).
Options
Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also provide us with a medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to practicing sports.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
All scuba diving equipment is provided and included in the course.
Equipment to bring
All diving equipment is provided, you only need to bring your swimsuit.
Clothing to bring
Travel light! Shorts and t-shirts are ideal. However, remember to pack a few things to cover yourself in the sun and in the evenings, depending on the season.
Regarding footwear, a pair of flip-flops is appreciated for walking from the dive center to the boat, and if you wish to explore the different coves in the afternoon, bring water shoes for the rocks.
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,9/5
(13 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
F
Franck
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2026
Translated from French
A wonderful adventure that met our expectations. Top-notch dive site, magnificent dive spots.
Published on 07/08/2026
L
Laurent
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2025
Translated from French
I loved it! The whole team was incredibly professional and super friendly. I highly recommend it and I'll be back. Thank you! 👍
Published on 06/08/2025
P
POUBLAN
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2024
Translated from French
We completed our Open Water certification with Decathlon Travel and Orca Diving. The center is excellent, with suitable equipment, and they organized our stay perfectly, taking care of all the last details. The instructors are outstanding, very patient and skilled at teaching; I highly recommend them.
Published on 29/09/2024
O
Decathlon Travel Partner
Our partner team
4.7/5
(58 reviews)• 8 stays
Based on the island of Ustica, the true diving capital of the Mediterranean, our local partner invites you to explore one of Europe's most pristine marine reserves. Thanks to its prime location on the port, their center offers quick access to the island's most spectacular dive sites aboard fully equipped Zodiacs. Whether you're a scuba diving or snorkeling enthusiast, you'll be accompanied by experienced and accredited French-speaking guides, guaranteeing a safe and exciting dive. It's the perfect opportunity to discover exceptionally rich underwater biodiversity in a stunning natural setting.
Discover their team and their trips
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Best price guaranteed
Our promise is simple: to guarantee you the best price for your adventure. If you find an identical offer cheaper on another French website,
We'll offer you twice the difference.
The key principles for benefiting from it:
✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
Find all the details and procedures to follow, whether you have already booked or not, on our dedicated page.
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Free cancellation more than 30 days before departure
Something unexpected come up? Change your mind with peace of mind. You can cancel your booking free of charge and without giving a reason if you cancel more than 30 days before your departure.
Important conditions:
❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
Details regarding cancellation fees:
For the Standard fare booked 30 days or less before departure, and for the Flex fare booked less than 24 hours before departure, the cancellation fees defined in the partner's terms and conditions apply.
Payment in 2 installments without fees
Secure your spot now and manage your budget with flexibility. This option allows you to confirm your adventure right away by paying only a portion of the total cost.
How does it work?
You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
Eligibility requirements:
This option is available for all stays: