Open Water Course

The Open Water Courses consist of 3 half days of practical training.
Day 1 – 12 – 5pm | Classroom learning and practical training conducted in confined water
Day 2 – 8:45m – 1:30pm | 2 open water dives
Day 3 – 8:45am – 1:30pm | 2 open water dives | Dive ends at 1:30pm. Allow shop time after 3rd day to recap and fill out your Log Book.

You are currently booking Day 1 of your Open Water Course. Please provide your preferred dates for Days 2 & 3 on the next screen. We will contact you to confirm availability for the remainder of your course.

• You must complete a Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire prior to beginning the course.
• You may be required to seek a physician’s approval if you are predisposed to, or have any of the conditions listed.
• eLearning completion
• You must be able to swim for 200 metres unassisted.
• You must be 10 years of age (for students 10-14 years of age a Junior Open Water Certification is issued with limitations). This meets NSW standards.
• Parent or guardian permission is required for all students under 18 years

• eLearning access
• Tuition
• Gear Hire
• Confined water training
• 4 x Open Water Dives
• Certification

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Water
• Reef safe sun protection
• Lunch / snacks
• Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire (or email this to us in advance)

You can book your diving online or contact us on 02 6563 2253. Please visit our Terms & Conditions page for further information on booking policies.

Yes, as we do only take small groups of divers it is recommended to pre-book all dive packages prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.

Dive Lord Howe has a variety of sites surrounding the Lord Howe Island Group which are picked based on their suitability in the prevailing circumstances and conditions. To learn more about the dive sites of Lord Howe Island click here.

If you haven’t dived within a few months we recommend you completing a quick refresher dive that can be completed here on the Island or at a dive centre before you come.

At Dive Lord Howe, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and accommodates individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, ensuring everyone can experience the beauty of Lord Howe Island’s underwater world. Contact us for more information on how we can meet your needs.

Anytime from September – May, with December – March being our peak time.

Note: Dive Lord Howe is closed from the 1st June – 31st August. This is due to our SCUBA equipment requiring annual servicing and testing off island. The weather during these months is also less stable / predictable, limiting our diving options.

The water clarity during the summer months ranges between 25 to beyond 40 metres. During the cooler months the visibility can range from 10-20 metres.

In the summer months the water temperature can range from 22-26°C Cooler months can get as low as 18°C

Note: A 5mm westuit is suitable all year round, during the cooler months a hood and/or vest is recommended for those who feel the cold. These items are available from Dive Lord Howe.

Please check our cancellation policy here. Travel insurance is always recommended when travelling to Lord Howe Island.

Pushbike is the main form of transport on the Island however complimentary bus services are available in the evenings to transport you to and from the restaurants.

SmartLynx fly from Sydney. Please visit their website here to view the latest schedules.

Eastern Air Services also flies from Port Macquarie, Newcastle and the Gold Coast. For more information, click on their website here.

The dive shop is located along the foreshore of the Lagoon within easy walking and riding distance of most lodges on the Island. Your chosen accommodation will direct you to the location of Dive Lord Howe and the location of other operators during your arrival tour of the Island.

There are 18 family owned guest lodges on Island from luxury units to modest self contained apartments.

• Oxley Travel
• Spacifica Travel

Yes, there are numerous hot spots around the island, charged per MB. For reliable internet connection, you can access the Public Internet service provided by Thornleigh Farm.

We have a number of restaurants on the Island from fine dining to your casual cafe. Meals are also available on selected nights at the Bowling Club and Golf Club.

All customers participating in diving activities must complete the standard PADI release forms issued by Dive Lord Howe.

By booking online, you acknowledge and accept the following Terms and Conditions:

Cancellations made 14 days or more prior to the scheduled activity are eligible for a 50% refund of the total booking amount.

Cancellations made within 14 days of the booking are non-refundable.

PADI tuition fees will be fully refunded only if your PADI eLearning has not been redeemed.

In the event you cancel your scheduled dives, store credit may be offered at the discretion of Dive Lord Howe for use on future diving, snorkelling, or equipment hire.

Date changes are permitted free of charge, subject to availability and weather conditions, and at the discretion of Dive Lord Howe.

Dive Lord Howe reserves the right to change pricing or payment terms at any time prior to a confirmed booking.

In the event a vessel is unavailable or weather conditions are unsuitable for boating activities, alternate arrangements will be offered.

If diving is cancelled due to inclement weather, guests will be offered either a store credit or a refund.
Insurance claim letters are available upon request.

We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance.