Learning to scuba dive with friends and family is a bonding experience. It gives you quality time together where you enjoy precious moments of excitement and fun away from your normal routine. So grab your grandparents, spouse, daughter, parent or sibling, and discover adventure below the sea.
Below are four real-life stories of families and friends who got certified together – either at home or abroad. Read on to find out what prompted their decision.
Jenna Maclennan – Planning Ahead for Big Dive Vacations
Jenna MacLennan and her daughter got certified in Minnesota, USA, in 2024. The duo had a clear goal: “To get certified in the summer so the next summer we could dive together in Australia and New Zealand.”
Jenna’s careful planning is based on the knowledge that the PADI Open Water Diver certificate does not expire and is recognized worldwide. By using their summer break to learn how to dive, mother and daughter set themselves up for a lifetime of diving adventures whenever and wherever they go in the world.
Carolyn Kiss – Spending Quality Father-Daughter Time
Carolyn knew she wanted to get certified, but she needed a push to make it happen. It was her dad who gave her the motivation. She explains, “My dad said if I got my certificate, he’d refresh his, which he got before I was even born.”
The heartwarming deal saw Carolyn and her dad travel to Key Largo over the holidays, where she earned her Open Water Diver certification. Talking about their time diving together, Carolyn says, “It was awesome getting to share this experience with my dad, and I can’t wait to go on many more dives with him!” There really isn’t anything quite like getting certified with your family.
Caroline – Enjoying a Special BFF Moment
“I never thought of diving until my best friend, Judith, asked me,” recalls Caroline, who, like most beginners, found the idea of breathing underwater daunting. But thanks to her best friend’s encouragement, Caroline soon got hooked on scuba diving.
“Unfortunately, we do not dive much together. This year, that will change as we have a trip to Bonaire scheduled,” adds Caroline. Talk about friendship goals!
Elle – Husband and Wife Go Pro
Driven by curiosity and wonder, Elle and her husband decided to learn how to dive in Egypt in 2023. Little did they know that this decision would change the course of their lives.
One dive led to another, and they enrolled in more diving courses to further their diving knowledge and skills. Ellen and her husband are now training as PADI Divemasters, which is the first professional level and will enable them to work as dive guides.
Elle explains, “We’ve grown together every step of the way. Diving has become our love language beneath the surface.”
Who Will You Get Certified With?
Getting your diving certificate is a big step. But getting certified with your friend or family makes learning to scuba dive fun and relaxing. Thanks to the experience and all that you will see, learn and experience together, you’ll have memories and inside jokes to last a lifetime.
