Nha Trang: 3-Day Open Water Diving Course with Lunch

Nha Trang: 3-Day Open Water Diving Course with Lunch offers an excellent opportunity for beginners to dive into Vietnam’s underwater world, all while enjoying the comforts of a well-organized, safe, and authentic experience. Priced at $591 per person, this course combines education, adventure, and culture over three days. It’s perfect for travelers eager to learn a new skill and see the ocean from a whole new perspective. Guided by professional instructors, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to explore up to 18 meters beneath the waves.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances comprehensive training with relaxed, fun-filled days. The inclusion of four open water dives ensures you get plenty of hands-on practice, while the boat trip with lunch makes the journey itself memorable. Plus, the small-group atmosphere and clear safety protocols give a reassuring sense of professionalism.

One thing to consider is that this experience requires a minimum number of participants to run, which means it’s not always guaranteed to operate on a set date. Weather and sea conditions could also influence the schedule, so flexibility is key.

This tour is best suited for adventurous beginners who are eager to learn scuba diving in a tropical setting. It’s ideal for those who want an authentic, guided experience that combines education with the chance to explore Vietnam’s vibrant marine ecosystems. If you’re looking for a travel activity that leaves you with a new skill and unforgettable memories, this is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Learn to dive in 3 days with a certified instructor and practical training.
• Includes 4 open water dives and a pool session for confidence-building.
• Enjoy a boat trip with lunch, water, tea, coffee, and fruits onboard.
• Receive an SSI certification that allows you to dive up to 18 meters.
• Flexible options with hotel pickup and drop-off in Nha Trang city.
• Weather and sea conditions may impact the schedule, requiring flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Location and Setting

Nha Trang is known for its clear, warm waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for beginner divers. The tour begins in the heart of this lively coastal city, which offers a bustling atmosphere combined with scenic ocean views. The dive center is likely based near the waterfront, providing easy access to the boats and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for first-timers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Introduction and Pool Training
Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup early in the morning or early afternoon. Once at the dive center, the team will handle paperwork, including health declarations and consent forms. We appreciate that the process is straightforward, and the guides—likely friendly and approachable—are there to put you at ease.

The theory session covers essential safety protocols, equipment handling, and basic dive physics—crucial knowledge for safe diving. Afterward, you’ll gear up with a full set of dive equipment and head to the pool, where you’ll receive hands-on instruction. This controlled environment is where you’ll learn to breathe through a regulator, clear your mask, and practice buoyancy control with your instructor’s guidance. As one reviewer put it, “The pool session was calm and thorough, giving me the confidence to proceed to open water.”

Day 2: First Open Water Dives
On the second day, you’ll start early, around 7:15 AM, with a short boat ride to your dive sites. This is truly what makes the trip special: exploring the underwater world in the open sea. You’ll complete two dives in clear waters, often described as “crystal clear,” where you can see vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering refreshing fruits, tea, coffee, and a light onboard lunch—a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone energized. As one guest shared, “The fresh fruit and hot coffee made the whole experience even better.”

Day 3: Showcasing Your Skills and Certification
The final day involves two more dives, where you’ll demonstrate your mastery of core skills: controlling your buoyancy, navigation, and safety stops. After completing these dives, you’ll take a short written exam—a small hurdle that many find straightforward, especially with the solid training received.

Once successful, you’ll earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification, unlocking the ability to explore up to 18 meters deep independently. This creates a lasting sense of achievement—“I felt like I had truly accomplished something,” one recent participant remarked.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all the essentials: full dive gear, instruction, boat trip, lunch, and certification paperwork. The only extra expenses are personal items, souvenirs, or snacks outside what’s provided. We liked that drinks like water, tea, coffee, and fruits are included, as hydration is important when diving.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Tips and Considerations

Timing and Flexibility:
The schedule is quite packed, with early starts around 7:15-7:20 AM, which is typical for ocean dives. The tours are subject to weather and sea conditions, so if the weather’s rough, there might be changes or rescheduling. That said, the guides seem committed to safety and communication, so expect updates if needed.

What to Bring:
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and snacks—though the boat provides water and fruits, you might want some extra goodies. Also, sunglasses and a hat are useful during the boat ride.

Physical Fitness and Restrictions:
The course isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back or mobility issues, claustrophobia, heart or respiratory problems, and several other health conditions. This is standard for safety, but it’s worth noting if you have any concerns.

Price and Value:
At $591, this course offers good value considering the comprehensive training, certification, and all-inclusive boat trip. For those interested in gaining a skill that lasts a lifetime, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Why This Tour Works

We loved how the small group size and professional instructors foster a safe, supportive environment. The combination of theory, pool practice, and open water dives ensures you’re well-prepared before your final certification. It’s an experience that balances learning with fun, making it accessible for first-timers.

The boat trip adds a sense of adventure, with lunch and refreshments making the journey comfortable. The emphasis on safety, clear instructions, and certification makes this tour appealing to travelers who want a meaningful, educational experience rather than just a quick snorkel.

Who Should Consider This Experience

This course suits those who are ready to learn a new skill and are comfortable with the idea of early mornings and boat travel. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who want to explore Vietnam’s marine beauty in a structured, safe way. If you’re a begginner seeking a memorable introduction to diving with the option to explore further independently later, this tour will serve you well.

It’s not suitable for those with significant health concerns, mobility issues, or severe claustrophobia. Also, those hoping for a purely recreational snorkel trip might prefer shorter or different tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous diving experience?
No, this is a beginner-friendly course designed for those with no prior experience.

What is the cost of the tour?
It’s $591 per person, which includes training, equipment, boat trip, lunch, and certification.

How many dives are included?
You will complete 4 open water dives over 2 days, plus a pool training session on day 1.

Is the schedule flexible?
The schedule may change due to weather or safety reasons, but the tour provider will communicate any updates.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, snacks, water, and perhaps a hat and sunglasses for the boat.

Can I take this course if I have health concerns?
Not if you have issues like heart problems, respiratory issues, or other conditions listed as restrictions.

Will I receive a certification?
Yes, upon successful completion of the course and exam, you’ll get an SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, the boat trip includes lunch, along with water, tea, coffee, and fruits.

How long does the course last?
The course spans three days, with mornings starting around 7:15-9:00 AM and finishing around 2:00 PM on the last day.

What if I want to reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the provider may offer alternative dates if minimum numbers aren’t met.

To sum it up, this Nha Trang 3-day diving course offers excellent value for those eager to dive into the underwater world with safety, guidance, and a touch of tropical adventure. It’s ideal for beginners who want to explore marine life, earn a certification, and have a memorable time in Vietnam’s coastal waters. Whether you’re after a new hobby or simply want a unique way to see the ocean, this experience delivers a well-rounded, authentic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: