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PADI Certification Courses

Let’s Go to New Depths

An instructor is teaching a scuba diver student during a PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy scuba certification.

The ocean’s depths remain a vast frontier for many to explore. And Roatan is the perfect gateway to first embark on your underwater adventures or to further your scuba skills. These calm and clear waters provide an incredible backdrop for obtaining your PADI certification in Honduras – whether it’s your first time breathing underwater or your 500th backroll into the blue.

Our planet is 71% water but less than 1% of people in the world scuba dive to explore it.

There are many PADI certifications that allow you to become a part of an exclusive group of people who find peace, adventure, inspiration and more under the ocean. Take your first exhilarating breaths below the surface as an Open Water Diver (OWD). Or discover new adventures as a seasoned diver as an Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW) or Rescue Diver. Are you finding yourself becoming a scuba junkie? Perhaps the professional path is calling and you should become a PADI Pro.

Regardless of the level of your ambition, a PADI certification course in Roatan promises to add depth and vibrancy to your underwater experiences. At Sun Divers Roatan, we’re here to guide you in choosing the perfect diving course. It should align with your skills, interests, and aspirations.  

Let us help you decide which course is right for you and join us in diving into an extraordinary world hidden beneath the waves.

Details about PADI Certifications in Honduras


Get Your PADI Certification in Roatan

What you can expect when you get a Honduras PADI certification with us:

Small groups: Sun Divers is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center. We offer courses ranging from introductory experiences all the way up to your first level as a PADI dive professional. Our students enjoy world-class instruction from PADI instructors in a small group setting. And we never exceed a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. These small class sizes mean that you get tons of direct, undivided attention. We think this is the perfect environment to get your PADI certification.

Two scuba divers practice neutral buoyancy while completing their scuba certification in Honduras.

Multilingual: Our instructors and divemasters make up a diverse group of professionals. They bring skills and experience gained right here in Roatan and around the world. We offer courses and dive experiences in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French. 

Flexibility: Many PADI scuba courses take place over 2-3 days. But we know there is so much more to do when you come to Roatan for your scuba certification! As a concierge dive center, we offer flexible course schedules. This means that we can work around your vacation plans. So you never have to choose between getting your PADI certification and seeing the best that Roatan has to offer on land. 

Top notch operations: Our instruction is on point and our team is exceptional. So are our facilities, custom dive boats, and top-of-the-line ScubaPro rental gear. We make sure every detail of your experience is first class. Diving with us means that you dive in high-quality ScubaPro gear with integrated weight systems. This makes your Roatan diving experience even more enjoyable.

Amazing location: We’re conveniently located in the heart of West End, literally five steps from the ocean. To point out, we’re also next to the iconic Sundowners Beach Bar & Grill, as well as a variety of local restaurants, bars and shops. This central location makes it easy to dive, play, and explore on your vacation. And we did mention the killer sunsets, right?! 

Read what others have to say about getting scuba certified in Roatan with Sun Divers.

Save on Your Fun Dives!

When you take any PADI scuba diving course with us, we reward you with our 10Xs dive package rate – most discounted price on fun dives. So you can take your freshly developed skills and put them to use. At the same time you’re getting to see even more of Roatan’s world-renowned dive sites.

Dive In Now with PADI eLearning

Women sitting on couch with an iPad in hand reviewing a PADI E-Learning lesson before her scuba diving course in Roatan.

At Sun Divers Roatan, we understand that every diver is unique, and so is their learning preferences. That’s why we offer you the flexibility to choose between in-person and online theory sessions. This allows you to tailor your learning experience to your personal style and travel plans. The knowledge development part of most PADI certifications can be done online through eLearning.

With the innovative PADI eLearning platform, you have the freedom to kickstart your scuba training from the comfort of your own home. This interactive program puts you in the driver’s seat, enabling you to learn at your own pace. Be free from the constraints of a traditional classroom. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of scuba diving theory in the learning environment of your choice. Then come prepared to excel in the in-water portion of your course with us!

The advantages of eLearning extend beyond convenience; it’s also a smart choice for optimizing your precious vacation time. By choosing eLearning, you spare yourself the need to hit the books while on vacation. Instead, you’ll have more time for exploring the captivating beauty of Roatan, both above and below the water’s surface. Why waste your time buried in textbooks, when you can be out there?

Entry Level Courses

Discover the world of scuba diving by getting your first PADI certification or just dip your toes into the world of SCUBA diving with a discovery dive. Regardless of which level of commitment you’re ready to make, you’re going to see a mind-blowing new world! Luckily, the most amazing dive sites are located right at Sun Divers’ doorstep and we have some of the best instructors on the island. And when learning in small groups, you’ll be receiving the right personal attention to set you up for success.

The Sun Divers boat is docked in front of the Cayos Cochinos beach with many palm trees and a white beach near Roatan in Honduras.

Discover Scuba Diving

Discover Scuba Diving is also affectionately known as a “DSD” or a “Try Dive.” It’s an experience designed for those curious about diving but not ready to commit to a course. It doesn’t lead to a formal PADI certification or course credits. But it promises a vacation memory that will last for years to come. And a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience is a great way for you to feel out if you want to get your PADI certification in the future.

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The Sun Divers boat is photographed from a bird eye perspective and you can see people floating in the crystal clear waters around the boat during their surface interval in between scuba dives in Roatan.

Open Water 1

This unique option allows you to experience the thrill of diving for the first time while getting credit that can be applied to a future certification. Plus, should you decide to continue your scuba journey with us, you’ll benefit from applying the costs for your Open Water 1 to your full course. This makes your path to the PADI certification both exciting and economical.


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A scuba diver is floating above the impressive Prince Albert shipwreck that lies in Roatan, Honduras.

Scuba Diver

At Sun Divers we always recommend that you do the standard Open Water certification, but if you run out of time or face other challenges, the PADI Scuba Diver course is a great alternative certification.

Basically, this PADI certification equips you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for underwater exploration. As a Scuba Diver, you can discover the marine world under the guidance of a certified dive professional. Your maximum depth limit is 40 feet or 12 meters.

This course serves as a stepping stone for future diving adventures. Furthermore, it offers a quick entry into the world of scuba with the flexibility to expand your skills later on.

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A diver in a pink and purple wetsuit is diving in the depth of the reefs in Roatan, Honduras and is looking straight into the camera.

Open Water

Getting your PADI open water certification in Honduras is doing it right! Calm, clear, warm waters make this the perfect training environment. Open Water divers are fully certified divers who can grab a dive buddy and go fun diving anywhere without supervision of a dive professional.

This course covers all required scuba skills and dive theory to ensure you are prepared to dive safely and confidently. You can also finish the theory online through PADI eLearning and not waste any precious vacation time in Roatan!

Once you have your PADI Open Water certification you can go on to even greater adventures with additional advanced certifications.

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Continuing Education

There are many rewards to taking a PADI continuing education course. Advanced scuba courses increase your confidence and your know how. They add a rewarding mental challenge to diving by learning new skills in new dive environments. And they prepare you for making good judgement calls when the moment matters. Click on the links below to see what these courses will teach you and what is required to take them.

The Sun Divers boat is docked in front of the Cayos Cochinos beach with many palm trees and a white beach near Roatan in Honduras.

Advanced Open Water

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification is an exciting journey into new depths of diving. It offers you the perfect opportunity to expand your skills. You will explore diverse underwater environments, and indulge in unique activities. The course is designed to enhance your confidence and self-reliance under the water. At the same time, it makes your diving experiences more enjoyable and relaxed. Through a combination of knowledge development and five Adventure Dives, the program is both fun and flexible. If you don’t have time to do the full Advanced Open Water course, don’t worry! You can take any of the specialty dives as individual specialties and will have a year to fulfill all specialties to obtain your AOW PADI certification.

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A women provides First Aid to an accident victim. This image is used to show scenarios where being an Emergency First Responder (a prerequisite to the PADI Recuse course) is valuable.

Emergency First Response

The Emergency First Response course is a vital part of dive safety. It focuses on building confidence in everyday rescuers and increasing their willingness to respond in medical emergencies. This course encompasses primary and secondary care, teaching you life-saving skills like CPR, AED use, and managing secondary medical conditions.

It’s a prerequisite for your next PADI certification: the Rescue Diver course. And it is invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their emergency response capabilities, both in and out of the water. This is probably one of the most valuable courses you can do.

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Two divers role play a diving emergency as part of the rescue diver scuba certification in honduras.

Rescue Diver

This PADI certification not only enhances your focus on safety but also sharpens your ability to manage dive-related emergencies. Hence, making you a valuable dive buddy. The training covers crucial skills like self-rescue, assisting tired or panicked divers, conducting search and rescue missions, and administering first aid.

This mentally and physically stimulating course is a prerequisite for the PADI Divemaster certification, bringing you one step closer to the world of professional diving.

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A PADI divemaster leads divers through a large swim through called Hole in the Wall in Roatan.

PADI Divemaster

As the first step in professional diving, the PADI Divemaster certification in Roatan opens doors to a career in the dive industry. This comprehensive course develops your leadership capabilities, allowing you to supervise dive activities and assist instructors with student divers. You’ll deepen your dive knowledge, hone your skills to a professional level, and learn dive management and supervision abilities. Becoming a Divemaster is not just about guiding others; it’s about evolving into a diving professional. And about becoming a role model in the diving community.

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A woman who has grabbed a nitrox tank from two rows on a dock is carrying it to the end of the dock.

Discount on PADI Nitrox Certification

Receive a $10 discount when you combine your PADI Nitrox certification with one of our other courses. Wondering what is Nitrox? We got you. Enriched air nitrox, also known as EANx, is a specialized blend of oxygen and nitrogen that allows divers to extend their bottom time and reduce surface intervals, offering enhanced safety and flexibility during dives. Our Enriched Air Nitrox course provides the knowledge and skills needed to utilize this invaluable diving resource safely. Join us as we dive deeper and stay longer, unlocking new horizons beneath the waves with enriched air nitrox.

Certifications Unique to Roatan

RMP Coral Ambassador

As an RMP Coral Ambassador, you’re playing a crucial role in the conservation of Roatan’s delicate coral ecosystems. This specialty equips you with knowledge about coral health, threats to coral reefs, and effective methods for coral preservation. Your training includes practical skills in coral nursery maintenance and monitoring, making you an active participant in safeguarding the underwater world.


Upon certification you’ll feel empowered to contribute significantly to marine preservation efforts and will qualify to volunteer on the Roatan Marine Park’s weekly nursery maintenance dives. This role goes beyond traditional diving certifications by allowing you to give back and make a difference while diving.

RMP Lionfish Hunting

A woman is scuba diving with a lion fish container and spear in her hands.

Join the fight to protect Roatan’s marine ecosystem by getting your Lionfish Hunting license. In this workshop, you learn the impact of invasive lionfish on local marine life and how to hunt them safely and humanely.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Roatan Marine Park Lionfish hunting license. This is a badge of honor that signifies your contribution to marine conservation efforts. This license not only allows you to join the ranks of those committed to safeguarding our reefs but also offers a unique, adventurous diving experience unlike any other. As a licensed lionfish hunter, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to reef conservation efforts directly. You then can make every dive a mission to protect and preserve.

Specialty Courses

A diver explores a wreck during the Wreck Diver speciatly PADI course in roatan.

Specialties are additional PADI certifications above and apart from the core PADI courses listed above. They allow divers to take a “deep dive” into a specific topic or style of diving that they are interested in. Many specialties include multiple dives to practice and experiment with new scenarios and conditions. But there are also specialties that are classroom-based only such as Enriched Air Nitrox.

If you’re looking to learn new skills or access different dive environments then a PADI specialty course might be fore you. See more details below on the specialty courses that Roatan is best suited for.

Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver

Elevate your diving experience with the Nitrox Certification. This popular specialty can extend your bottom time by increasing the oxygen content in your breathing mix and reducing nitrogen absorption. For one thing, it can decrease the risk of decompression sickness. 

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Night Diver

The mandatory Deep Dive specialty extends your diving capabilities, allowing you to explore depths up to 100 feet/30 meters. Learn advanced techniques for managing air supply, dealing with increased pressure, and understanding the effects of deeper water on your body and equipment. 

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Deep Diver

 This dive is essential for those wishing to push their limits and discover more of the ocean’s hidden treasures. With depth, not only the colors change but the marine life is completely different, too. All of the wreck dives in Roatan are also deep dives. So, this specialty PADI certification is required to explore these sunken treasures.

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Under Water Navigator

Enhance your diving journey with the Underwater Navigator Specialty. This valued course sharpens your navigation skills, allowing you to accurately use a compass and recognize natural underwater markers. By improving your ability to navigate, you are making your dives safer and more enjoyable.

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Search and Recovery

Dive into the depths of mastery with the PADI Search and Recovery Specialty course. This specialized dive training hones your skills in locating and retrieving lost objects underwater. Whether it’s a dropped mask, a lost weight belt, or a treasured piece of equipment.

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Peak Performance Buyoncy

Master the art of buoyancy control with the Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty. This dive focuses on fine-tuning your buoyancy skills, helping you glide effortlessly, use less air, and ascend, descend, or hover almost as if by thought. It’s the key to looking and feeling like a pro underwater. 

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Drift Dive

Drift diving is an exhilarating way to explore large areas of the ocean with minimal effort. In the Drift Dive specialty, you’ll learn to assess current conditions, dive safely in drift conditions, and practice using a surface marker buoy. This specialty teaches you how to go with the flow, making the most of the ocean’s natural movements.

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A woman is scuba diving in Roatan, Honduras, and giving the okay sign for diving with her right hand.

Master Scuba Diver

Achieve the pinnacle of recreational PADI certifications with the Master Scuba Diver rating. Fewer than 2% of divers in the world hold this elite designation of PADI Master Diver. This rating is earned by completing your EFR, Rescue Diver, 50 logged dives and five specialty certifications. It recognizes you as an experienced and well-trained diver with a diverse skill set. In Roatan, you have the unique opportunity to select from our various specialties that match your interests and diving goals. Contact us for more information and become part of this elite group of recreational divers.

FAQs about Courses

How much does it cost to get scuba certified in Roatan?

  • How much it costs to get scuba certified in Roatan is going to depend upon your learning method as well as the quality of the instruction. Most courses will range between $350 and $500 dollars. You might pay a bit more if you are doing PADI eLearning since you will have the convenience of learning the dive theory in a more engaging multi-media format, as well as reducing the length of the in person instruction while on vacation. Visit our pricing page for more information on how much a scuba certification costs in Roatan with Sun Divers. 

  • Is Roatan good for beginner divers?

  • Roatan is a fantastic location for beginner divers because of it’s easy dive conditions. Beginner divers in Roatan can expect warm, clear waters and minimal current or surface chop. Dive sites in Roatan are on average only 5-7 minutes away with some of the closest being only 2-3 minutes away. The sites in Roatan that are great for beginners, usually lead to a wall where more advanced divers can access swim throughs, canyons and a deeper dive environment. So Roatan is actually great for both beginner and more advanced divers. 

  • How do you conserve air while diving?

  • If you are wondering how to conserve air while diving, then you are a great candidate for buoyancy training. At Sun Divers we offer both the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive and the PPB Specialty. The Adventure Dive requires minimal self-study and will count toward both your PADI Advanced Open Water and the PPB Specialty. Both training opportunities will help get you properly weighted and will teach you important body positioning and breathing techniques to help you achieve neutral buoyancy and use less air. Contact us for more information on these valuable courses. 

  • How deep can you dive?

  • Recreational scuba divers can technically dive to 130 feet / 40 meters, but we recommend that you dive only to the depths to which you’ve been trained. This is for your safety and those around you. If you want to safely dive to the recreational depth limit, you should take the PADI Deep Diver Specialty course. Below is how deep you can dive based upon your PADI certification level:

    Junior Open Water 10-11 Years of Age: 40 feet / 12 metres

    Junior / Open Water Divers: 60 feet /18 metres

    Junior Advanced Open Water 12-14 Years of Age: 70 feet / 21 metres

    Advanced Open Water: 100 feet / 30 metres

    Deep Diver: 130 feet /40 metres


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