Clear water starts with clear teaching. This PADI Open Water course in Zanzibar pairs full training days with real underwater sessions in the Indian Ocean. I love how structured it is, and I love that the instruction feels calm and patient, like Faridu’s style. The one drawback: the meeting spot can be a little tricky to find, so give yourself extra time at the start.

You’ll follow a simple rhythm: theory on Day 1 (09:00–16:00), practice in a pool on Day 2 (09:00–12:00), then open-water sessions on Day 3 at different locations. After you finish, your certificate lets you reach 18 meters, which is a big confidence-builder for new divers. If you’re hoping for a relaxed schedule with lots of free time, this course is pretty focused.

Value-wise, the price is $450 per person and that includes equipment rental, a professional instructor, boat transport, lunch with fresh fruit, and drinking water on the boat. Still, extras can show up: transportation isn’t included, underwater pictures aren’t included, and there’s a $10 USD entrance fee. If you want this to feel smooth, plan for those from the beginning.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• PADI Open Water certification with materials, certificate, and instructor-led training
• Three-day learning plan with theory, pool practice, then Indian Ocean sessions
• Four open-water outings included overall, even though Day 3 gets the spotlight
• Boat support plus lunch and drinking water, so you’re not guessing at the basics
• Calm, patient teaching, including excellent feedback from instructors like Faridu
• Optional upgrade to PADI Advanced over 2 days, with deeper training after

Zanzibar PADI Open Water: why this course makes sense

Zanzibar is one of Africa’s well-known scuba regions. What matters for you is that the learning environment is built around beginner safety while still giving you a taste of what makes the island special underwater.

This isn’t just a “see fish, get a certificate” setup. The course is organized to walk you from theory into pool skills, then into real open-water conditions. That step-by-step approach helps you show up on Day 3 with fewer surprises and more control.

And yes, there’s a practical side: you’re not responsible for lining up gear or figuring out boat logistics. Equipment rental, boat transportation, and the instructor are included, plus light lunch, fresh fruits, and drinking water.

The exact 3-day flow: theory, pool practice, then Indian Ocean time

Day 1 runs from 09:00 to 16:00 and is all theory. This is where you’ll learn the fundamentals your instructor wants you to understand before you ever get comfortable underwater. For many people, Day 1 is the mental work that makes the rest of the course feel easier.

Day 2 is a pool session from 09:00 to 12:00. In plain terms: this is where you practice the skills you learned on Day 1, so they start to feel automatic. Pool time also gives you a chance to ask questions before you’re dealing with waves, currents, and buoyancy at the same time.

Day 3 is when you get the underwater sessions. The schedule you’re given highlights two open-water sessions at different locations, and the overall course includes four open-water outings total. So you can expect the training to build toward those four experiences, with Day 3 doing the on-water storytelling.

Lunch is included on all days. You’ll get a light lunch with fresh fruits, and drinking water is available on the boat. That’s a small detail, but it matters because being hungry or dehydrated can turn an otherwise good day into an endurance test.

Your underwater days: what the course is really trying to teach

You’re here for two things at once: learning how to manage yourself underwater and seeing Zanzibar’s marine life. The best part of a well-run open-water course is that it’s not only about the final check-off. It’s about learning how to stay calm when conditions shift.

One useful real-world detail: strong currents can happen, and that’s exactly why the pool and theory days matter. In one example, a participant couldn’t complete all exercises during one underwater outing because the current was too strong, and the team added another outing to make sure learning goals were met. That’s the kind of flexibility you want, especially when you’re new to the skills.

What you should take from that: you’ll be in good hands if you speak up quickly. If something feels off—buoyancy, breathing rhythm, or discomfort—tell your instructor early. The course is designed to respond, not to rush.

Instructor quality: the difference between a checkbox and real learning

This course stands or falls on the instructor. The good news is the instruction style you’ll encounter is described as calm and very clear. One participant specifically praised Faridu for excellent teaching, and they all passed the course.

That matters because Open Water success isn’t about bravado. It’s about understanding what to do with your body, your breathing, and your equipment. A relaxed instructor helps you concentrate on the right things without feeling rushed.

Here’s what I’d do to get the most out of your instructor time:

• Ask questions during theory, not after you’re already underwater.
• Use pool practice to iron out technique early.
• During underwater sessions, focus on one skill at a time instead of trying to do everything perfectly.

If you want the experience to feel friendly, this is the kind of course setup that supports it.

Price and value: what $450 covers in Zanzibar

At $450 per person, this is not a bargain in the “cheap and cheerful” sense. But it’s also not overpriced when you look at what’s included.

Your price includes:

• equipment rental and scuba gear
• a professional instructor
• boat transportation
• a cruise (as part of the included program)
• light lunch, fresh fruits, and drinking water
• the PADI Open Water course materials and certificate
• four open-water outings included overall

So you’re paying for the structure, the teaching, and the actual outings. That’s usually where true value hides in scuba training. If you had to book gear, a boat, and instruction separately, costs add up fast.

Where extras can show up:

• transportation to the meeting point isn’t included (optional pickup is available)
• underwater pictures aren’t included
• there’s a $10 USD entrance fee

If you’re budgeting, plan for the entrance fee and any transportation you choose. Do that and the total starts feeling predictable.

Getting there: meeting point and pickup tips that prevent stress

Meeting point is straightforward in theory: look for the blue building with Eagle Ray on it, written as Eagle Ray Dive Center. In practice, this is exactly the kind of thing that can waste time if you arrive late or without a plan.

If you choose pickup, the driver collects you at the hotel reception. The key timing detail: be ready at the reception five minutes before departure time. When the driver arrives, you’ll confirm your name at the reception. You’ll recognize the car with the Beach and Safari Holidays / Crab Tours logo.

Also, plan to arrive a bit early on the first day. Even if the course is well organized, the first hour sets your mood.

What to pack (and what to expect on the day)

The course includes equipment rental and gear, so you won’t need to bring a full kit. You will still want to show up prepared for a full day of classroom time and then outdoor time by boat.

Bring:

• swimwear and a quick-dry layer for after pool and boat time
• sunscreen and a hat for the boat
• a small dry bag or sealed pocket for personal items you keep with you
• any personal items you need for comfort during long days

On-site, expect lunch and fruit each day, plus drinking water on the boat. That takes pressure off you. Your job is mostly to listen, practice, and stay warm when the boat time gets breezy.

Advanced option: 2-day PADI Advanced to 30 meters

If you already have basic certification or you want to keep your momentum, there’s an option to do a 2 Days PADI Advanced Open Water Course instead.

This upgrade includes:

• lunch with fresh fruits
• five open-water outings
• training to a depth of 100 feet over two days
• the ability to dive to 30 meters after completing the course

The schedule is simple: Day 1 has 3 outings, Day 2 has 2 outings. If you’re the kind of person who learns fast and wants more time in the water without waiting, this can be a great fit.

One caution: advanced training asks for comfort with the basics. If you struggled with buoyancy or felt stressed during your first certification, take that seriously and consider whether extra time practicing would serve you better before going deeper.

Who this Zanzibar course fits best

This is a strong choice if you want a real PADI pathway and you value structure. It also fits well if you like learning with clear instruction and feedback, especially in a calm setting like the one described with Faridu.

It’s not suitable for everyone. The course is not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart problems. If you’re unsure about your health for scuba activities, your best move is to talk with a medical professional before you commit.

For your personality: this works if you can handle a full Day 1 of theory and a Day 2 pool session. If you’re hoping for a mostly sightseeing trip, look at a shorter experience instead.

Should you book this PADI Open Water course in Zanzibar?

If your goal is a legit PADI Open Water certificate in Zanzibar with instruction that sounds patient and practical, I think this is worth booking. The inclusion list is solid, and the teaching focus is clear from how instructors are described, including Faridu’s calm style.

I’d book it if:

• you want a structured path to certification, not random time in the water
• you’re okay with a full schedule (theory and pool practice included)
• you want boat support and included meals

I’d hesitate if:

• you hate tight schedules and want lots of downtime
• you’re arriving without a plan for the meeting point
• you have health considerations that make scuba training a bad fit

FAQ

What is included in the 3-day PADI Open Water course?

The price includes equipment rental (scuba diving gear), a light lunch, fresh fruits, drinking water, a professional instructor, boat transportation, a cruise, and four open-water outings. It also includes the learning materials and a certificate.

How long is the PADI Open Water course in Zanzibar?

It runs about 2 to 3 days. The theory day is scheduled from 09:00 to 16:00, the pool practice day is scheduled from 9:00 to 12:00, and the open-water sessions are on the third day.

What will I be certified for after completing the course?

After you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate that allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

How many open-water outings are included?

The course includes four open-water outings in the Indian Ocean as part of the PADI Open Water training.

What are the schedule times for each day?

Day 1 theory is 09:00 to 16:00. Day 2 pool practice is 9:00 to 12:00. Day 3 includes open-water sessions at different locations.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the blue building with Eagle Ray Dive Center written on it.

Is the instructor English-speaking and is pickup available?

The instructor speaks English. Pickup is optional, and you’ll meet the driver at your hotel reception about 10 minutes in advance (confirming your name through the reception).

Is transportation included in the price?

No. Transportation is not included, but it can be booked if you wish.

Is the $10 entrance fee included?

No. There is a 10 USD entrance fee that is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.