Private Scuba Classes

Private scuba classes provide a structured, individualized training environment where you can learn at a pace that feels calm, predictable, and comfortable. This format is ideal for youth, new divers, anxious divers, and anyone who benefits from a quieter setting with fewer distractions.

Private training follows the same international standards used in our SDI and PSS group programs. The difference is the environment. Your instructor works exclusively with your family or group, allowing more time, more repetition, and more personalized coaching. Because private sessions replace a full group class, pricing is based on group size and instructor time rather than an added fee.

Families choose private training because it creates a calmer learning environment, a predictable pace, and a safer experience for youth and new divers. Private classes are ideal for anxious divers, sensory needs, ADHD, autism, and anyone who learns best with one‑on‑one support.

Private training also allows families to learn together, build confidence as a team, and create strong buddy pairs for future diving. Many parents appreciate the ability to slow down, repeat skills, and support their child without the pressure of a fast‑moving group class.

Private classes are the most flexible and reliable path to scuba certification. You can begin eLearning immediately, schedule pool sessions around your availability, and complete your open water dives locally or on vacation using SDI or PSS referral paperwork.

If you have a deadline or upcoming trip, private training provides the clearest, calmest, and most predictable way to meet it. You set the pace — slow, steady, and comfort‑focused — with the ability to pause whenever needed.

Youth ages 10 and 11.
Private classes are the safest and most effective option for younger divers. The pace is slower, the environment is calmer, and the instructor can focus entirely on your child. Parents are strongly encouraged to join the class and serve as their child’s buddy.

Divers with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or sensory needs.
Private training provides a quieter environment, predictable pacing, and the ability to pause without pressure. Many divers who struggle in group settings thrive in private instruction.

Nervous or unsure divers.
You can repeat skills, slow down, and build confidence with a dedicated instructor who adjusts the pace to your comfort level. Private classes are designed to be calm, steady, and comfort‑focused.

Families and friend groups.
Train together on your schedule with an instructor dedicated to your group. This format is ideal for families preparing for travel or groups who want a shared, supportive experience.

Anyone who learns better with more attention.
Private classes offer the lowest student‑to‑instructor ratio and the most personalized coaching, making them ideal for divers who benefit from individualized support.

Parents can join their child’s private class by enrolling as students. This creates the strongest buddy team, improves safety, and builds confidence for youth divers. Training together also helps parents understand skills, equipment, and safety procedures so they can support their child on future dives.

Certified parents.
Certified parents may join the private class as an Inactive Diver Refresher at a reduced rate. You complete a shorter eLearning module and participate in all pool and lake sessions alongside your child.

Simultaneous courses.
Certified parents may also take Advanced, Navigation, Deep, or other SDI or PSS courses during the same private class. Standard tuition applies plus the private instructor upgrade of $200.

Private classes include up to three pool sessions totaling 10 hours and two lake sessions of three hours each, scheduled on different days. This structure provides the time needed to build comfort, repeat skills, and progress at a steady, predictable pace.

Private pool sessions are typically scheduled on weekday evenings, which works well for most families after work or school. We also have flexibility for weekday daytime sessions or later Sunday afternoons when needed.

Lake sessions are usually scheduled on weekends — often early on Saturdays and mid‑day on Sundays — or on select weekdays depending on instructor availability and lake conditions.

You set the pace — slow, steady, and comfort‑focused. You can pause whenever needed, repeat skills, and build confidence gradually without the pressure of keeping up with a group.

Additional three‑hour pool or lake blocks may be added for $200 per block for your entire family or group.

Private Open Water Diver Certification
For full course details, visit our Private Open Water Diver Certification page.

Private classes include up to three pool sessions totaling 10 hours and two lake sessions of three hours each. Additional three‑hour pool or lake blocks may be added for $200 per block for your entire family or group.

• 1 to 2 divers: 799.99 each
• 3 to 4 divers: 699.99 each
• 5 to 6 divers: 599.99 each
• 7 to 8 divers: 499.99 each

Private Referral Diver (finish dives on vacation)

• 1 to 2 divers: 699.99 each
• 3 to 4 divers: 599.99 each
• 5 to 6 divers: 499.99 each
• 7 to 8 divers: 399.99 each

Private scheduling for other courses.
Advanced, Deep, Navigation, Rescue, and other SDI or PSS specialties can be taken privately. Standard tuition applies plus a $200 private instructor upgrade.

Private classes are scheduled around your family’s availability. Most pool sessions take place on weekday evenings, which works well for divers coming from work or school. We also offer weekday daytime pool sessions and later Sunday afternoon options when needed.

Lake sessions are usually scheduled on weekends — often early on Saturdays and mid‑day on Sundays — or on select weekdays depending on instructor availability and lake conditions. This flexibility allows families to complete training without rushing or rearranging their entire week.

Because private classes replace a full group program, scheduling is based on instructor availability and equipment logistics. Reaching out early provides the widest range of options.

All divers need their own personal gear: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a surface marker buoy. These items are fitted to you and are not shared between divers. We help you select gear that fits properly, works well for training, and will last for future diving.

If you already own personal gear, bring it to your first session so we can confirm fit and suitability. Borrowed or inherited gear is welcome, but some items may need adjustment or replacement if they do not meet safety or comfort standards.

We provide all required rental gear for private classes, including tanks, regulators, BCDs, weights, and exposure protection. Rental gear is sized and fitted during your first pool session, and we maintain all equipment to SDI and PSS professional standards.

Families training together receive matched equipment sets so youth divers and parents can practice skills with identical configurations. This improves safety, comfort, and future buddy teamwork.

Private training works because it removes pressure, reduces distractions, and creates a calmer learning environment. You set the pace — slow, steady, and comfort‑focused — with the ability to pause whenever needed.

Many divers who struggle in group settings thrive in private instruction. The predictable structure, individualized coaching, and quiet environment help build confidence and skill mastery without rushing.

Families also benefit from learning together. Parents and youth become strong buddy teams, understand each other’s comfort levels, and build shared experience that carries into future diving.

Group classes are fast‑paced, structured, and designed for divers who are comfortable learning in a busy environment. Private classes are calmer, quieter, and focused entirely on your comfort and progress.

Both formats follow the same SDI and PSS international standards. The difference is the environment, pacing, and level of individualized attention.

To begin, let us know your general availability — weekday evenings, weekday daytime, or weekend options. We will map out a schedule that fits your needs and keeps training calm, predictable, and comfortable.

How long does private certification take?
Most families complete training in 2–4 weeks depending on availability, comfort level, and scheduling. Private classes include up to three pool sessions totaling 10 hours and two lake sessions of three hours each.

Can we take breaks during training?
Yes. Private classes are designed to be calm, steady, and comfort‑focused. You can pause, repeat skills, or slow down whenever needed.

Is private training safer for youth?
Yes. Private classes provide a quieter environment, predictable pacing, and individualized coaching. Parents are encouraged to join the class to create strong buddy teams.

Can certified parents join the class?
Yes. Certified parents may join as an Inactive Diver Refresher or take Advanced, Navigation, Deep, or other SDI or PSS specialties during the same private class.

Can we finish our dives on vacation?
Yes. You can complete your open water dives locally or on vacation using SDI or PSS referral paperwork.

Do private classes follow the same standards as group classes?
Yes. All private classes follow SDI or PSS international training standards. The difference is the environment, pacing, and level of individualized attention.

Is rental gear included?
Yes. All required rental gear is included: tanks, regulators, BCDs, weights, and exposure protection.

Is personal gear required?
Yes. All divers need their own mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and surface marker buoy. We help you select gear that fits properly and works well for training.

Can we add more pool or lake time?
Yes. Additional three‑hour pool or lake blocks may be added for $200 per block for your entire family or group.