Thinking about breathing underwater for the first time on Gili Trawangan? Then you have probably seen two options: PADI Discover Scuba Diving and the PADI Open Water Diver course. Both are made for people who have never dived before, both start with the basics, and both take you to a real reef. So when it comes to Open Water vs Discover Scuba, which one is right for you?
The short answer: Discover Scuba is a taste, Open Water is a licence. Below we explain the difference in time, price, depth and what you take home, so you can choose with confidence.
What is PADI Discover Scuba Diving?
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is a half-day introduction to scuba. You do not need any experience, only to be comfortable in the water and at least 10 years old.
With us on Gili Trawangan, a Discover Scuba day looks like this:
- Equipment introduction. Your instructor shows you the mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator and tank, and how they work together.
- Pool session. In our pool you practise a few simple skills: breathing from the regulator, clearing water from your mask, and sharing air with a buddy.
- Ocean dive. You head out by boat and dive to a maximum of 12 metres, always right next to your instructor. We often go to Turtle Heaven off Gili Meno, where big green turtles rest on the reef.
Discover Scuba is not a certification. When the day ends, you have had an amazing experience, but you cannot dive without an instructor afterwards.
What is the PADI Open Water Diver course?
PADI Open Water is the world’s most popular first scuba certification. When you finish, you receive a licence that lets you dive to 18 metres with a buddy, anywhere in the world, without an instructor.
Our Open Water course on Gili Trawangan takes 3 days:
- Before you arrive: PADI eLearning theory on your phone or laptop (about 2 days of study, at your own pace).
- Day 1: Equipment introduction and skill training in the pool.
- Day 2: Two open water dives in the sea.
- Day 3: Two more open water dives, and you are a certified diver.
To join, you need to be at least 15 years old (10–14 year olds can earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification) and able to swim 200 metres.
Open Water vs Discover Scuba at a glance
| Discover Scuba Diving | PADI Open Water Diver | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Half a day | 3 days (plus eLearning) |
| Program | 1 pool session + 1 ocean dive | Theory + pool + 4 ocean dives |
| Maximum depth | 12 m, with an instructor | 18 m, with a buddy |
| Certification | No | Yes, lifetime PADI licence |
| Minimum age | 10 years | 15 years (10 for Junior Open Water) |
| Swimming | Comfortable in water | Able to swim 200 m |
| Price at Trawangan Stingray Divers | IDR 1,350,000 | IDR 6,900,000 |
Both prices include full dive equipment, the boat, marine park fee, snacks, drinks and a towel. Open Water also includes PADI eLearning, your e-certificate and a logbook.
Choose Discover Scuba if…
- You have only one free day on Gili Trawangan.
- You are not sure yet whether you will like diving.
- You are travelling with friends or family who want to try it together.
- You want a lower budget first step.
Enjoyed your first dive and want more? Add a second guided ocean dive for IDR 700,000.
Choose PADI Open Water if…
- You already know you want to dive again, on this trip or on future holidays.
- You want to explore more dive sites around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, from Shark Point to the Bounty Wreck.
- You have at least 3 days on the island.
- You want a licence for life that is recognised at dive centres all over the world.
Once you are certified, you can join our daily fun dives straight away, from IDR 640,000 per dive.
Can I do Discover Scuba first and Open Water later?
Yes, and many of our students do exactly that. Try Discover Scuba on your first day; if you fall in love with the ocean, talk to your instructor about continuing with the Open Water course. In many cases, the skills you already practised can be credited toward your Open Water training, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
For Discover Scuba you only need to feel comfortable in the water. For Open Water you need to be able to swim 200 metres, at any speed and with any stroke.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Everyone fills in a short health form before diving. If you answer “yes” to any medical question, you will need a doctor’s clearance first.
Can I fly after diving?
Wait at least 12 to 18 hours after your last dive before flying. Plan your boat or flight back to Bali or Lombok with that in mind.
Is Gili Trawangan a good place to learn?
Yes. The water is warm all year (around 27–30 °C), visibility is good, and there are calm, shallow sites full of turtles and reef fish that are perfect for new divers.
Ready for your first breath underwater?
Whether you choose a half-day taste or a full licence, our instructors on Gili Trawangan will keep you safe and make it fun.
- Try it first: PADI Discover Scuba Diving
- Get certified: PADI Open Water Course
- See all prices: Plan & Pricing
- Book your dive: Booking or message us on WhatsApp.
See you underwater!