Open Water Destinations
Whether you are completing your 4 Open Water dives or continuing your education, we offer a variety of local, domestic, and international destinations every month. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ocean First Travel can help plan a custom adventure.
Local Trips with Ocean First (Offered Monthly)
The Homestead Crater (Midway, Utah)
Details: Complete your open water referral dives in the geothermally heated Homestead Crater. The 95°F water combines scuba diving with a spa-like experience—ideal for novice divers. Drive time from Boulder is approximately eight to nine hours. Trips run fall through spring.
Call us or visit our upcoming Homestead trips page for dates and registration.
Open Water Diver Certification Fee: $350 (+$25 upcharge)
Includes: tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, computer, and instructor
Excludes: taxes, lodging, meals, entrance fee, and transportation
*Divers transport their own tanks, weights, and gear
The Blue Hole (Santa Rosa, NM) April–November
Details: Located on historic Route 66, the Blue Hole is a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water. Depths exceed 80 feet, making it ideal for certification, specialties, and freediving. Drive time from Boulder is about seven hours.
Visit our upcoming Blue Hole trips page. Divers arrange their own accommodations.
Open Water Diver Certification Fee: $325
Includes: tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, computer, and instructor
Excludes: taxes, lodging, meals, entrance fee, and transportation
*Divers transport their own tanks, weights, and gear
Aurora Reservoir (Aurora, CO) June–October
Details: Just one hour from Boulder, Aurora Reservoir is a convenient summer option. Water temperatures typically range from 65–70°F.
Visit our upcoming Aurora trips page.
Open Water Diver Certification Fee: $325
Includes: tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, computer, and instructor
Excludes: taxes, parking fees, and transportation
*Divers transport their own tanks, weights, and gear
Tropical Locations
Want to complete your Open Water dives in the ocean? Start your training here so you can maximize vacation time.
Ocean First, Key Largo
When you choose to do your Open Water Referral dives with Ocean First, we provide you with the opportunity to log up to 5 dives, one acclimation dive in the Key Largo Undersea Park, and four boat dives on the coral reefs.
* includes rental equipment
Details: Ocean First's newest location in Key Largo, Florida — widely recognized as the diving capital of the United States. Surrounded by the vibrant tropical waters of the Florida Keys, Key Largo offers diverse marine environments, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and world-class coral reefs. Whether you're an experienced diver or just starting out, Ocean First Key Largo provides access to unforgettable underwater experiences .
$350 + cost of trip click to Find out more
Referral Option
Complete your four checkout dives on a vacation of your choice with any SSI Dive Center. Use the SSI Center Locator and contact Dream Weaver Travel to book today!
