3 days Open Water Course | Scuba Diving

What makes this course interesting is that it turns Madeira’s coastline into a step-by-step training plan. You start on land and in a pool, then move into open-water training with a pro instructor, all based in Funchal. You also leave with SSI Open Water certification that supports buddy outings worldwide to 18 meters (60 feet).

Two things I really like: the tone of the instruction and the hands-on help with gear. I’ve seen consistent praise for instructors who slow things down when you get nervous, including Lupii, Tomas, Sara, and Nico, with extra attention to breathing and finning. I also like how the team supports you practically, from equipment setup to getting everything ready for the boat, with skippers such as Francisco and Vlad described as very helpful.

One possible drawback is that your experience depends on conditions. Sea water can feel cold, and the course requires good weather, so pack for cool temps and keep your schedule flexible if the day needs adjusting.

Key points before you go

• SSI Open Water certification to 18 meters (60 feet), globally recognized for buddy outings
• Pool plus academic prep, then multi-hour open-water training over about 3 days
• Small group size (max 5 travelers), which helps instructors notice small issues fast
• Gear included and extra team support for carrying and setting up equipment
• Madeira marine highlights are common, including Garajau Marine Reserve, wreck sites, and night sessions when conditions allow
• Cold water is real, so plan for warm gear and comfort, not just courage

Why Funchal is a smart starting point for your SSI Open Water course

Funchal is a practical home base for learning because you’re not guessing how training works. Your day starts at a dedicated center in the city area, with the focus on getting you from basic skills to confident control in the water.

The best part is how the setup supports beginners. You train first in a pool environment where you can practice buoyancy and basic techniques without added pressure. Then, when you move to the sea, you’re already building muscle memory. That order matters. It makes the open-water portion feel like a continuation, not a leap.

Another plus is that the course is offered in English, and it’s designed for “most travelers” to participate. If you’re traveling solo or with a friend, the maximum group size of 5 helps keep things from getting chaotic. This is not a production line.

The 3-day rhythm: study, pool skills, then open-water checkouts

Your training runs about 3 days, starting at 9:30 am at Azul Madeira’s meeting point in Funchal. Expect multi-hour sessions during that window. This is a real course, not a quick taster.

Here’s what the rhythm generally looks like:

• Academic and pool training first: you learn theory and then practice core skills in the pool.
• Open-water training next: once you can handle the basics, you move into the sea for the practical parts that prove you can manage the system on real water.
• Ongoing guidance and assessment: the course includes a final exam step as part of your certification process, guided by the instructors.

Some students note that the training may take a little over half the third day in real time, but still counts as roughly a three-day experience. Also, there can be some studying in the evenings. Plan for that mentally, so you’re not surprised when the day ends and you still have a bit of learning to do.

What makes the instruction feel safe, from Lupii to Nico

For an open-water certification, the real value is not just the location or the equipment. It’s how instructors teach you when you’re unsure.

Across multiple course experiences, a consistent theme is patience. Instructors like Lupii and Tomas are praised for staying calm and working at your pace. If you show up nervous, they don’t treat that as a weakness. Instead, they focus on fundamentals you can control, like breathing and movement.

There’s also praise for instructors such as Sara and Nico who spend time correcting technique, especially for students who have trouble with confidence in the water. One student specifically called out Sara’s focus on breathing and finning. Another highlighted Nico and Sara helping with confidence when they arrived as a referral and felt unsure.

That approach matters because in the open-water portion, your brain needs fewer surprises. You’re learning buoyancy, situational awareness, and how to respond calmly. An instructor who can tailor their communication to your needs helps you keep control, and control is the whole game.

And it’s not only theory. The staff also shows practical problem-solving. For example, one student described a scenario where a student’s BCD failed, and Rafa handled it by getting the student back to shore, swapping to another BCD, and doing it without extra charges. That’s the kind of competence that makes beginners relax.

Underwater training around Madeira: Garajau, wreck chances, and night sessions

Even though your official course structure is about skill-building, the sea setting helps make the training memorable. Madeira can deliver clear marine life, interesting terrain, and varied conditions, so you learn to adjust.

One spot that appears in multiple outings is Garajau Marine Reserve. Students mention seeing big, impressive fish there such as grouper and barracuda, plus parrot fish and lots of smaller colorful species. You may also see wildlife that you can’t identify on the spot, which is actually normal for a beginner course. The point is that you’re building comfort while you’re surrounded by real life.

Some students also connect their training with special outings, including wreck site visits. Others describe night underwater sessions. Your course itself focuses on certification skills, but these kinds of extras show what the local team does well when conditions allow.

One practical note: currents can be unpredictable, and conditions can change fast. In one case, students said that when conditions were too poor for a night session, Cecile helped re-arrange to a safer day. That tells you the team doesn’t force it. They prioritize safe training and sensible decisions.

Gear included, equipment support included, and cold-water reality

This course includes the use of scuba equipment, plus all fees and taxes. That’s a meaningful value piece. When you’re just starting out, rental costs and last-minute gear shopping can add stress. Here, you’re already covered for the equipment used as part of the training.

On top of that, the team is praised for being hands-on with setup. Students describe staff carrying gear to the boat, getting it arranged, and helping you get ready. That support matters because the beginner stage is where you can waste time fumbling with straps and hoses.

Now for comfort: the sea can be cold for some people. One student described using a 7 mm setup plus a shortie to stay warm, and said the water was very cold for them. Even if you don’t need that exact combination, the message is clear: don’t plan to be comfortable in light swim gear. Bring warm layers for the surface between sessions, and expect the cold to show up when you’re underwater.

Price and value: what $527.44 really buys you

At $527.44 per person, the headline number is clear. What matters is what’s inside the package.

Included:

• Use of scuba equipment
• All fees and taxes

Not included:

• Lunch
• Private transportation

That makes the price feel more honest than deals where you later learn you still have to pay for key gear or essential admin steps. If you’re staying in Funchal already, you can handle the transportation side without a private car, especially because the meeting point is near public transportation.

For value, the best comparison is your end result. You’re buying a structured, instructor-led training path that ends with SSI Open Water certification, including the worldwide buddy-outing limit to 18 meters (60 feet). If you know you’ll keep diving or doing scuba outings after you get certified, this course can pay off fast. If you’re only curious, it’s still a strong way to learn properly, but it helps to be honest with yourself about whether you’ll keep using the skill.

One more value tip: with a maximum of 5 travelers and strong instructor support mentioned repeatedly, you’re less likely to feel like you’re lost in a big group. That kind of personal attention is hard to price, but it affects how confidently you pass the skills.

Logistics in Funchal: the 9:30 am start and how to plan around it

Your start is 9:30 am at Azul Madeira, meeting at the Hotel Penha França Mar area in Funchal (Hotel Penha França Mar, R. Carvalho Araújo, São Martinho, 9000-022 Funchal, Portugal). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

A few practical pointers:

• Bring your mobile ticket. You’re sent a mobile ticket for entry.
• Plan for a long training day. These are multi-hour sessions, not a short class.
• Account for lunch since it’s not included. Either eat before you go or plan where you’ll stop afterward.

Also note the booking rhythm: on average, this experience is booked about 41 days in advance. That’s a useful sign. If you’re traveling in a busy stretch, consider reserving earlier so you’re not squeezed into a tight schedule.

Who this course fits best, and who should rethink the timing

This course is a good match if you:

• Want a real certification path (SSI Open Water) and not just casual exposure
• Appreciate patient instruction, especially if you can get nervous in the water
• Like the idea of a small group where instructors can give real feedback
• Want to leave knowing you can handle future buddy outings up to 18 meters

It also looks like it can work for younger students. One student described doing an open-water course for a 15-year-old with Rafa, and said the instructor was attentive and helped the group stay calm. If you’re traveling with teens, that’s reassuring.

Who should rethink timing? If you’re very sensitive to cold water or you hate the idea of schedule changes caused by weather, you should prepare for the sea to have a say. Good weather is required, and the team may need to adjust the plan when conditions aren’t right.

Should you book the SSI Open Water course in Funchal with Azul Madeira?

I’d book it if your goal is to learn scuba skills properly and earn SSI Open Water certification without turning your trip into gear logistics drama. The combo of small group size, practical equipment support, and instructors who focus on confidence-building fundamentals is exactly what you want at the start.

Book it sooner if you can, since availability matters and you’re starting at a fixed 9:30 am slot. And pack for cold water. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you feel warm and in control instead of trying to tough it out.

If you want, tell me your travel month and your swimming comfort level, and I can suggest how to pack for cold water and how to structure your other Madeira plans around a multi-hour certification schedule.

FAQ

What certification do I get?

You complete an SSI Open Water course and receive an SSI worldwide recognized certification.

What is the maximum depth after certification?

The certification allows buddy outings up to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet).

How long is the course?

It’s listed as 3 days approximately.

Where do I meet for the course?

You meet at Azul Diving Madeira, meeting at Hotel Penha França Mar, R. Carvalho Araújo, São Martinho, 9000-022 Funchal, Portugal.

What time does the course start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

What is included in the price?

The price includes use of scuba equipment and all fees and taxes.

What is not included?

Lunch and private transportation are not included.

Is the course canceled for bad weather?

Yes, the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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