Comparison of PADI and NAUI Dive Certifications in PV Chico's Dive Shop
go to original June 20, 2014

We, at Chico's Dive Shop have a staff of instructors qualified to teach you and issue a scuba certification from 2 of the Largest and most recognized training agencies in the world and you may start the dive course at anytime any day you wish.

NAUI: National Association of Underwater Instructors

PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors

PADI claims to be the largest and most known international dive training agency.

NAUI claims to be the world's most respected, largest non profit diver training organization.

PADI and NAUI teaching materials are basically a copy of each other, actually; all training agencies around the world (over 250) teach the same topics.

Nether PADI or NAUI will give you mileage points or extra benefits, therefore it makes no difference if you hold a NAUI or PADI certification, in fact; they only prove you took a dive course and are good to dive.

In the NAUI course you watch a DVD presentation (watching the DVD is like having someone reading the manual for you while seeing images and video). It is the best way to see all contents of the dive manual and you may take the DVD discs to your hotel to watch.

In the PADI course no dvd, you are required to read the manual and complete quizes the first two days before the open water dives.

In both courses you will perform 4 dives in the ocean in 2 different days (any day you wish) always under the supervision of a dive instructor (you will learn to dive and many skills will be in practice during the 4 dives).

The differences between the PADI and NAUI certification course is in the teaching procedure and fees:

With PADI your final exam will be rated (you need to study on your own).

With NAUI your final exam will not be rated, you may use the manual to answer the exam but will be asked to leave in blank all the questions you do not understand.... the instructor will discuss all these questions and make sure you understand all of them.

With PADI every student is required to purchase the PADI dive manual and materials.

With NAUI you are not required to purchase the NAUI manual and materials and could use one of our manuals for free. NAUI is a non profit org.

The PADI course is $460 US.
The NAUI course is $336 US.

This is how you can schedule your dive course

4 Day PADI Course:

Day 1
Pick up materials at Chico's Dive Shop at 772 Malecon Downtown, read and answer quizzes on chapters 1, 2 and 3 followed by Scuba lesson between 3pm and 6pm.

Day 2
Read and answer quizzes on chapters 4 and 5 followed by Scuba lesson between 3pm and 6pm.

Day 3
Take 2 dives from 8:30am to 3:30pm. You may pick the following dive sites: Marietas Islands daily from 9am to 4pm; Caletas Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm; or Los Arcos Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm.

Day 4
Take 2 dives from 8:30am to 3:30pm. You may pick the following dive sites: Marietas Islands daily from 9am to 4pm; Caletas Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm; or Los Arcos Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm.

2 Day NAUI Course

Day 1
Be at Chico's Dive Shop at 772 Malecon Downtown at 8am for Scuba lesson and 2 dives at Los Arcos from 10am to 3pm. Take the DVD presentation to watch (120 min), fill work book (20 minutes), answer questionary (20 minutes).

Day 2
Be at Chico's Dive Shop at 8am for course review and 2 dives at Los Arcos from 10am to 3pm.

These are the 2 options I have to offer, and if you care for my personal opinion; I will have to recommend the NAUI course... I find people enjoy best the teaching procedure and especially for kids.

We have been doing this since 1968, we offer options, personal service and believe in the extra mile. We deduct sales taxes and sales commissions every time you pay online.

Let me know if you have any questions we can answer by email at Chico's Dive Shop and if you already made your mind and would like to pick any of our certification courses, visit our shop online and take advantage of our discounted prices.