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Your first Open Water course for €300 or less, in warm water

Many people find it easier to learn in warm water, and in these five places the course costs less than anywhere in Europe we checked. Check what each price includes: some centres don't say whether study materials or certification are included.

  1. Best January to May

    Dumaguete, Dauin & Apo Island

    Philippines

    Dauin's shore dives and Apo Island, in the south of Negros. Diveable all year; the dry season, January to May, is best.

    Best season:
    Jan–May
    Water:
    25–30 °C
    Open Water course:
    €239–372

    Season: dive-the-world.com · See the destination, its sites and sources

  2. Green sea turtle on the reef at Moalboal

    Best January to May

    Moalboal

    Philippines

    On Cebu's west coast. All sources say it is dived year-round; January to May is the most reliable window, before the rainy season.

    Best season:
    Jan–May
    Water:
    25–30 °C
    Open Water course:
    €239–322

    Season: zubludiving.com · See the destination, its sites and sources

  3. Mango Bay, Koh Tao

    Best March to May

    Koh Tao

    Thailand

    A small island in the Gulf of Thailand. The local operator Big Blue gives March to May as best: flat sea, best visibility and the whale shark season; September–October is also flat, with good whale shark chances.

    Best season:
    Mar–May, Sep–Oct
    Water:
    26–30 °C
    Open Water course:
    €252–292

    Season: bigbluediving.com · See the destination, its sites and sources

  4. Peak December to March

    Andaman Islands (Havelock & Neil)

    India

    Havelock and Neil, in India's Andaman Islands. The season runs October to May; avoid the June–September monsoon.

    Best season:
    Dec–Mar
    Water:
    26–29 °C
    Open Water course:
    €264–339

    Season: padi.com · See the destination, its sites and sources

  5. Clearest water March to April

    Koh Samui & Koh Phangan

    Thailand

    Dives around Samui, Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong marine park, in 28–30 °C water. The park's main diving season runs February to October; it usually closes from 1 November to 15 December for the monsoon.

    Best season:
    Mar–Apr, Jun–Aug
    Water:
    28–30 °C
    Open Water course:
    €279–483

    Season: thainationalparks.com · See the destination, its sites and sources

How we chose

Entry-level course (Open Water or equivalent) at €300 or less at the cheapest centre, at least two centres checked, minimum water temperature of 25 °C or more. At most two per country; ranked by course price. Prices from dive centres' own websites (October 2026).

Prices change: check with the centre before booking. No destination paid to be listed here.