When we look at the data across all regions, one trend stands out: the PADI Open Water Diver course is outperforming every other activity offered on PADI Adventures. Dive centers that have this course listed on the platform are seeing the highest growth in bookings.
What’s driving this? It’s the popularity of the course combined with how PADI Adventures removes barriers for first-time divers, opens access to international markets and builds trust before a guest even walks through the door. In short, the dive shops getting the strongest results right now are the ones that make their PADI Open Water Diver course highly visible online.
Here’s what the PADI dive shops reporting the highest Open Water Diver course bookings on PADI Adventures have to say about this success.
Visibility That Converts First-Timers Into Regulars
For many non-divers/experience-seekers, their first point of contact isn’t the dive shop — it’s the PADI website.
“At least 65% of new customer acquisitions discovered us on the PADI website. The platform reassures new clients before they even walk through the door. That visibility hasn’t just generated course bookings; it’s boosted rentals, retail sales and overall trust in our brand.”
Ezekiel Romano Fernando, PADI Instructor & Dive Shop Manager at Plunge Dive Club, Manila, S29967
Listing the PADI Open Water Diver course in the PADI Ecosystem means more than a single booking. These customers will return to you for what comes next — advanced training, equipment and future dive trips.
From Local to Global: How Adventures Expands Your Customer Base
Many dive centers traditionally rely on regional markets. But PADI Adventures opens doors to a global audience.
“Ever since the PADI Adventures app was launched, we were able to easily list several products on it, enabling us to promote PADI courses worldwide… The world has indeed become smaller. Or so it seems! Thanks to the PADI Adventures app, accessing information has become so easy and instantaneous to everyone worldwide. The great majority of our clients used to be from Europe. This is not the case anymore, as the number of clients travelling to Gozo from the Americas and Asia has increased sharply. I would have never believed it!”
Brian Azzopardi from Atlantis Gozo Diving Centre, Malta, S32017
The Open Water Diver course is a natural entry point for new customers everywhere, making it the perfect product to showcase on the platform.
Convenient Online Payment Enhances the First Booking Experience
Convenience is king when it comes to online bookings. Offering easy, secure payments boosts conversions and reduces friction.
“Having our dive shop on PADI Adventures has really helped increase the number of courses we are able to sell as it gives customers an additional method of booking dives with us. Customers can easily and conveniently pay for the course in full online.”
Karin Fedczyszyn, Manager from Reggae Dive Center, Coron, S21982
Plus, listings are simple to update, ensuring your Open Water Diver course remains current and attractive year-round.
Even when other booking channels break down, PADI Adventures becomes the trusted fallback.
“A great example is when guests struggle to finalize a booking or payment through other channels; we simply direct them to PADI Adventures, where the process is easy and secure.”
Emily from Amigos Dive Center, Cebu, S27209
For first-time bookers that convenience often means the difference between a lost lead and a lifelong customer.
Lowering Barriers for New Divers
For someone taking their very first step into diving, the booking process can feel daunting. PADI Adventures removes that friction by offering a simple, secure way to commit to their beginner diver training.
“It has definitely helped us reach new divers, especially first-timers booking their course online. When people discover us on social media, like Instagram, they can follow our link straight to PADI Adventures and book their course easily, which keeps the process simple for them and organized for us.“
Emily from Amigos Dive Center, Cebu, S27209
The Adventures Widget Boosts Your Direct Open Water Diver Course Bookings
The PADI Adventures widget eliminates the hassle of building a booking tool from scratch. With just a simple integration, you can showcase your Open Water Diver courses as well as your entire range of activities — all without the need for developers or extra tech investment.
“The Adventures widgets on our website also make us look more official and give divers the confidence to book directly with us. Plus, they help boost our SEO, so more people can actually find us online. It’s really easy to upload fully customizable dive trips and courses, and if you ever need help, the PADI Team are there with tips and tricks on how to make your listings look more attractive. For us, it’s been a great way to reach new divers, get ahead with planning and keep the operation running smoothly.”
Simon Mowbry from Pirate Divers Busuanga, Palawan, S27522
For these dive centers, PADI Adventures has delivered clear solutions and proven success through increased course bookings. Beginner divers who start with you stay with you — and PADI helps bring more of them to your door.
