How Much Does Scuba Diving Cost? Courses, Dives, Gear and Trips (2026)
Diving can be surprisingly affordable, or very expensive. Destination matters more than anything. Here are realistic price ranges so you can plan and budget.
On this page
These are typical ranges in US dollars or euros as of 2026, gathered from typical dive centre price lists. Prices vary with season, exchange rates, operator and inclusions. Always confirm current prices directly with operators.
Getting started
| Item | Budget destinations* | Mid-range** | Premium*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Try-dive (1 dive) | $60–120 | $100–180 | $150–300 |
| Open Water course | $320–500 | $450–700 | $600–1,000+ |
| Advanced Open Water | $280–400 | $350–550 | $500–800 |
| Nitrox specialty | $120–200 | $150–250 | $200–350 |
| Rescue Diver (+ first aid) | $350–500 | $450–700 | $600–900 |
*Egypt, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Honduras, Malaysia. **Mexico, Caribbean, Mediterranean. ***Australia, Maldives, USA, Galápagos, Western Europe.
More on courses: Open Water course and next steps.
Fun dives (after certification)
| Region | Typical price per dive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt (Red Sea) | €30–50 (packages cheaper) | Boat day with 2 dives often €60–90 |
| Thailand (Koh Tao) | US$30–45 | Multi-dive packages reduce price |
| Philippines | US$30–50 | Plus environmental fees |
| Indonesia (Bali) | US$40–70 | Nusa Penida trips cost more |
| Mexico (Cozumel, cenotes) | US$60–100 | Cenotes include entrance fees |
| Caribbean (Bonaire) | US$40–80 (shore diving much cheaper) | Unlimited shore-diving packages popular |
| Mediterranean | €40–70 | Season mostly May–October |
| Maldives | US$70–120 | Resort diving is pricier |
| Australia (GBR) | US$150–300 day trip | Usually 2–3 dives, lunch included |
Hidden extras to budget for
- Equipment rental: often $10–30 per day for a full set, if not included
- Marine park and environmental fees: from a few dollars to $50+ per day (for example Komodo, Bonaire, Raja Ampat)
- Nitrox: $5–15 per tank, sometimes free on packages
- Torch rental for night dives, dive computer rental
- Tips for crew and guides, especially on liveaboards (often 10% or more)
- Dive insurance
Equipment costs
| Item | Price range |
|---|---|
| Mask + snorkel | $50–150 |
| Fins + boots | $80–280 |
| Dive computer | $200–900 |
| Wetsuit | $150–400 |
| Regulator set | $500–1,500 |
| BCD | $350–900 |
| Full kit | $1,500–4,000+ |
Our buying order guide shows how to spread this out over time.
Liveaboards
- Red Sea: about €800–1,500 per week
- Thailand (Similan Islands): about $600–1,200 for 3–4 days
- Maldives: about $1,500–3,500 per week
- Indonesia (Komodo, Raja Ampat): about $1,800–5,000+ per week
- Galápagos: about $5,000–9,000+ per week
Prices depend on cabin, boat and season, and often exclude park fees, nitrox, gear and tips. See liveaboards.
Example trip budgets (per person, excluding flights)
| Trip | Approximate total |
|---|---|
| 10 days Koh Tao: Open Water + 6 fun dives, budget hotel | $1,000–1,500 |
| 1 week Hurghada: 10 dives, mid-range hotel | €900–1,400 |
| 1 week Bonaire: unlimited shore diving, apartment, car | $1,600–2,500 |
| 1 week Maldives liveaboard | $2,000–4,000 |
How to dive for less
- Choose budget-friendly destinations: see cheap diving destinations.
- Buy dive packages: 10-dive packages often cut the per-dive price by 15–30%.
- Travel in shoulder season for lower prices and fewer divers.
- Do your theory online and consider a referral to save holiday time.
- Shore dive where it's possible and safe.
- Own the small stuff (mask, computer) and rent the heavy stuff.
- Book courses and dives together; many centres give discounts.
- Consider local dive clubs at home for cheaper training and shared transport.
Is owning gear cheaper than renting?
A quick way to decide: add up what you'd pay for rental per year and compare it with the cost of owning, including servicing and baggage fees.
| Diver type | Dive days/year | Rental cost/year (approx.) | Best choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday diver | 5–7 | $100–200 | Own mask + computer, rent the rest |
| Regular traveller | 15–25 | $300–600 | Own mask, fins, computer, wetsuit; consider regulator |
| Local/frequent diver | 40+ | $800+ | Own a full kit |
The costs people forget
- Regulator and BCD servicing: roughly $80–200 per item every 1–2 years
- Airline baggage fees for dive gear
- Refresher courses after long breaks: $50–150
- Transfers to remote dive areas and liveaboard ports
- Photography gear. Many divers catch the camera bug. See underwater photography
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get scuba certified?
The Open Water course typically costs about $320–500 in budget destinations such as Egypt or Thailand, and $600–1,000 or more in countries like the USA, UK or Australia.
Is scuba diving an expensive hobby?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Diving in affordable destinations, using packages and renting heavy gear keeps costs reasonable.
Keep reading
What a Dive Day Looks Like: Boat Diving, Shore Diving and Liveaboards
Boat trip, shore dive or liveaboard: an hour-by-hour look at a typical dive day.
What Does Your First Scuba Dive Feel Like? An Honest Description
The breathing, the silence, the weightlessness: what your first dive is really like.
Types of Scuba Dives: Reef, Wall, Wreck, Drift, Night, Cave and More
Reef, wall, wreck, drift, night or cave? What each dive involves and when you're ready.