PADI Open Water Referral Course in Goa

PADI Certified
2 Days
18m max

₹19,800per person, GST extra

Book Now

Duration: 2 Days
Max depth: 18m max
Certification: PADI
Category: Course

Highlights

Complete your PADI cert in tropical Goa
Warm Arabian Sea waters year-round
PADI referral valid for 12 months
Finish in 2 days - dive everywhere after

PADI Open Water Referral, finish your certification in Goa

Duration

2 Days

Ocean Dives

Cert

PADI Open Water Diver

Valid Referral

12 months

Already completed your PADI eLearning and pool sessions? Bring your PADI Referral to FlyingFish in Goa and complete the final 4 open water certification dives in warm, clear Arabian Sea water at Grandé Island.

FlyingFish is a PADI-certified dive centre. Your 4 certification dives are conducted by a PADI Instructor, meeting PADI's international training standards. Your PADI Open Water Diver certification is processed through PADI and issued digitally within 24–48 hours of completing the dives.

PADI Referrals are valid for 12 months from the date your theory and pool training were completed. Bring your PADI Referral form (paper or digital) and your PADI Student ID number.

What Happens During the PADI Referral Dives

Your theory and pool skills are complete. The referral dives assess your ability to perform those skills in the ocean:

Skill Demonstration — Dives 1 & 2 (~12m)Mask clear, regulator recovery, controlled emergency swimming ascent (CESA), buoyancy check, buddy air sharing. Same skills as pool — now in open water.

Navigation and Control — Dives 2 & 3Compass heading, natural navigation reference, controlled descent and ascent, depth management to 18m.

Exploration and Assessment — Dives 3 & 4 to 18mDeeper exploration dives. PADI Instructor confirms all skills demonstrated correctly across the 4 dives.

Certification ProcessingPADI Instructor submits completion records. Digital PADI certification card issued within 24–48 hours.

If any skill needs a brief pool review before the ocean dives (common after a gap), we offer a complimentary 30-minute pool refresher on the morning of Day 1.

What You Need to Bring for the PADI Referral

Valid PADI Referral form (within 12 months of issue)

PADI eLearning completed — all 5 sections signed off

All 5 confined water sessions completed and instructor-verified

Age 10 or older

PADI Student ID number

Contact us with your PADI Student ID before booking — we can verify your training status with PADI directly if you have questions about your referral.

Your 4 PADI Certification Dives — Grandé Island

All 4 dives at Grandé Island — 30 minutes by speedboat from Novotel Candolim. PADI Instructor supervised throughout.

Grandé Island Reef

5–18m · All levels

Coral gardens, moray eels, snappers, parrotfish. The primary training reef — gentle conditions and rich marine life.

Suzy's Wreck

12–18m · OW+

British-era vessel thick with soft coral. Resident groupers, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels. Light-zone penetration possible.

Sail Rock

14–24m · AOW recommended

Rocky pinnacle with currents and pelagics. Eagle rays, drift diving. One of Goa's most dynamic dive sites.

Shelter Cove

6–14m · All levels

Protected bay, very gentle. Nudibranchs, pipefish, seahorses. Ideal for skill-focused dives without current distraction.

Bounty Bay

5–12m · All levels

Shallow reef for long bottom times. Macro life — nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish. Great for photography and hover practice.

Why Goa is an ideal referral destination: 27–30°C water is significantly more comfortable for certification dives than the cold-water pool where you practiced. The marine life at Grandé Island makes the certification dives genuinely exciting — not just a skills assessment in a grey quarry.

What Is Included in This Course

4 PADI open water certification dives at Grandé Island

PADI Certified Instructor throughout

Full ScubaPro equipment rental (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins)

Boat rides to and from Grandé Island

Tanks and weights

PADI Open Water Diver certification card

Not Included

PADI eLearning (completed at home or elsewhere)
Confined water sessions (completed at home dive centre)
Accommodation
Personal expenses

Certification: Your digital certification card is issued immediately upon successful completion. You are certified before you leave Goa and can dive anywhere in the world.

After Your PADI Open Water Diver Certification

Dive independently with a buddy to 18m at 6,000+ PADI centres worldwide

Join FlyingFish fun dives at Grandé Island immediately post-certification

PADI Advanced Open Water for 30m access — available at FlyingFish

PADI Enriched Air Nitrox for extended bottom times

Path to PADI Rescue Diver and PADI DiveMaster

Your PADI certification is identical to that of a student who completed the full course in one location. The referral structure leaves no mark on your certification card.

Why take your course with FlyingFish in Goa

Here's what actually sets us apart, minus the sales talk.

ScubaPro Equipment — Maintained on Schedule

Pro-grade gear serviced every 100 dives or 6 months, not when it fails. MK25/S620 regulator, Hydros Pro BCD, Aladin Sport dive computer. You train on the same equipment working instructors use.

Maximum 4:1 Diver-to-Instructor Ratio

Your instructor knows where you are underwater at all times. No crowded groups. If a skill needs more practice, you get the time — not the time left over after 8 other students.

Both SSI and PADI Certifications at One Centre

We teach both agencies at the same location. You choose which certification fits your future dive plans. We give you honest advice, not a push toward whichever we sell more of.

Professional Base at 5-Star Novotel Candolim

Proper briefing rooms, clean equipment rinsing stations, structured course schedule. The difference between a dive school and a beach shack matters when you are doing a multi-day certification course.

PADI and SSI at One Centre — If Your Referral Documentation Has Issues, We Resolve Them

We are experienced with international referral students from all over the world. Documentation gaps, expired referrals, or name discrepancies between documents — we have seen every scenario and know how to work with PADI to resolve them quickly. You do not leave Goa without your certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

The outcome — your PADI Open Water Diver certification — is identical. The referral means you completed theory and pool training at a different PADI centre first. The price of the referral course at FlyingFish is lower because it covers only the 4 ocean dives, not the full course package.

PADI referrals are typically valid for 12 months. If yours has lapsed, contact us — we can often arrange a brief pool refresher session that re-validates your practical skills and allows us to proceed with your ocean dives. Do not assume an expired referral means starting over.

Yes — many referral students book PADI Advanced Open Water for the days immediately following their certification dives. Days 1–2: certification dives. Days 3–4: PADI Advanced Open Water. This is the most efficient way to spend a week in Goa as a diver.

The ocean dives are identical in structure — 4 certification dives at Grandé Island with an instructor. The difference is which agency processes your certification. PADI Referral → PADI Open Water Diver card. SSI Referral → SSI Open Water Diver card. Both certifications have equivalent diving privileges.

Both. Your certification dives include scheduled skill demonstrations — but between exercises, your PADI Instructor guides you through the reef. Grandé Island's sites have enough marine life that even a skills-focused dive includes moray eels, parrotfish, and stingrays as regular sightings.

Pool skills are equipment-neutral at the fundamental level — mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy are performed the same way regardless of the specific BCD or regulator model. On Day 1, we do a brief equipment familiarisation with your rental gear before the first certification dive. This takes 15–20 minutes and ensures you are comfortable before entering the water.

₹19,800

per person, GST extra

Add another course at bundle price

PADI Advanced Open Water +₹19,028~~₹26,928~~ PADI Enriched Air Nitrox +₹4,128~~₹17,870~~

Add-ons

Extra guided fun dive after certification Use your new skills at Grande Island +₹3,940 GoPro rental + edited video Edited video of your dives +₹1,485 Private 1-on-1 instructor Go at your own pace +₹5,940

Your total per person₹19,800 GST extra

Book Now

Book with ₹10,000 per person. Balance and GST at the dive centre.

Book via WhatsApp +91 92092 47825

SSI Certified Dive Centre in Goa

What Our Divers Say

Real Reviews from Real Divers

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our guests say on Google and TripAdvisor.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 568 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Rajneesh Kumar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional staff with all safety measures and excellent service and support...!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MarvelouSiddharth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best scuba school in goa highly recommended!

My wife and I had an amazing experience with Flying Fish Scuba School and instructor Sunny. Despite her never having been in a swimming pool, my wife completed her dive course successfully thanks to their incredible support and professionalism. If you want quality instruction and genuine care—not scams—this is the place. 100% worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mahesh g.warrier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Manna Singh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was priceless movement...i must recommend this as they are very professional....i was scared before start but dinesh the instructor he make me very comfortable  and then i came back for and turn ....it was grt grt time i spent at the sea bed ....and really  thanks amitab sir i really appreciate for last min call for second time...and u accepted....lots of love....
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pranav Jagtap 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. you are looking for scuba diving in Goa, you’ve likely noticed dozens of operators offering "5-in-1" water sports combos at low prices. As a tourist, I was skeptical of these "scammy" setups. I decided to go with FlyingFish Scuba School (based at the Novotel Resort) based on the review It was definitely the right call and I can easily say it's the BEST scuba diving experience in Goa.

The Training & Team
The experience started with a thorough pool session, which was incredibly helpful for getting comfortable with the gear and breathing techniques before heading into open water. A huge shoutout to Mr. Dinesh and Ms. Maitri, they were phenomenal. Both were professional, friendly, and reliable, which is exactly what you want when you’re 10-12 meters underwater.

The Dive (Scuba 40)
I opted for the 40-minute dive. The marine life was beautiful; I saw a variety of fish and healthy coral reefs. They also provided video footage from an action camera, which was a great bonus.
Note on visibility: While the shipwreck is a major draw, we couldn't see it during my session due to visibility issues. It’s worth keeping in mind that nature doesn't always cooperate, but the rest of the dive more than made up for it.

Facilities & Logistics
The logistics were handled very well:

Changing Rooms: Clean and accessible facilities to change out of wet clothes both after the pool session and after returning from the jetty.

Refreshments: Proper snacks were provided, which were much appreciated after the energy-intensive dive.

Safety: The 1:1 instructor-to-student ratio during the dive made the whole experience feel very secure.

Verdict
If you want a "real" diving experience rather than a rushed tourist activity, this is a solid choice. It felt safe, organized, and honest. FlyingFish scuba surely made th diving experience memorable!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gurkirpal Bedi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great experience, Unique concept of 40 plus 40 min dives, Very good dive sites and the whole team is so good and helpful...A big thank you to Anirudh and Dinesh Bhai, enjoyed a lot and will come back for the course...And Thank you Amitabh Sir too...
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joseph Durfey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! Dive master was super knowledgeable and professional. Took good care of us. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abdul Waheed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best experience we ever had
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anshul Tembhurne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. - Did an Open Water DiverScuba course with flying fish scuba in goa. This course stands out because at the same course price across India you get 4+2 speciality course dives, which can hugely improve your performance. As there base is at novotel candolim, you get better convenience if you decide to stay at the resort.

- Our instructor was Anirudh. He was amazing, supportive and clarified all our doubts. You can trust him and his experience. You will learn a lot over the duration of course.

- Dive sites are amazing both the wreck and coral colony.

Happy Diving!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 381 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Road50855370209 
 
 
 
 Verified First scuba experience
It was my first diving experience. I chose flying fish scuba school and was very happy to have chosen this center. They guided me properly. I had an amazing dive and a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Freedom58686498324 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Very good experience to much friendly staff members they help you
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Travel25055630721 
 
 
 
 Verified 40+40 scuba diving
It’s spell bounding experience, I can’t express my happiness. I took 40+40 min long scuba diving . That was intensive and tedious though. I was very eager to see corals and under water 🗺️ world. My instructor Dinesh who truly genuine, with lot of patience listened to me because I was very very anxious once dived into sea!!! I almost gave up, but I asked him 5 mins and repeated the same pool training, eventually I made it😍❣️!! I dived deep equalising my ears often as I have sinusitis problem that caused sharp pain in my ears. My instructor was really helpful and cooperative. Thank you flyingfish scuba for making my dive easier and possible 🪸💖💙
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dwarkesh 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba Nitrox
Great experience with Ashish & Dinesh! Will come back here next time as well!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Curiosity20059827591 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Staff members are excellent!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sunshine49195324825 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Ashish was an excellent scuba diving trainer and made the whole experience very comfortable. He explained everything clearly and was very patient, especially with beginners. I felt completely safe and confident under his guidance. His calm nature and professionalism made the dive even more enjoyable. Highly recommend Ashish to anyone trying scuba diving for the first time!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Voyager55147331857 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Excellent experience with team of the Novotel 👍
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Excursion31003926877 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba diving
Best service provider best experience of life very well trained and professional staff
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   FarAway38541753570 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba diving
Very good experience and had a nice time
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   OnAir49110026021 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
It was fun and comfortable around them first scuba diving totally worth each penny

Ready to Start Your PADI Open Water Referral Course in Goa Journey?

Secure your spot today. Our team will confirm availability and arrange everything for you.

Book Now Book via WhatsApp

₹19,800per person, GST extra

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Highlights

PADI Open Water Referral, finish your certification in Goa

What Happens During the PADI Referral Dives

What You Need to Bring for the PADI Referral

Your 4 PADI Certification Dives — Grandé Island

What Is Included in This Course

Not Included

After Your PADI Open Water Diver Certification

Why take your course with FlyingFish in Goa

ScubaPro Equipment — Maintained on Schedule

Maximum 4:1 Diver-to-Instructor Ratio

Both SSI and PADI Certifications at One Centre

Professional Base at 5-Star Novotel Candolim

PADI and SSI at One Centre — If Your Referral Documentation Has Issues, We Resolve Them

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a PADI Referral and doing the full PADI Open Water course at FlyingFish?

My PADI Referral says it was issued more than 12 months ago — is it still valid?

Can I do PADI Advanced Open Water immediately after completing my referral dives?

How is the PADI Open Water Referral different from the SSI Referral also offered at FlyingFish?

Will I see marine life during my certification dives or is it just skills assessment?

What if my pool training was done in a different country with different equipment than what you use?

Real Reviews from Real Divers

Ready to Start Your PADI Open Water Referral Course in Goa Journey?