SSI Dive Center · Austin, TX · Since 1982

Scuba Courses & Certification
in Austin, TX

From your first breath underwater to leading dives as a professional — Tom’s Dive & Swim has the course for where you are and where you want to go.

Indoor heated pool Weeknight & weekend formats Checkout dives at Lake Travis & Spring Lake

New to scuba? Start with Try Scuba — just $85 →

Your Journey Underwater

$85
No experience needed
$619
Full certification
Various
Build real skills
XR Foundations
Extended range
Divemaster+
Lead & teach
Been away from diving?

Certified but out of practice?

The SSI Scuba Skills Update gets you back in the water confidently — pool-based, no open water required.

Scuba Skills Update (Refresher) →

Which Course Is Right for You?

Tell us where you are and we’ll point you in the right direction.

First timer

Never Dived Before

Start with Try Scuba ($85) — one pool session, no experience needed. If you love it, $50 applies toward your Open Water tuition.

Try Scuba →
Get certified

Ready to Get Your Card

The SSI Open Water Diver course ($619) is your starting point. Pool sessions at our Burnet Rd facility, checkout dives at Lake Travis.

Open Water Course →
Already certified

Want to Improve Your Skills

Specialty courses build real skills one dive at a time. Perfect Buoyancy, Nitrox, and Rescue Diver are the most popular next steps.

Specialty Courses →
Advanced

Ready for Technical Diving

XR Foundations is the entry point to extended range diving — decompression planning, precision buoyancy, advanced gas management.

XR Foundations →
Professional

Want to Teach or Lead Dives

The SSI Divemaster and Open Water Instructor programs turn your passion into a profession. Contact us to discuss requirements.

Divemaster Program →
Been a while

Certified but Out of Practice

The SSI Scuba Skills Update refresher course gets you back in the water confidently. Pool-based, no open water required.

Refresher Course →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does scuba certification cost in Austin?
The SSI Open Water Diver course at Tom’s Dive & Swim is $619. This includes all pool sessions, instruction, and your SSI certification upon completion. Open water checkout dives at Lake Travis are an additional cost. Equipment rental is available if needed.
How long does it take to get scuba certified?
Most students complete the Open Water course over a single weekend (Saturday and Sunday) or across four weeknight sessions. You’ll also need to complete SSI online academic coursework before your checkout dives, which typically takes 4–6 hours at your own pace.
Do I need to know how to swim to take a scuba course?
Yes. All students must complete a basic watermanship test on the first day of class — a 200 meter swim and 10 minute tread in our pool. If you need help building swim confidence first, we offer swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.
What age do you need to be to get scuba certified?
The minimum age for SSI Open Water certification is 15 years old. Younger divers aged 8–14 can participate in the SSI Junior Open Water Diver program. Contact us to discuss options for younger divers.
Do you offer private scuba lessons?
Yes. Private Open Water certification is available at $719 and allows you to set your own schedule with a dedicated instructor. We can also accommodate private sessions in home pools that are 9 feet or deeper. Call (512) 451-3425 to arrange.
What scuba equipment do I need to bring to class?
For pool sessions, you’ll need a mask, snorkel, fins, and booties. We recommend arriving at least an hour before your first class so we can help you get properly fitted. All other equipment — regulators, BCDs, tanks, wetsuits — is provided during training.

Ready to Get in the Water?

Call us, stop by the shop, or check the calendar for upcoming class dates. Our team is happy to help you find the right course.

View the Dive Calendar
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