SDI Scuba Discovery Program

You've been curious about scuba for a while. Maybe you snorkeled on vacation and kept thinking about what was further down. Maybe someone you know is a diver and you want to see what the fuss is about. Either way, you're not ready to sign up for a full certification course yet, and that's completely fair.

The SDI Scuba Discovery Program is built for exactly that situation. You get in the water, in real scuba gear, with an instructor right beside you, and you find out firsthand whether this is something you want to pursue. No prior experience needed. No certification required to participate.

What You'll Do in the Water

The session takes place in a pool, so conditions are controlled and predictable the whole time. Your instructor walks you through the basics before you ever put your face in the water, then you do the actual skills with them right alongside you.

By the end of the session, you will have:

• Breathed underwater from a scuba regulator
• Cleared water from your mask and kept your composure
• Practiced buoyancy control and moved through the water under your own power
• Used a full set of scuba gear, included in the course at no extra charge

Most people are surprised by how natural it feels once they settle in. That first breath underwater is the moment that usually decides it.

Who This Course Is For

The SDI Scuba Discovery Program is open to anyone 10 years of age and older who wants to find out if scuba diving is right for them. You don't need any prior diving experience, and you don't need to be an advanced swimmer, though basic water comfort is important.

If you have an 8 or 9-year-old who wants to try it, check out our Future Buddies Program, which is designed for younger kids with age-appropriate skills and a pace that fits them.

What Comes Next (If You Want It To)

The Discovery Program does not result in a certification card. It's a standalone introduction to scuba diving, designed so you can make an informed decision about whether to pursue full certification.

If you finish the session and want to keep going, the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course is the natural next step. It covers the full knowledge, skills, and open water dives needed to earn your certification card and start diving independently. Our team can walk you through what that looks like when you come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to try scuba diving?

The SDI Scuba Discovery Program requires participants to be at least 10 years old. For kids ages 8 and 9, we offer the Future Buddies Program, which is designed for younger divers.

Do I need to know how to swim to try scuba diving?

You need to be comfortable in the water. You don't need to be a competitive swimmer, but you should be able to move around a pool without anxiety. If you have specific concerns, give us a call and we can talk through it with you.

What happens at a try dive? What should I expect?

You'll start with a brief orientation from your instructor covering the basic equipment and what to expect. Then you'll gear up and get in the pool, where your instructor walks you through breathing from the regulator, clearing your mask, and moving through the water. The session runs roughly two and a half hours from start to finish.

Is a try dive a real scuba certification?

No. The SDI Scuba Discovery Program is an introductory experience, not a certification course. You won't receive a certification card at the end. It's designed to help you decide whether you want to pursue full certification through the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No. All scuba gear is included in the course. Just bring a swimsuit, a towel, and yourself.

Where does the Scuba Discovery Program take place?

The pool session is held at our Queen Creek location inside The Shooting Range at 18618 S 186th Way, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. We serve divers from across the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe.

Ready to Get in the Water?

Register online for the SDI Scuba Discovery Program today and begin your journey, or call us at (480) 881-4013 and we'll get you set up. We're open Monday through Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Stop by the shop at 18618 S 186th Way, Queen Creek, inside The Shooting Range, and we can answer any questions you have in person.

For more information and to see course standards, click here!