Learning diving in Raja Ampat

[Noopur D]

Hey guys,

I am planning a 10 day trip to Raja Ampat with my husband in October 2019. We are avid snorkellers though we have never dived before. In this trip, I wanted to enroll for the PADI open water diving certification course. I have shortlisted a couple of resorts for my stay but before my booking I just wanted to confirm a few things.

The resorts which look really good to me right now are- Papua Explorer's resort (Without AC) & Raja Ampat Diving Lodge (With AC)

Q1) In October, is AC a requisite in Raja Ampat? If there is a cool breeze during this time, then I guess we will be ok without the AC in the room. In that case, we will go ahead with Papua Explorer however, if the weather is very hot and stuff, we would want to ideally get a room with AC. Please suggest.
Q2) Both these resorts have separate charges for the dive courses and the regular dive trips.Since, I would be learning diving on the island itself, do I have to pay for both the dive course as well as opt for the diving package? Or do the dive certification courses have a few good dives included as well? (The open water dive courses are priced at $550 and the regular dives are priced at $60 per day)

Thank you so much guys for your help in advance!

 

[Saldiac]

I haven't been to Raja Ampat so I'll let others answer Q1.

However, concerning Q2: the OW course consists of three parts: theory, confined water sessions (either in pool or in shallow open water) and 4 ocean training dives. During these ocean training dives you'll need to demonstrate being able to perform the skills you acquired during the confined water sessions. This is why courses and fun dive packages (i.e., no training) are charged separately.
OW training dive 4 doesn't contain many skills so I guess you could spend a decent amount of time chilling out while looking at the fish/coral.

If you want to maximize the amount of fun diving, you could consider doing the theory and confined water sessions in your home country. Then you'll only need to do the 4 OW training dives which will be done in 1.5 days (there's a limit of 3 training dives per day).

 

[Wingy]

Most of your questions are answered in the above post - just wanted to add - AC is always optional, it depends on you. I've heard good things about Papua Explorers. I would do your e learning at home and get a referral to whoever you choose. Have fun.

 

[lamarpaulski]

Get certified (and dive) at home. Why waste the trip of a lifetime getting instruction as an awkward student ? assuming you're in california you have tons of options and good diving. Catalina is your friend.

 

[Noopur D]

Thanks for your suggestions guys! I am from Mumbai in India I believe there are a few diving schools here which provide academic and pool training before the vacation. I will enroll for that before my trip to RA.

 

[Wisnu]

And where possible get some experience with current.
The best Raja ampat sites is better with current. Fish love current.