Complete newbie in need of info

[Nick1138]

Hey everyone,

I've recently decided to learn how to dive, with my ultimate goal being to swim with sharks and tropical fish.

First of all, is it realistic of me to simply go on vacation in August and expect to be able to get PADI certified somewhere and be able to dive shortly after that? Am I missing something?

Additionally, where could I learn the most valuable stuff online? I guess the basics of it all so that once I find myself in a class, I won't be so lost or anything.

As for myself, I'm a fit 23 year old male from Canada.

Thanks for any help!

[DiveDevil1966]

Learning to dive during your holidays is no problem at all. As you are Canadian, I assume you life there as well. The Caribbean is very popular from this area and will not take too long to get there. In most places you will find a diving centre where you can learn to dive. Have a look at PADI.com and click through to "Find a dive centre".
The typical Open water Diver Course takes 4 to 5 days, depending where you do it and how many people are doing it with you.
There is also the option to complete the academic section of the Open Water Diver course online. Go to PADI.com and follow the "e-learning" links. That's when you choose the dive centre you want to work with.
To learn to dive is pretty easy. Let me know where in Canada you are as I know a few Canadian Instructors if you wish to learn to dive there. Diving in Canada is absolutely fantastic, but might be a bit cold sometimes.

I hope this help.

Have fun

DiveDevil

[Nick1138]

Thanks for the info!

I do indeed live in Canada (Montreal). For the online learning, I heard that some training places won't "recognize" the fact that you learned the theory portion online and make you do it all over again. Is there any truth to that?

I've also been looking at this place:

Costa Rica Scuba Diving with Oceans Unlimited Costa Rica

Seems like it's a dream place to both vacation and get my diving certification. Does anyone know anything about that place or have heard anything?

[DiveDevil1966]

OK then. Costa Rica is very nice and the diving is great. I have a very good friend of mine which is working there and she would be great to teach the Open Water Diver Course to you. I am sure you would have a fabulous time. Let me know if this is an option and I will send you her conatct details. The same counts for Canada, depending where you are, I know some good instructors.
As of recognizing the e-learning. Personally I have not heard anything like that and have not heard from anybody anything like it. This does not mean it is not as you say. This is something you want to look at when you are completing the e-learning section and then contact the dive centre of your choice to complete training. Just make sure that you and the dive operation agree in what you want to do and what you still have to complete. Any dive operation in the right frame of mind will accept an e-learning student.

I hope this helps

DiveDevil