BVickery
Contributor
Here are my thoughts: Do the type of learning you thrive best in and comprehend and retain information the best way. This thought does NOT apply to the in water portion of the classes, or for skill demonstrations etc.
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People will tell you that you should get certified in the states through a formal course, then go to the Caribbean.
People will tell you that you should get certified in the states through a formal course, then go to the Caribbean. They tell you not to get certified in the Caribbean, "Because they just want to get you in and out as quickly as possible". They say you'll have much greater skill as a scuba diver doing it in the states first.
Well, I did it both ways, and I don't agree. As long as you get certified at a reputable resort with dedicated and thorough instructors, you'll learn just fine there. And you'll have more fun, because generally speaking the people in a resort are nicer. They know you're there to have a good time, and they make sure that the learning experience is an enjoyable one.
The classroom portion can be done on-line or in a classroom. I recommend doing both. It costs a bit more that way, but there are things you can't get through the computer. I don't recommend doing just the classroom, though, because the PADI online course is so good. It's very thorough. And it's fun.
So my recommendation is: Contact a resort of your choosing, book a vacation to include an open water certification course. Then do the PADI online course before you go.
One observation I would make is that I would PREFER to have an ongoing relationship with the person who certified me, as it presents an opportunity to grown and learn more. That isn't possible, generally, when one does their certification in a vacation destination.