FREE | No experience needed | Equipment included | Right off our dock
Curious about scuba diving but not ready to commit to a full course? The Free Try Dive at Scuba School and Family Dive Center Belize is exactly what it sounds like: a real, in-water experience with one of our PADI instructors, right off the end of our dock in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, with zero cost and zero pressure.
You’ll gear up, learn the basics, and actually breathe underwater. The whole experience takes about 15 minutes. If it clicks, you can step straight into our Resort Course (DSD) and dive the reef the same day.
Included: Full equipment rental, instructor supervision. Dock dive only, no boat.
What to expect
No classroom or written test, and no prior experience required. Here’s how the Free Try Dive works:
Why try scuba diving in Belize?
Belize sits on the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The water in San Pedro is warm, clear, and calm, which makes it one of the best places on the planet to try scuba diving for the first time. You’re not diving in a pool or a quarry. You’re steps away from one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere.
The Free Try Dive gives you a genuine taste of that world with no financial risk and no commitment.
What this experience can lead to
The Free Try Dive is a standalone experience, but it’s also a natural on-ramp to a lifetime of diving. There’s no obligation after the Try Dive, but most people who do it want more.
Resort Course (DSD)A half-day intro that takes you to the reef with an instructor. No certification required.
PADI Open Water CourseFull certification. Dive anywhere in the world, down to 18 meters (60 feet).
PADI Scuba Diver CertificationShorter path to certification, qualifying you to dive to 12 meters (40 feet) with a professional.
Who this is for
The Free Try Dive is designed for:
- First-time visitors who want to see what scuba diving feels like before committing to a course
- Families traveling together where some members are curious but unsure
- Travelers who have snorkeled in Belize and want to go deeper
- Anyone who has always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater
Prerequisites and requirements
Frequently asked questions
Is the Free Try Dive really free?
Yes. No hidden fees, no upsell required. Equipment rental and instructor time are fully included. The only thing we ask is that you show up ready to have fun.
How deep will I go?
The Try Dive takes place in the shallow water off our dock, typically 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) deep. It’s designed for comfort and confidence, not depth.
How long does it take?
From gear-up to toweling off, plan on about 15 to 30 minutes.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You should be comfortable in the water, but you don’t need to be a competitive swimmer. Your instructor is with you the entire time.
Can kids do the Free Try Dive?
Yes. Children as young as 10 can participate with a parent or guardian present.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and a sense of adventure. Wear or bring a swimsuit. We provide all the dive equipment.
What happens after the Try Dive?
If you want to keep going, you can book the Resort Course (DSD) the same day and dive the reef by afternoon. If you’re ready to get fully certified, check out our PADI Open Water eLearning Course.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Your instructor is PADI-certified and stays with you throughout the entire experience. The water at our dock in San Pedro is calm and protected.
Ready to Try Scuba Diving for Free?
No pressure, no commitment, no cost. Just one of the most memorable 15 minutes of your trip to Belize.