Montego Bay: Diving Back In with PADI at Sandals

After eight years away from diving, Montego Bay was where I rediscovered scuba diving and reignited my passion for the underwater world. This wasn’t just a vacation – it was the start of a new chapter in my global dive journey.

In preperation for going, my wife got me a new GoPro (a hero 7 Black – we will talk about this later in the series but suffice it to say, I have terrabytes of dive videos from it as well as a lot of the underwater pictures on this blog series)

Why Montego Bay?

Montego Bay, Jamaica, is famous for its turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and warm Caribbean hospitality. For me, it was the perfect place to refresh my skills and earn my PADI Open Water Diver certification. Sandals Resorts offers an incredible dive program, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Meet Big D – The Instructor Who Made It Count

My instructor was Donovan Grey, better known as “Big D”. If you’ve ever mentioned his name anywhere in the Sandals chain, you’ll see the respect he commands. While he knew my background and previous experience, Big D didn’t go easy on me. He gave me the full course, no shortcuts, and made sure everything was done right. That’s exactly what I wanted—a proper refresher and a solid foundation for my comeback.

What’s Involved in the PADI Open Water Course?

The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba certification—and for good reason. It’s designed to give you the skills and confidence to dive safely anywhere in the world. Here’s what it includes:

• Knowledge Development – Before hitting the water, you learn the basics: dive theory, equipment, safety procedures, and how pressure affects your body. At Sandals, this was a mix of classroom sessions and practical discussions with Big D.
• Confined Water Dives – These are practice sessions in a pool or shallow water where you master essential skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
• Open Water Dives – This is where the magic happens. You complete four qualification dives in the ocean, applying everything you’ve learned in real-world conditions.

By the end of the course, you’re certified to dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere in the world. It’s your passport to adventure!

The Cost – Why Sandals Is a Game-Changer

Here’s the part that surprised me: the entire PADI Open Water course at Sandals cost just $480. (prices do change – check here for the latest) That’s a steal compared to most resorts, where the same course can easily cost over $1,000. The reason? At Sandals, diving and equipment are included as part of your stay. You only pay for the certification itself, which makes it one of the best-value ways to get qualified.

For anyone considering getting certified on holiday, this is a huge advantage. You’re not just saving money – you’re getting world-class instruction in a stunning location.

What About Back Home in Scotland?

If you’re based in Scotland and thinking about learning to dive, here’s something even better: with ScotSAC (Scottish Sub Aqua Club), training is free for club members. Yes, free! You’ll receive the same high-quality instruction, access to experienced divers, and a supportive community – without paying hundreds of pounds for a course. All you need is your membership and your own kit when you’re ready to dive.

Contact Us at Kilmarnock Sub Aqua Club and we can help you get started with a Free Try A Dive and we have some kit you can borrow until you get your own.

So whether you’re planning a Caribbean getaway or joining a local club, there’s no excuse not to start your scuba journey!

While Scotland may look a lot colder (and it is) – once you have the right equipment and know how to use it, it can be equally as beautiful and enjoyable.

The Qualification Dives

We completed my PADI Open Water qualification dives at some of Montego Bay’s most iconic sites:

• Sergeant Major Reef — Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Cavern Reef — Montego Bay
• Widow Maker Reef — Montego Bay
• Cavern Reef — Montego Bay (yes, twice—it’s that good!)

Each dive reminded me why I fell in love with this sport—the colors, the marine life, and that feeling of weightlessness. Big D’s attention to detail and safety made the experience even better.

Bonus Dives – Because One Is Never Enough

After completing the course, we didn’t stop there. We added four more dives just for fun:

• Montego Bay Plane Wreck
• Widow Maker Reef (again!)
• Dolphin Grill Reef — Montego Bay
• Montego Bay Plane Wreck (because wreck dives are addictive!)

These dives were pure joy—exploring wrecks, spotting tropical fish, and soaking in the beauty of Jamaica’s underwater world.

This is the DC3 in Monrego Bay before i realised that red filters were not the best idea..

Why This Dive Matters

This wasn’t just about getting certified. It was about proving to myself that after years away, I could dive back in and do it right. Montego Bay gave me confidence, excitement, and a renewed love for scuba diving. And Big D? He made sure I earned every bit of that certification.

Next up in the series: Antigua, where I took things further with Advanced Open Water and Peak Performance Buoyancy. Stay tuned!