Learn to Scuba Dive on Cape Cod

Since You Were A Little Kid You've Always Wanted To Try It... Now, discover all the adventure when you learn to dive with Don Ferris Dive Training.

Learning to dive properly is fundamental to your future enjoyment of the sport. Now that you've decided to learn one of the most fascinating sports in the world, you'll want the most experienced instructor available. You know, one who has taught thousands of people to dive, not just somebody who just received their instructor certification.

Our training program is headed by P.A.D.I. Master Instructor, Donald Ferris. Don has been teaching scuba diving for over 45 years. The authoritative voice on Cape Cod diving, Don has authored four books on diving including, Beneath the Waters of Cape Cod, Beneath the Waters of Massachusetts Bay, Exploring the Waters of Cape Cod, and the Anthology of Cape Cod Shipwrecks.

Don is not only a highly experienced dive instructor, but he's also a former Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Trainer, and current Medic First Aid Instructor Trainer, with years and years of actual lifeguarding and first aid experience. He is entertaining as well as challenging, having certified over 2500 people to dive on Cape Cod and over 14,000 CPR and First Aid Certifications!

BUOYANCY CONTROL IS THE KEY

From the moment you first submerge with us, you will be trained to be in control of your buoyancy – neutrally buoyant and nicely horizontal in the water, like you are laying on a cushion, perfectly suspended in mid-water, relying on your controlled breathing patterns to control your depth.

Having that kind of control, not just for the sake of the ocean, but for your own safety, is empowering. The better your buoyancy control, the safer and more confident diver you will be; always comfortable in the water so your awareness can focus on your dive buddy and your environment.

 

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Karl H
02/08/2023
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Don Ferris draws upon his expansive knowledge of world and local scuba experiences to tailor his teaching techniques to meet each students' needs. Super fun!
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Kathryn Bernard
29/07/2023
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Don is very knowledgeable and truly knows what he’s doing. I not only had so much fun learning with him but also felt completely safe throughout the entire experience. He teaches certain skills that can be used in the state of an emergency and we practiced them several times. I left my classes feeling ready to take on the open water.
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Julie Lipkin
15/10/2022
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Don is a gifted teacher: he explains complicated concepts in accessible terms, finds fun ways to apply book-learned techniques, is stern when safety concerns require it but generally engages his students with humor and empathy. Highly recommended.
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Robert Bruce Jr. profile picture
Robert Bruce Jr.
17/09/2022
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Don was an amazing instructor for my SCUBA certification! He was an immensely knowledgeable teacher that explained things clearly and thoroughly prioritizing both safety and fun. It was a joy diving each session and talking about the experiences he has had all over the world. I highly recommend his programs!
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Ryan W
07/09/2022
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Don was great. Amicable, knowlegeable, and humble. Finished my open diver cert with him. Thanks!
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Janet Kraus
06/09/2022
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Don Ferris was the perfect dive master to teach me and my twin 15 year olds how to scuba dive. He is calm, confident and in his approach…. He keeps it simple so that it does not feel overwhelming or scary, but he makes sure you know all the critical elements. He is also direct and clear in his feedback. As a Mom learning with my kids, I appreciated that he declared on Day 1 - to all of us - that my girls needed to not think of me as Mom … but as just another student learning scuba. His point - They should not look to me for answers or to pick up the slack on anything missed. They needed to be independent learners …. And that was a great call! Also, when I first reached out to him and shared with me some medical info about one child, he was both knowledgable and forthcoming with great information to help me assess her risk factors. Overall, we enjoyed learning Don and would recommend him highly to anyone.
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Michaela Marcus
06/09/2022
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Absolutely wonderful experience being a student to Don! He makes sure you walk away knowing everything you need to know and more! I highly recommend Don Ferris Dive Training!
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Ryan Bouchard
06/09/2022
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Don was an amazing instructor to work with and I highly recommend you chose him as your instructor also. He makes sure that you feel comfortable about what you're doing, your safety, and ensures that you have a great time! Diving is a great sport and Don has some amazing stories to tell. Before I finished my raining I was already asking him about getting my Advanced license because I enjoyed the training and other non-certified dives I had been on. If you're on the fence or have been looking for a great trainer, Don is your man!
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Karen Lynch
17/12/2021
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I had a wonderful dive experience with Don this past summer. I had dived in the past, but badly needed a refresher course and ideal to have someone on cape cod! Don has a wealth of experience and a dive master of epic proportions!. He is extremely personable and kind (even giving me kids wet suits for my toddler to get her interested!). I met some lovely students on our days diving and the pond in Sandwich was perfect. I highly recommend Don Ferris Diving and intend on doing more trips with him next summer before a dive trip I plan on completing.
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Susanne Oconnor
25/11/2021
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Don taught my 12 year old daughter to Scuba Dive this past summer. He was a patient, kind and thorough instructor. She had several issues with her ears, and a lesser instructor could have made her feel badly about stopping instruction (as there were others in the small groups). He was kind and sympathetic, and very flexible about re-scheduling diving while we got her ears checked out by a physician. She is now a certified Diver and our family can look forward to sharing the undersea world with her. I cannot thank Don enough!

Here's what just a few of my former diving students had to say about the learn to dive scuba programs:

>> " There is no finer dive instructor than Don Ferris"

>> " I don't know how you are always so calm? I tried diving with another instructor and I hated it. With you, I loved it!"
>> "This class was excellent! I couldn't believe how easy and comfortable you are as a teacher. Thanks!
>> "I really felt I got my moneys worth from the program. I learned a lot and would recommend it."
>> "Don Ferris's classes are the best. Don and his helpers were great!"
>> "I'm grateful for the extra attention you showed. I couldn't have done it without you. Can't wait for the Advanced program!!"

>> "I was scared after a bad experience with another instructor. Your calm manner was exactly right for me. I can't believe I almost gave up diving"
>> " The guy on the resort dive boat said I looked like I'd been diving for years. I told him I just got certified. He said who ever taught me was really good. That really enforced how good my instruction with you had been."

Here Is the Way Our Learn to Dive Program Works:

We design our classes around your schedule - not the other way around.
People's work schedules are more demanding now than ever. Especially if you've had some previous diving and snorkeling experience, our learn-to-dive program may be just perfect for you. Here's the way it works: You'll work one-on-one with Don (that's correct, you get private or semi-private lessons) and quickly and easily master the necessary skills to become a safe competent diver.

Begin to Learn today Online using P.A.D.I.'s new Online system for academic training. You literally can start learning and by doing this at home (or work), you can speed up how long the class will take and we can concentrate on the really critical thing - your water skills.

Step One - After choosing from a weekday or weekend learning schedule, you'll register for the workshop of your choice with a deposit. You will use the P.A.D.I. online academic module (a $230. fee to P.A.D.I. is involved) where you can do all the academic work online at your own pace.

You'll fill out a little bit of paperwork including medical information and then you can immediately start learning about diving. Frequently Asked Learn to Dive Questions.

Step Two: Water Work - Over four - 1/2 day periods, either mornings or afternoons, you'll be learning how to dive using a lake environment in Sandwich, Barnstable, or Brewster (instructor chooses location).

*For Start Dates, just look at your calendar for July, August, or Sept, and pick 4 - 1/2 days, either mornings or afternoons. Then email me and see if those are available!

You'll be on scuba equipment the very first day. There is a lot of swimming, but you'll laugh a lot as you learn to dive. Most people think it's pretty easy with only a few stumbling blocks to overcome. As one lady told me, "You're not really teaching me how to dive, you're teaching me how not to kill myself 100 ways!" I think that is a pretty accurate statement.

Let me assure you, this is no scuba diploma mill. You'll swim hard and study hard. You'll truly earn your certification and feel darn proud doing it! But because I've taught so many people over the past 45 years, I know how to adapt the training to your unique learning style. We guarantee you'll love every minute as the program challenges your body and your mind.

After 16+ hours of fun and exercise, you'll be smiling from ear to ear as you hold your certification card in hand. By the time your program is through, you'll have a wealth of knowledge that you will carry with you your entire diving career. Welcome to our underwater world.

Tuition: just $899. Semi-private Lessons Include . . .

  • Confined Water Training Sessions
  • Four Outdoor Training Dives
  • PADI Open Water Certification Card
  • Use of All Diving Equipment. NOTE* This will save you as much as $500. over local dive shop classes!

NOTE* My fee for instruction is far less than local dive shops charge for crowded "group lessons". Their program may sound cheaper, but then they make you buy a ton of equipment and also "rent" gear for your training dives. I don't do any of that stuff. It's one price, all-inclusive. My program will save you as much as $600. over local dive shop classes! Remember, the scuba lessons I teach are private and or semi-private only. Not crowded group lessons.

Prerequisites: Must enjoy the water, swim and tread water comfortably. No history of ear troubles, asthma, breathing, seizures, blood pressure, or heart troubles. *Anyone over 50 years old will be asked to have a full physical before the class starts.

*Please note that my scuba program is designed for medium to strong swimmers who have no fear of the water. If you are not a solid swimmer, then this program is not for you. Poor swimming ability will endanger you and your fellow divers. 

Equipment: We will do our best to supply you with everything else you will need to dive safely and comfortably. However, we can not always have every size of wetsuit or boots available (one guy had size 15 feet!). While we suggest you have your own personal mask, snorkel, fins and booties, you are very welcome to use ours during the course. We are not a scuba store and do not sell equipment, But there is a dive shop close by in Plymouth, MA., and we suggest you work with them to ensure proper fit and comfort.

Contact Don to see if your dates are available

Ever Wonder How Safe Is Scuba Diving?

Frequently Asked Learn to Dive Questions

PADI Medical Form

Looking For Start Dates?

Just look at your calendar for July, August, or Sept, and pick 4 - 1/2 days, either mornings or afternoons.

Then email me and see if those are available!

Remember, these are all Semi-private lessons!

NOTE* My fee for instruction is far less than local dive shops charge for crowded "group lessons". Their program may sound cheaper, but then they make you buy a ton of equipment and also "rent" gear for your training dives. I don't do any of that stuff. It's one price, all inclusive. My program will save you as much as $500. over local dive shop classes! Remember, the scuba lessons I teach are private or semi-private only. Not crowded group lessons.

MEET SOME OF OUR NEWEST DIVERS

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