Discover - Leonardtown Pool
AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND--
2026 Dates - All classes 8AM-10AM
Jan 24, Feb 21, Mar 21, April 25, May 16, June 13, July 11, Aug 15, Sept 12, Oct 3, Nov 14, Dec 12
This course is taught at the Wellness and Aquatic Center which is located at the College of Southern Maryland Campus in Leonardtown. Students must register and pay for the course through the St. Mary's County Department of Parks and Recreation at the link.
Want to try scuba diving without committing to a full certification course? Discover Scuba is a supervised, beginner-friendly experience where you learn the basics and take your first breaths underwater with a professional instructor.
Southern Maryland Divers welcomes first-time divers from across the Mid-Atlantic. We’re located in California, MD and regularly train students from Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware.
Location: 23950 N. Patuxent Beach Rd, California, MD 20619 | Phone: (443) 295-3225 | Web: www.SoMdDivers.com
Availability: Contact us for booking information
What Happens During Discover Scuba?
1) Quick Orientation & Gear Setup
We’ll fit you with scuba gear and explain how it works in plain English. No experience needed.
2) Shallow Water Skills
You’ll practice a few simple skills like breathing, clearing a mask, and moving comfortably in the water.
3) Guided Underwater Time
You’ll spend time underwater with direct instructor supervision—this is the fun part.
Requirements
- Minimum age: 10+
- Experience: None required
- Health: You must be in reasonable physical health
If you have questions about medical requirements or comfort in the water, call us first—we’ll help you choose the right path.
Love It? Your Next Step Is Open Water Certification
Discover Scuba is the perfect first step. If you enjoy it, the next move is becoming a certified diver with the PADI Open Water Diver course—your passport to dive worldwide.
Discover Scuba FAQs
Is Discover Scuba the same as getting certified?
No. Discover Scuba is a supervised experience—not a certification. If you want to dive independently, your next step is PADI Open Water certification.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You don’t need strong swim training for Discover Scuba, but you should be comfortable in the water. For Open Water certification, swimming requirements apply.
Do you offer Discover Scuba near Washington DC and Northern Virginia?
Yes. We train students from Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware at our California, MD location.