KDA
Listen to Elbert & Pedro 2. Your original question was very vague - have you done any reading about diving? Is there a dive shop within driving distance to where you live? Every diver shop in the USA I have ever been in gives away, free, the magazine Dive Training. There are a lot of magazines out there but this one is directed toward the new diver. After getting free copies for a year I actually subscribed for several years.

I think what you are asking about is what I know as "Resort Course." I have had a good number of my guests take that here on Ambergris Caye with my favorite dive operator, Everette Anderson of Belize Diving Adventures. There is NO BEST dive shop here. There are many very very good ones and most of us have our favorites. Elbert & Pedro are both right up there at the top. It is important for you to hook up with some one you like and feel comfortable with.

I'm really sorry that you were cautioned against the back roll as that is what is done on all smaller boats. The giant stride is only from larger boats that are higher off the water. Yes, I was certified in California in the cold kelp forests (which are beautiful) but this warm water diving from smaller boats with fewer divers is wonderful.

Put you fears aside and come on down.

Harriette
Take only pictures leave only bubbles