The best way to get your scuba diving certification.
Let’s set the scene. Hey Alexa, play ‘Under the sea’ from The Little Mermaid.
Being under water is a special kind of feeling that is weirdly magical and serene. You get to feel weightless in the water and watch your hair wave around like Ariel’s, what a dream.
If you feel the same way, chances are you’ve looked into getting a scuba diving certification. Well, now you can do just that in beautiful South Africa! Our latest volunteer trip is all about scuba diving and marine conservation. You’ll be able to get your scuba certification and lend a hand to aquatic research in one of the most stunning corners of the world, it’s a triple win!
Before you gear up for your aquatic adventure, you’ll spend the first week in South Africa getting your certification from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI, the most recognised scuba diving certification provider in the world.
For first time divers, you’ll be required to complete the PADI Open Water Diver course. An experienced instructor will teach you the ins and outs of scuba diving basics, under water geography and more. The certification will include both classroom and pool sessions, so you can get familiar with your gear before going out to the big wide ocean.
Once you’re fully qualified, you’re free to explore the other 70% of this beautiful planet. You’ll be able to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres or 60 feet, which gives you plenty of exposure to the beautiful reefs and wildlife of Sodwana Bay and iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.
If you already came to South Africa prepared with your Open Water certification, you can choose to complete the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course to go even deeper. Typically taking only 2 or 3 days to complete, this course will teach you to practice navigation, improve buoyancy and you can choose to do 3 specialty dives such as night diving, search & rescue and wreck diving.
Is the ocean calling your name? Sodwana Bay offers a perfect diving climate all year round, which means you can head over whenever you want. 😉
Go on your personal ocean safari and make friends with over 1,100 species of fish. Not to mention plenty of turtles and manta rays too!
Live out your mermaid dreams in the glittering Indian Ocean. We’re not exaggerating when we say every day will be a new adventure.
Take a deep dive into South Africa today. We know you want to.