Learning to dive in the tropics is amazing and easy !

 Learn to scuba dive and open up a whole new world.
Begin your own new passionate affair with the ocean.

Escape, explore and experience!

Why should I learn to dive in the South Pacific?
You can enjoy a great relaxing holiday in a beautiful tropical setting and take only a few hours a day over 3 or 4 days of your holiday to become a fully qualified Open Water Diver. 

The water in the tropics is warmer than NZ, generally 26 - 28 degrees, so you only need to wear a thin 3mm shortie wet suit as opposed to the bulkier,  heavier 7mm wet suits that are required for diving in New Zealand or cooler climates. This means you can also use a lighter weight belt, and that makes life easier!

Dive Fish Snow Travel use only the best dive operations with qualified and experienced English speaking PADI or SSI instructors (often Kiwi or Aussie ex-pats).  They are very professional  and provide great personal service and attention to detail.  They use only the highest quality dive equipment and boats to ensure their clients’ comfort and safety. Most of the operators work from holiday Resorts, using their fantastic swimming pools. Alternatively they begin in the shallow warm waters around your Resort, with a sandy white beach and shady coconut palms available for your rest times.

The theory classes are often small, sometimes with only 3 – 4 students per instructor.  This allows for more personal assistance from your instructor –perhaps even one on one!

Forget the hustle and bustle of trying to fit in evening or weekend classes around your busy schedule at home and being in a large class of students. In the tropics you’ll study under a palm tree, learn in warm water, enjoy the personal service of the great instructors, and do your first dives in turquoise water with great visibility, surrounded by colourful tropical fish. It’s all so much more comfortable and much easier than learning to dive at home.
 
Once you have finished your dive course you may like to do some extra dives.  You can purchase a 4 dive package including full gear hire for approximately $NZD300 – 350 or USD$180 – 210 per person. 

We highly recommend you do your first open water dives with the instructor who taught you to dive, and in the area you are familiar with. This familiarity will make you a more relaxed and confident diver.

Where can I learn to dive?
There are three common ways to learn to dive.

Option 1: Learn at your local PADI or SSI Dive Training Centre in NZ, where you will complete your theory work and pool sessions, and do your open water dives with them at a local beach. You can then head off to the tropical South Pacific by yourself, or with a group of new found friends.

Option 2:  Do your theory and pool work at your local PADI or SSI Dive Training Centre, then complete the open water dives in the warm tropical waters of your favourite South Pacific holiday spot.

Option 3: Complete your entire diving course while you are relaxed and on holiday.

How long does an Open Water Course take while on holiday?
Typically, you complete the Open Water Course in three or four days, depending upon how frequently you choose to meet with your instructor. You progress at your own pace – faster or slower depending upon the time you need to become a confident diver.

The theory classes will take up a couple of half days and you’ll need to do some studying between classes – find a nice shady spot by the pool or under a tree and do this in your own time.  2 x  half day sessions in the pool will teach you the waterskills you need to learn, and a full day or 2 half days will complete the open water parts of the course.

It still leaves you heaps of time to relax and enjoy other holiday activities.

How much will it cost while on holiday, versus doing it at home?
Compared with getting started in other popular adventure sports and outdoor activities, learning to dive isn’t expensive. It will cost approximately NZD$420 - $500 (US $275 - $325) to gain your open Water Certificate overseas. The cost includes gear hire, training manuals and everything you need.

Most courses in NZ cost $250 - $300 to complete. You may also have some transport and accommodation costs if you have to travel to do your open water dives.

Prices may vary depending on location. It will be a little more expensive to do your theory work in NZ and complete your course overseas, rather than doing it all in one place.

What does the course involve?
Learning to dive isn’t difficult, but like any activity worth doing, it requires some time and effort.  The PADI or SSI "Open Water Dive Course" is the common name for your initial scuba training. It's called "Open Water" because once you're certified, you can dive in open water, such as lakes, seas, and oceans.

The modular, six-session teaching system includes a video, manual, study guide, DiveLog and dive tables. The course involves some theory, which is simple and interesting.

Then comes the fun bit. You get to don some diving gear and get wet, firstly in a pool and later in the warm tropical ocean. In the pool you'll work through some practical exercises so you become comfortable with the amazing sensation of being weightless and breathing underwater. In the ocean, you'll do some more practical exercises then begin exploring the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.

Under the guidance of a professional PADI or SSI Dive Instructor, you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to enjoy a lifetime of underwater exploration.

If you study at home before departing on your holiday, we can supply you with a training manual, and you will be able to minimize your time in the classroom, allowing for more time in the water. Alternatively you can study on the beach or under a palm tree  for a couple of hours a day for a few days, leaving plenty of time for other holiday activities or relaxing.

At which South Pacific locations can I learn to dive?
There are many dive resorts in The South Pacific where you can learn to dive. We recommend Vanuatu, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Rarotonga and Queensland. We can recommend  a resort or location that best suits your needs and budget.

What is the Minimum Age?
10 years. Students younger than 15 who successfully complete the course qualify for the Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15.

Do I need a medical Certificate?
Yes. Anyone wanting to learn to dive must consult with a physician before entering the course and obtain a medical certificate. We can help point you toward a specialist dive physician.

What do I need to do before leaving NZ?

• Obtain your medical certificate.
• Have some passport photos taken for your Open Water Certificate (C-Card).
• Ensure you have a good quality mask, snorkel and flippers. These will cost between $150 - $250 from your local Dive Store.
• Purchase training manuals and start learning the theory.

What do I do when I get home?
Contact your local Dive Store and Dive Club for information on equipment you might like to purchase, local dive trips  to find the best crays and scallops and networking with other divers.

Keep reading our website and stay in touch with us so we can help plan your next tropical dive holiday!