GO PRO IN SOUTH AFRICA

Turn Your Passion for Diving Into Something Bigger.

Want to take your diving further?

Spend 6–16 weeks living and diving in Sodwana Bay while working your way towards becoming a PADI Divemaster, surrounded by coral reefs, marine life and one of South Africa’s most established diving communities.

Through our partnership with Deep Blue Conservation, this isn’t just about collecting another certification. You’ll combine professional dive training with real-world diving experience, marine conservation projects and plenty of time underwater.

Whether you're starting with zero diving experience or you're already a Rescue Diver ready to go pro, there’s a pathway designed around where you are now.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Learn. Dive. Conserve. Go Pro.

Your program starts on a Friday, giving you the weekend to settle into life in Sodwana Bay, meet the crew and get your bearings.

Then it’s time to get wet.

Depending on your existing qualifications, you’ll begin with your PADI training or jump straight into diving, conservation work and professional development.

A typical week combines around five project dives, course dives, skills development, theory, Divemaster workshops and marine conservation work. You’ll also take part in marine lectures led by a local zoologist, covering everything from species identification and coral reefs to megafauna, ecological relationships and marine conservation. Deep Blue Conservation

This is training in the real world, not weeks sitting in a classroom.

MORE THAN A DIVEMASTER COURSE

Becoming a good dive professional takes more than passing exams and ticking off skills.

You’ll spend your time developing the confidence, awareness and practical experience needed to look after divers both above and below the surface.

Along the way, you’ll gain experience in:

• Dive leadership and group management

• Dive planning and navigation

• Assisting with diver training

• Professional dive theory

• Problem solving and situational awareness

• Working as part of a dive operation

• Marine species identification

• Reef ecology and conservation

• Underwater research and data collection

• Diving in Indian Ocean conditions

You’ll also participate in ongoing marine research and monitoring. Depending on current projects and conditions, that can include reef surveys, species identification, fish and invertebrate counts, photographic monitoring, environmental data collection and Deep Blue’s ongoing Nudibranch research.

LIFE IN SODWANA BAY

Welcome to the Dive Life.

This isn’t a resort-based experience and that's exactly the point.

You’ll live with other divers and interns at the Deep Blue house in Sodwana Bay, sharing rooms, meals, dive days and plenty of stories along the way.

Days revolve around the ocean. Expect morning beach runs, gear setups, surf launches, reef dives, training sessions and conservation work.

When you're not diving, life slows down.

Explore the beaches and coastal forests, head to Lake Sibaya, fire up the braai, grab something to eat with the crew or simply relax back at the house.

The beach and dive launch are around 10 minutes away, while shops, restaurants, bars and other local spots are within easy reach of the house.

Come for the Divemaster. Don't be surprised if it's the lifestyle you don't want to leave.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Your program length depends on your current certification level and number of logged dives. Deep Blue currently offers six pathways ranging from 6 to 16 weeks.

Open Water to Divemaster

16 Weeks | €12,740

Starting from scratch? This is the full journey.

Progress through Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue & EFR and ultimately your PADI Divemaster training.

Minimum requirement: 18+.

Advanced Open Water to Divemaster

12 Weeks | €9,870

Already certified? Build your experience before progressing through Advanced, Rescue & EFR and into Divemaster training.

Minimum requirement: Open Water Diver or equivalent, age 18+.

Rescue to Divemaster

8 Weeks | €6,990

A faster route for Advanced divers who already have more experience underwater.

Minimum requirement: Advanced Open Water or equivalent, 20 logged dives and age 18+.

Divemaster

8 Weeks | €6,580

Already a Rescue Diver? Spend the first part of your internship building the required dive experience before moving into the Divemaster course.

Minimum requirement: Rescue Diver and EFR or equivalent, 20 logged dives and age 18+.

Divemaster Fast Track

6 Weeks | €5,220

The shortest route for experienced Rescue Divers ready to focus on becoming a dive professional.

Minimum requirement: Rescue Diver and EFR or equivalent, 30 logged dives and age 18+. Deep Blue Conservation

WHAT'S INCLUDED

A lot.

Your program currently includes:

• Accommodation at the Deep Blue house

• Weekly groceries

• Richards Bay Airport transfers

• Five project dives per week

• BCD, regulator, cylinder and weight-belt rental for dives

• Transport to and from the beach

• Local transport around Sodwana

• iSimangaliso Wetland Park dive entry fees

• Weekly local excursions

• Marine lectures with a local zoologist

• 24/7 support from the on-site team

• All dive courses required for your chosen route to Divemaster Deep Blue Conservation

Depending on your starting level, your training can include:

PADI Open Water | Advanced Open Water | Deep Specialty | Enriched Air Nitrox | Rescue Diver | Emergency First Response | PADI Divemaster

WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH

Yes, the goal is your PADI Divemaster certification.

But that's only part of it.

You'll leave with considerably more time underwater, stronger dive skills, better situational awareness and practical experience assisting with training, leading divers and working around a dive operation.

You'll also have hands-on experience with marine conservation research and a much deeper understanding of the reef ecosystems you've spent weeks diving.

And, chances are, you'll leave with a few new dive buddies scattered around the world too.