Orca Dive Club Soma Bay

Where a centre has published courses, pick one in the Certification courses panel, choose a date and add it to your cart. For anything that is not listed, such as fun dives or equipment rental, contact the centre directly or post a question in the Q&A section on this page. Divers who have been here can often help too.

Not necessarily. Most dive centres offer introductory dives for people who have never dived, led by a professional in a small group. If you are already certified, bring your certification card and logbook so the team can match you to the right dives. Check minimum ages and any medical questions with the centre before you arrive.

Most recreational dive agencies follow a similar ladder. Open Water Diver is the first level and typically qualifies you to dive to 18 metres. Advanced Open Water usually extends that to 30 metres, and rescue and professional-level courses build on both. Ask the centre which agency it teaches with and what each course includes.

A typical day starts with a briefing on the dive plan, depth limits and hand signals. You then assemble and check your equipment with your buddy, enter the water from the shore or a boat, and dive at an easy pace with your guide. Between dives you rest at the surface, and afterwards you log what you saw. Your guide may change the plan if the weather or sea conditions call for it, because safety comes first.

Bring your certification card, logbook, swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Tell the centre about any medical conditions or medication before you dive, and ask what equipment is included if you plan to rent. Sharing your shoe, wetsuit and jacket sizes in advance saves time on the day.

Allow time for nitrogen to leave your body before you fly. Common guidance is at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive and 18 hours or more after repeated dives or several days of diving, and many divers simply wait 24 hours. Follow your instructor's advice and plan your last dive well before your flight home.