How to become a PADI diver at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Drift through kelp forest, meet stingrays and explore shipwrecks

Last updated: Wednesday, 7 August 2024 

You can dive anywhere in the world with a PADI certification, the most internationally-recognised diving certificate, and the Two Oceans Aquarium offers PADI courses, whether you’re a newbie or seasoned diver. There’s everything from half-day beginners courses in a small training pool, to specialty courses where you explore shipwrecks and try night diving.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver organisation. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

PADI-CERTIFIED DIVING COURSES

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation, operating in 186 countries. 

There are a few PADI courses available at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School. If you want to try diving before committing to a full course, the Discover Scuba Diving experience is a great place to start. 

You’ll learn basic skills, theory, and training in a small pool at the aquarium. You also get to dive inside the I&J’s Ocean Exhibit with rays, green sea turtles, and mussel crackers.

The Discover Scuba Diving starts in a small pool, which gives you the chance to get accustomed to breathing underwater. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

HOW TO BECOME A DIVER IN SOUTH AFRICA

The PADI Open Water Diver is a beginners course that includes four open water diving sessions (in the aquarium and open water). Once you’re qualified, you’ll be able to dive 18 metres with a dive buddy, book boat dives, and rent equipment. 

After you’ve mastered 18 metres, you can move on to the Advanced Open Water Diver where you’ll be introduced to wreck diving and night diving. This is only for people over 12 years. 

Each course includes theory packs, gear rental, dive permits and final certification. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

ADVANCED AND SPECIALITY COURSES

When you feel confident in your diving abilities, there are a few courses for advanced divers. Freediver teaches you how to hold your breath as you dive (instead of using an air tank); with that experience you can explore Cape Town’s waters to a new depth of 24 metres. 

And there are speciality courses for seasoned divers. You can explore shipwrecks in the Wreck Diver Course and interact with aquatic life in the Underwater Naturalist Course. There’s also a Shark Conservation Course, where you learn about shark life. 

All the equipment is provided for you. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

TWO OCEANS MEMBERS GET 25% OFF

If you’re a Two Oceans Aquarium member, you get 25% off of adventure diving. You can dive with large ragged-tooth sharks, drift through mesmerising kelp forests and see stingrays. You can also feed penguins, tour behind scenes, and make 13 other discoveries at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

To become a member you can upgrade your day ticket to a membership, or sign up via the Two Oceans Aquarium website.

There’s so much marine life waiting to be uncovered. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

DIVE AT THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

Two Oceans Aquarium is open: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 6pm

Find it: Dock Road (by the Watershed), V&A Waterfront

Cost of membership: R595 for adults, R460 for teens, R292 for kids aged four to 13

Cost of diving courses: From R2 205 for beginner courses, R5 725 for advanced courses; R4 500 for specialty courses

Contact on: 021 418 3823, aquarium@aquarium.co.za, @2OceansAquarium

By Khadeeja Adams

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