Learning to Scuba Dive

Those of who want to go scuba diving need a diving certificate. For »jumping into the waters and simply holding ones breath« will not do! It’s life-threatening, even! The Professional Association of Diving Instructors – PADI – is your go-to address. Since 1966, PADI is dedicated to train diving instructors worldwide and establish a uniform code of conduct under water. This way, an undiminishing number of people are excited to scuba dive (safely) each year.

WHAT TO DO TO GET THE PADI – CERTIFICATE

• There is a theoretical and a practical part

• Both of these you’ll be examined and need to pass

• Until you’ve completed 100 scuba-diving sessions, you’ll need to refresh the certificate every 6 months

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Essential commands to use under water

• Correct breathing

• Correct floating

There are diving schools at numerous holiday destinations, already. As practical as this may be for the spontaneous amongst you, don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll jump into the ocean right away. As the first hours are usually spent in a pool, the fun-levels are mediocre. Therefore, we’d recommend visiting the course before your holiday. And now, off to diving school!

DEEP DIVE FANTASY

The world's most breathtaking scuba diving destinations

Text: Christian Näthler | Photos: Alice Williamson

One glimpse under the sea in scuba gear and you’ll know that The Little Mermaid was onto something. Considering that oceans cover 71 per cent of the earth’s surface, and are home to a considerable majority of life on our planet, there’s plenty of incentive to suit up and dive in. We explore 10 of the world’s most coveted scuba diving spots for your next adventure.

Life Under the Sea

One of the most memorable aspects of any seaside vacation is the opportunity to experience life under the sea. It's no wonder, then, that scuba diving is soaring in popularity.

Receiving your scuba certification is a pretty straightforward procedure. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world's largest recreational diving membership and diver training organization and offers at over 6200 dive centers and resorts around the world. Its courses include a knowledge component, confined dive, and open water dive, and can be pursued in a flexible, performance-based manner. Those who have a knack for scuba diving can be legally licensed to hit the ocean on their own in less than a week.

Once you've proven your proficiency and have invested in all the appropriate gear, there's a whole scuba world at the tip of your fin. Are you into coral reef exploration or shipwreck discovery? Night diving or deep diving? Muck or open water? Do you prefer a tropic or cold water environment?

Oceans, lakes, rivers, straits, gulfs, bays, or beaches – the locations are endless.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Here are 10 of the world’s most incredible scuba diving locations worth checking off your bucket list...