PADI Underwater Naturalist Course
What is the PADI Underwater Naturalist course?
Unlock a new level of understanding and appreciation for the underwater world with the PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality course offered at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School. Whether you're diving at a familiar site or exploring a new location, you'll see the underwater world in a new light as you learn about symbiotic relationships, underwater ecology, and the habitats of aquatic plants and animals.
By expanding your knowledge of the local ecosystem, you'll be able to take a closer look and observe behaviours and creatures you might have missed before. So why not add an extra layer of discovery to your next scuba diving adventure? Enrol in the PADI Underwater Naturalist course and get ready to be amazed.
Who is this course for?
The PADI Underwater Naturalist course is for scuba divers with an Open Water rating or higher who want to build on the skills they already know and elevate them to the next level.
This course is open to qualified divers aged 10 years and older.
How to take part
The PADI Underwater Naturalist course at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School costs R4 500 per person. This includes everything you need for the course – digital theory packs, gear rental, dive permits, final qualification certification, etc.
Participant information
Age restrictions
Participants must be aged 10 years or older to enrol in the PADI Underwater Naturalist course. 10- to 14-year-old divers should already possess a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification and those older, a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent.
Important medical information
To do the PADI Underwater Naturalist course, you need to be reasonably healthy. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire before being allowed to dive - download it here. Have a look through the questions on Page 2. If you were to answer “Yes” to any of the questions, you would need a letter from a doctor clearing you for diving. If you answer “No” to all questions, no doctor’s letter is required. Should there be an answer that concerns us, we reserve the right to ask for a referral to a diving physician. When answering these questions, honesty is paramount to your safety and ours.
Flying after diving
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Course information
Course duration
The course takes two days to complete. The days do not need to be consecutive, but we strongly recommend that you complete these days in close succession so that everything is fresh in your mind.
Days typically start at 08h00 in the foyer of the Aquarium, where your dive instructor will meet you, and finish around 16h00, but this is weather dependent and will be discussed between you and the Dive School team ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
The PADI Underwater Naturalist course consists of three phases:
- E-Learning: Knowledge development about Underwater Naturalist techniques and equipment. You will study independently using the PADI Underwater Naturalist speciality eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in your language).
- Day 1: Classroom x 1 Aquarium dive in the I&J Ocean Exhibit
- Day 2: 1 x Boat dives
All you need to bring along is a swimsuit and a reusable water bottle.
We provide everything you will need on the day, including all gear, study materials, towel hot showers.
Transport to the dive sites is not included.
Please arrive at the Two Oceans Aquarium 15 minutes before your scheduled diving slot. You may report to our Visitor Centre just inside the main entrance and the Dive School team will meet you.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Five-Star Dive Centre and your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town.
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. As a certified PADI Dive Centre, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School meets all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.
Please read our terms and conditions and make sure you are eligible to dive before making your dive booking:
In line with recognised diving practice, dives may not occur if divers are to FLY less than 12 hours after one dive or 24 hours after two dives on the same day. Please do not book if you are not sure about the exact time of your flight, especially if it is within 24 hours after your dive.
Divers under 18 must have their indemnity form signed by their legal guardian. If the legal guardian will not be present on the day of the dive, they must request a copy of the indemnity form at the time of booking the dive so that it is signed in advance of the dive.
The Aquarium entrance fee is included in the rate for the diver/s on the day/s of their dive/s.
Cancellation policy
Before cancelling your booking, please note that PADI dive courses are non-refundable. The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School requests proof of payment as well as a completed booking form to secure your preferred dates.