Combine a captivating safari in Amboseli National Park with a globally certified open water diver course in Diani beach in Kenya. You can either start with the safari or vice versa to ensure that you enjoy Kenya’s memorable natural wonders. For the open water diver course, you will use the PADI e-learning manual which can be downloaded while on vacation or at Diani Beach. This is because you can get the theoretical knowledge from anywhere in the world.
As mentioned, the open water diver course in Diani Beach involves knowledge development using a PADI e-learning manual. Then you will have skill practice and conclude with open water dives at Diani. The PADI e-learning manual is available in at least 26 languages. These include English, Turkish, Chinese, Dutch, Deutch, Japanese Korean, Jewish, Portugues, Indonesian, Polish, Swedish, Hungarian, Hindu and Russian etc.
How to study the open water diver course using the PADI system?
This offers training in two important steps. The first one involves purchasing the downloadable PADI e-learning Manual from the website. From the comfort of your accommodation, you will get scuba diving lessons before practice starts. It is convenient for you with a busy schedule. You are expected to commit 5-10 hours for this and you can connect with your instructor in case of any inquiries. This is achieved either offline or online using a smartphone or computer.
The second step involves practicing in a scuba gear with your instructor in a pool or something similar in a dive shop. Your instructor will ensure that you get 2 training sessions to include 5 pool lessons. This is to boost your confidence thus comfortable to make 2 open water dives to a maximum depth of 12m. Then you will have 2 open water dives to a maximum depth of 18m. This is done for a period of 2-4 days and for this case it is in the waters off Diani beach.
Off the Diani Beach, the waters are renowned as some of the best spots to scuba dive. The diving centers here offer great water experiences as well as views of beautiful aquatic wildlife. You can see corals, fish and turtles etc. The following are some of the best diving sites at Diani: Gazi, Kisima Mungu, Shimo La Samaki, Kinondo, Mwanamochi, Mkurumuji, Papa Mashilingi, Tiwi, Chale Corner, Igloo and Galu among others.
Requirements for using the PADI e-learning Manual?
The PADI e-learning manual is downloadable from the internet, on browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Safari. But in case you are planning to travel to a place without internet access, download the PADI App on your smartphone/computer. This makes it possible to download the course material on Android or IOS and studying while offline. The content is about 182 megabytes and you can upload your progress after accessing the internet.
Requirements for the Open water diver course?
To complete this course, ensure that before you start practicing in Diani Beach, you are in good physical health. Make sure that you check for any ailment that could affect your ability to dive or stay under water for some time. Visit a certified physician to be sure about your health. The minimum age for doing this open water diver course in Diani beach is 10 years. However, children 8 to 10 years old are trained in a pool or pool-like environment at a dive shop.
Certification for PADI scuba diving?
Divers from the age of 10 to 14 get Junior Diver Certification while 15 years and above are certified Open Water divers. This implies they can dive up to 18m deep in any water worldwide with another partner who might not necessarily be a supervisor. The advantage of this is you get to rent scuba gear, book dive excursions, connect with ocean lovers, be considered a PADI diver and get air fills etc.
This certificate will not expire but you can refresh your diving skills and knowledge after a long time of not diving. This is achieved with the PADI ReActivate program. This is because new rules and regulations are introduced after sometime regarding safe scuba diving.
How much does open water diver course cost?
The Open Water diver course costs $1,100 per person for the manual, certification, training and renting gear etc. The manual is for knowledge development which is why it comes at a cost. The training is also charged because you have to be instructed by a professional diver. However, some dive shops will request you to purchase your own mask, fins and snorkel etc. Some dive shops will require you to buy a wet suite or dry suit depending on the diving environment.
Safari in Amboseli National Park?
From Nairobi you will drive to Amboseli National Park. This is 3.5-4 hours drive to a destination famous for large elephant herds and delightful views of the Kilimanjaro Mountain. Arrive at your camp or lodge, check in and enjoy lunch. Head for an afternoon game drive to see the elephants, zebras and African buffaloes etc. and the stunning Kilimanjaro view. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
The following day you will wake up for an early morning breakfast. After checking out of your lodge, go for a morning game drive. Amboseli National Park is also home to lions, cheetahs, plain zebras, aardwolves, Masai giraffes, Coke’s hartebeests and African buffaloes etc. After this you will head to Diani Beach, situated south of Mombasa along the Indian Ocean coastline. This is an 8-hour journey on road, with enroute lunch. You will arrive at your pre-booked hotel.
Go to the beach to enjoy sundowning or any other beach activity. You can also enjoy sipping on a drink while on a beach lounge chair. Go to the spa to ensure that your overall body health is in good condition. At night, the pubs are fun and offer an opportunity to enjoy the hard drinks. You can also encounter people from diverse cultures, races and backgrounds etc. Learn some new languages and beliefs. Have dinner and overnight stay.
