Specialty · After dark
Mysterious, yet so alluring — the ocean after dark. Dive familiar sites again as if for the first time, and meet the nocturnal marine life that only comes out once the sun goes down.
Get more infoDiving after dark shows you the underwater world in a completely different way. Daytime creatures settle down while nocturnal life comes out, and your torch reveals colour you might miss in the daylight.
The PADI Night Diver Specialty teaches you how to plan for the dark, stay oriented and keep in contact with your buddy, so night dives feel exciting rather than daunting.
| Theory (knowledge development) | Knowledge development is covered through PADI eLearning or self-study and a briefing with your instructor. |
| Pool / confined water | Not applicable. |
| Open water | Typically three night dives are completed with your instructor, including at least one navigation exercise. |
PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent, and you must be fit to dive.
Minimum age: 12 years old.
Training dives: Typically three night dives per PADI standards.
Typically one to two evenings.
Divers who are curious about the reef after dark.
Pairs naturally with Underwater Navigator, Peak Performance Buoyancy and Fish Identification.
You just need PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). No prior night-diving or navigation experience is required — the course teaches those skills from the start.
Night dive planning and procedures, buoyancy control in darkness, safe entries, exits and navigation at night, plus how to identify the nocturnal species you'll only see after dark. Bring your normal dive kit and a dive light — ask us if you need to hire one.
We run classroom prep at our Gauteng base and schedule the certification night dives at Bass Lake or Miracle Waters, timed for after sunset. It's also a great add-on to a coastal trip to Sodwana Bay or Aliwal Shoal if you'd rather do it at the coast.
Night Diver is R4 398 for club members and R4 548 for non-members, including PADI materials. Book through our enquiry form, or reach out via contact if you have questions about dates.
With training, planning and the right equipment, it can be a safe and rewarding experience. The course covers lights, communication and emergency procedures.
You need your standard scuba equipment plus dive lights. Your instructor will advise on what to bring.