The Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya boasts warm tropical waters and important marine habitats that include coral reefs and sea grass beds. These are home to many marine creatures including marine turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, reef sharks, over 250 species of marine fish and 40 different varieties of coral, as well as many unique birds and plant species.

 

As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, the most widely recognised and respected rating in the world; you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional to explore previously inaccessible areas of the marine environment and open the wonderful world of diving to you for a lifetime. This is what makes it the most popular dive program in the world!

 

Throughout the course, you'll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing five pool dives and five knowledge development sessions and by making four open water ocean dives.

 

 

Southern Cross Scuba   All of our water sport activities are run by our partner company, Southern Cross Scuba based in Aqualand on one of Kenya 's most spectacular beaches. It is the youngest, most dynamic and fastest growing operator with some of the most experienced and qualified crew in the whole of Kenya . Southern Cross Scuba is equipped with brand new dive gear from Aqualung and Seemann Sub (including special dive gear for children) , 1 speed boat and 3 small dive boats, the latest O 2 - equipment and VHF marine radios, mobile phones, sonar, life-jackets, and first aid equipment to ensure maximum safety. In addition, we are in a close relationship with the Kenya Navy recompression chamber in Mombasa.   Southern Cross Scuba is an environmentally aware, ethically minded company that is dedicated to responsible tourism, educating visitors and clients on appropriate conduct when participating in any aquatic activities. They regularly run conservation projects and education programmes highlighting conservation issues and conduct all activities with highest regard for the marine environment. Southern Cross Scuba regularly participates in National Beach Clean ups and contributes to the East African Whale Shark Trust, a charity dedicated to research and conservation of this magnificent creature, which is also based at Aqualand.

 

Highlights

 

• Enjoy the beauty of the Kenyan coastline and stunning Indian Ocean
• Learn to Scuba dive and gain globally recognised PADI Open Water Diver certification
• Opportunities to see a wide diversity of marine life

 

 

Itinerary (6 nights/ 7 days)

 

Day 1, Mombasa - Coastal Base - Arrive at Mombasa Airport where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to Pinewood Village Resort*. Upon arrival you will receive a welcome cocktail and a briefing and orientation. (LD)

 

Day 2, PADI Open Water Divers Course - Theory and pool training. (BLD)

 

Day 3, PADI Open Water Divers Course - Theory and pool training. (BLD)

 

Day 4, PADI Open Water Divers Course - Open Water training dives 1 and 2. (BLD)

 

Day 5, PADI Open Water Divers Course - Open Water training dives 3 and 4. (BLD)

 

Day 6, Ocean day - An opportunity to relax by the beach, do some shopping, or sign up for one of the many optional adventure activities available at Aqualand Adventure Centre, including extra dives. (BLD)

 

Day 7, Departure - Transfer to Mombasa Airport and depart. (BL)

 

 

Topics that will be covered in your course will include:
Buoyancy	Offshore adventures
Comfortable descents	Nitrogen narcosis
Comfortable ascents	Decompression sickness
Breathing underwater	Dive tables introduction
Staying warm	Using recreational dive planner
Streamlining yourself	Making safety stops
Diving together	Emergency decompression
What's it like where we will be diving?	Altitude considerations for divers
Care of yourself	Finding minimum surface interval
Care of others	Electronic dive planner
Solution thinking underwater
The order and rate of progress through these topics will depend on individual ability and may vary between individual instructors.

 

 

 

Minimum Age

 

12 years

 

 

 

Fitness

 

To scuba dive safely, you must not be extremely overweight or out of condition. Diving can be strenuous under certain conditions. Certain medical conditions will result in restriction or prohibition of diving. Restrictions include medical conditions and illnesses that might impair or limit a diver's ability to perform underwater and it may be necessary to undergo a medical health check before subscribing to this programme. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body air spaces must be normal and healthy.

 

A person with heart trouble, a current cold or congestion, epilepsy, moderate to severe asthma, a severe medical problem, or who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, should not dive. If taking medication, consult your doctor before participating in this program. For more information, or if you are unsure whether restrictions may apply to you, please contact us directly.

 

Inclusions

 

• Arrival and Departure transfers - Airport transfer to camp day 1 (or transfer from one of our existing camps if you have just completed one of our Life Programmes). Transfer from camp to Airport day 7 (or to one of our existing camps if you are about to start one of our Life Programmes).
• Orientation
• Staffing and participation - Fully escorted by a tour leader and fully qualified local guides.
• Transport - Fully equipped minivan, bus and boats.
• Meals - As per itinerary B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
• Equipment - All diving equipment necessary to complete the course.
• Laundry
• Single sex twin (shared) accommodation throughout tour. Exclusive accommodation available with 40% single supplement charge.
• Accommodation - 6 nights in a hotel resort at Pinewood Village*.

 

 

 

 

Price Does Not Include

 

• International and domestic flights
• Arrival and departure fees (if applicable)
• Insurance
• Vaccinations
• Tourist Visa (typically $50 US)
• Personal equipment
• Spending money
• Drinks
• Tips
• Personal laundry
• Meals other than those listed
• Exclusive accommodation available with 40% single supplement charge.

 

 

Travel Dates

 

Duration: 7 Days

 

Availability is throughout the year. Please contact us for further information.

 

Price

 

Padi Open Water Course

£387

 

 

Accomodation

 

 

Pinewood Village Beach Resort*
	Low Season Adult**(GBP)	High Season Adult** (GBP)
Duration	Price	Price
6 Nights, 7 days	From £390	From £510

 

** Adult rate applicable to 12 years and over

 

*Pinewood Village Beach Resort   Pinewood Village is a small boutique Beach Resort offering an experience that is truly special. It is ideally situated on the quiet and deserted shores of Galu Beach , one of the finest beaches in Kenya , adjacent to Aqualand. Pinewood Village is small, private, and very personal. The hotel is set amidst tropical flora and palms and offers an ambiance that is supremely tranquil.   Pinewood village accommodation consists of tastefully furnished rooms and private suites. The experienced Chef is capable of preparing and producing the highest international culinary standard to your individual choice.   In-house facilities include attractive swimming pool, swim-up pool bar ,Beach Deck, "Tamu" Snack Grill, "Peponi" Beach bar and Restaurant, "Jahazi" Bar and Bistro, "Bahari" Restaurant, Aqualand Water sport Centre, tennis court, squash court, "Zawadi" Boutique, Beauty Salon, communications and conference facilities.

 

 

 

How This Holiday Makes A Difference...

 

This holiday is run by an environmentally aware, ethically minded organisation that is dedicated to responsible tourism, educating visitors and clients on appropriate conduct when participating in any aquatic activities. We regularly run conservation projects and education programmes to highlight conservation issues to both local communities and tourists, and conduct all of our activities with the highest regard for the marine environment. The majority of our staff is employed from the surrounding communities and we invest finance and resources into local community and environmental projects.

 

Your help will support our ongoing local marine conservation projects such as beach cleanups, environmental awareness workshops and coral reef ecology and conservation. Your contribution will also support the East African Whale Shark Trust.

 

In November 2002 worldwide public concern about the unrestricted hunting of whale sharks prompted a further proposal to list the whale shark as an endangered species under CITES. E.A.W.S.T. aims to provide a research centre for collecting and analysing data regarding the local whale shark population, its habits and movements. The trust will work with other regional projects with the long term goal being to promote conservation and increased protection of the biggest fish in the ocean.