ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will teach you all you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mixture of academic sessions and open water dives. You will learn to plan and safely complete your deep diving adventures and use computers and gas consumption calculations to get the most from your deep dives. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you choose. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for some advanced training, making it the next logical step to take in your dive education.

Scuba Skills Update with ScubaXcursion – Refresh, Rebuild, RediscoverGet back in the water with confidence through the Scuba Skills Update with ScubaXcursion, perfectly based at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel on the stunning KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.Whether you haven’t dived in a while or simply want to fine-tune your buoyancy and core techniques, this structured refresher program is designed to rebuild your comfort, safety awareness, and enjoyment underwater — before heading out to one of South Africa’s most iconic dive sites, Aliwal Shoal. 1. Classroom Session – Reconnect with the FundamentalsYour experience begins with a guided theory session led by a professional instructor. This interactive classroom component covers:Dive safety principles and equipment setupDive planning and buddy proceduresAir management and emergency protocolsUpdates on best practices and local diving conditionsIt’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, refresh knowledge, and mentally prepare for your return to the ocean. 2. Pool Session – Regain Confidence in a Controlled EnvironmentBefore heading into open water, you’ll enter the pool to practise essential scuba skills in a relaxed, supervised setting.You’ll review:Buoyancy control and weightingMask clearing and regulator recoveryControlled ascents and descentsBasic underwater communicationThis session rebuilds muscle memory and ensures you feel completely comfortable before your ocean dive. 3. Ocean Dive – Explore the Magic of Aliwal ShoalThe highlight of your Skills Update is a guided ocean dive on Aliwal Shoal — one of the world’s premier reef systems.Expect:Dramatic reef topography and swim-throughsVibrant marine life including reef fish, rays, turtles, and seasonal shark sightingsProfessional supervision with small dive groupsA safe, enjoyable reintroduction to open-water divingThis final dive brings everything together — theory, practice, and adventure — in one unforgettable experience. Why Choose ScubaXcursion?Beachfront convenience at Cutty SarkExperienced, safety-focused instructorsIdeal location just minutes from launch to Aliwal ShoalA welcoming environment for both returning and travelling divers

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Aliwal Shoal – The Ultimate Destination for Your Advanced Open Water Diver CourseIf you’re ready to take your diving to the next level, there’s no better classroom than Aliwal Shoal. Located off South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, this world-renowned reef system offers the perfect combination of adventure, skill development, and unforgettable marine encounters — making it an exceptional place to complete your Advanced Open Water Diver Course. Why Aliwal Shoal is Perfect for Advanced Training Depth & Topography for Real ProgressionAdvanced training requires varied depth profiles, navigation challenges, and diverse underwater environments — and Aliwal Shoal delivers it all.Dramatic reef pinnacles and drop-offsSand channels ideal for navigation exercisesWreck dives such as the MV ProduceDepth ranges perfect for deep dive trainingInstead of practising skills in a simple reef setting, you’ll apply them in dynamic, real-world dive conditions. Incredible Marine Life EncountersTraining here doesn’t feel like “just a course.” It feels like an expedition.Depending on the season, you may encounter:Ragged-tooth sharks (Raggies)Blacktip sharksRays and turtlesLarge game fishSeasonal pelagic activityLearning advanced buoyancy, navigation, and situational awareness while surrounded by big marine life builds true confidence and composure underwater. Ideal Conditions for Skill DevelopmentAliwal Shoal offers:Warm Indian Ocean temperaturesGood visibility throughout much of the yearLaunch access from the South CoastA mix of sheltered and exposed sitesThese conditions allow instructors to tailor dives to your comfort level while progressively challenging your abilities. More Than Certification – Real ExperienceAn Advanced Open Water course at Aliwal Shoal typically includes:Deep DiveUnderwater NavigationPeak Performance BuoyancyDrift or Shark DiveWreck or Photography specialty diveHere, you’re not just ticking off skills — you’re building experience in one of the most exciting dive environments in the world. A Destination That Feels Like an Adventure HolidayCompleting your Advanced Open Water at Aliwal Shoal means:Diving one of the world’s top reef systemsGaining confidence in bigger water conditionsExperiencing pelagic marine lifeTraining in a marine protected areaIt’s the difference between completing a course… and completing it somewhere extraordinary.

Why Doing Your Dive Master with ScubaXcursion Will Make You the Best Dive Master PossibleBecoming a Dive Master is more than earning a title — it’s about mastering the skills, confidence, and leadership to guide others safely and inspire their love of the underwater world. With ScubaXcursion, your Dive Master journey is built on world-class dive sites, expert instructors, and real-world ocean experience.Based at the beachfront Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel and diving the legendary Aliwal Shoal, ScubaXcursion gives you the tools, mentorship, and environment to become a confident, skilled, and sought-after Dive Master.1️⃣ Real Ocean Experience in a Premier Dive PlaygroundAliwal Shoal isn’t just beautiful — it’s diverse, challenging, and dynamic:Reef pinnacles, drop-offs, and swim-throughs for advanced navigationDaily encounters with ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, rays, and pelagic speciesSeasonal opportunities to lead dives during the Sardine Run and shark migrationsTraining here ensures you gain real leadership experience in a wide variety of dive conditions, preparing you for any environment worldwide.2️⃣ Mentorship from Experienced, Safety-Focused InstructorsScubaXcursion instructors are passionate professionals who focus on:Developing your safety awareness and decision-making skillsTeaching effective diver supervision and group managementSharing local knowledge about currents, reefs, and marine lifeProviding hands-on guidance in both training dives and real-world situationsSmall group mentorship ensures you receive the attention and feedback necessary to excel.3️⃣ Comprehensive Training Across All Key Dive Master SkillsThe Dive Master program covers:Advanced dive planning and managementRescue skills and emergency responseLeading certified divers and assisting instructorsEnvironmental awareness and marine stewardshipSpecialty skills like deep, drift, and night divingWith ScubaXcursion, you practice these skills in a real-world ocean environment — not just a classroom.4️⃣ Launches from Beachfront ComfortLearning to manage dives and supervise groups requires seamless logistics. With ScubaXcursion:Launch straight from the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark HotelAccess multiple Aliwal Shoal sites dailyFocus on training rather than travel stressEverything you need is right where you need it. 5️⃣ Become a Dive Master Who Inspires ConfidenceGraduates from ScubaXcursion leave with more than a certification:✔ Strong leadership and supervision skills ✔ Exceptional dive knowledge in real conditions ✔ Confidence guiding divers of all levels ✔ Experience in one of the world’s top reefs and unique marine eventsBy training in this professional, ocean-focused environment, you’ll emerge as a Dive Master capable of leading dives anywhere in the world — confident, competent, and respected.