Newly Certified Scuba Dives in Sydney – Guided PADI Dives & Training Calendar

I'm newly certified – are these dives suitable for me?

Yes. This entire calendar is curated specifically for new and recently certified divers. Every dive here offers calm conditions, shallow depth (usually 5–18m), easy entries and supportive divemasters.

I did my course with another dive shop or agency – can I still join?

Absolutely. We welcome divers certified with any recognised training agency — including PADI, ISC, SSI, RAID, SDI, NAUI and others. It doesn't matter where you did your Open Water course; once you're certified, you're part of the diving community.

All we need is your certification card (physical or digital) and a quick chat about your recent experience so we can recommend the right dives or refresher for your confidence level.

What is the easiest dive for my very first post-cert dive?

Henry Head boat dive is our number one pick for your very first post-cert dive.

It ticks every “easy dive” box for new divers:

• Short, gentle boat ride – only a few minutes from the marina, so there's very little time to feel nervous.
• Friendly depth (8–12 m) – shallow enough for long bottom times and relaxed breathing, but deep enough to feel like a “real” dive.
• Simple descent and navigation – you follow a fixed descent line straight to the reef, then cruise along colourful sponge gardens on a very easy route.
• High marine-life reward – nudibranchs, blue gropers, cuttlefish and red indian fish make the dive fun and visually busy, so you forget to be nervous.

Why boat diving at Henry Head is often easier than shore diving:

• No surf entries or tricky rocks – the boat drops you right on top of the site, so you avoid waves, surge and slippery steps.
• No long walks in full kit – you gear up on the boat, sit down, then just step off and follow the line down.
• The boat is always nearby – you ascend on the same line and climb a ladder straight back onto the deck.

If you want your first dive after certification to feel calm, supported and confidence-boosting, choose Henry Head as your first boat dive.

What if I haven't been diving in a while and feel rusty?

It doesn’t matter whether it’s been one month or five years — what matters is how confident you feel. If you're unsure, the PADI ReActivate Refresher is the best and safest next step.

It refreshes buoyancy, mask clearing, emergency skills and general comfort underwater through friendly pool coaching, plus an optional ocean dive.

Most divers say: “I wish I'd done this sooner — I feel so much more confident now.”

Do I need to bring a buddy, or can I come by myself?

No buddy? No worries. We'll pair you up with another diver at the briefing. Many beginners come solo — and leave with new friends.

Will there be someone experienced in the water with me?

Yes — all dives are fully guided. A divemaster or instructor will be in the water with you, helping with navigation and keeping you safe.

Are the boat dives okay for beginners?

Yes. Henry Head and Martin Island are ideal first-time boat dives. Magic Point and Montague Island are more epic but still beginner-friendly when guided.

I'm scared of sharks — should I be worried?

No — Sydney’s sharks are gentle species like grey nurse, wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks. They're calm, predictable and safe to observe with a guide.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Blue gropers, weedy seadragons, cuttlefish, rays, octopus, seahorses, schools of fish and seasonal Port Jackson sharks.

What should I bring on the day?

Swimmers, towel, warm clothes, certification card, and any personal dive gear. Rentals available.

Can I rent gear?

Yes — full rental kits are available, including BCD, reg, tanks, wetsuit and weights. We'll fit everything for you.

What if conditions are poor on the day?

We'll move to a more sheltered site or reschedule if needed. Your safety and comfort always come first.

Should I keep doing fun dives or book more training?

A mix of both is ideal. Advanced builds confidence fast, Peak Buoyancy improves trim & air use, Navigator reduces anxiety underwater, Freediver improves breath control & relaxation.

How often should I dive to stay confident?

Ideally a few dives in the first 3–6 months. If you've had a long break, no stress — just do a ReActivate refresher before joining other dives.

What do I get as an Abyss Dive Club member?

Member-priced dives, free ReActivate theory, free optional ocean dive, plus social dives & events — designed to make regular diving easier and more affordable.