Learn to Dive FAQs

Getting started is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps:

1. Book a PADI Open Water Course with Abyss.
2. Complete the online eLearning at your own pace.
3. Join us for two action-packed days of pool and ocean dives.

All you need is to be comfortable in water and able to swim 200m. No previous experience is required — we’ll guide you every step of the way.

The PADI Open Water Diver Course is the global standard — and the most recognised certification worldwide. Unlike some local alternatives, it ensures your certification is accepted wherever you travel.

At Abyss, our course stands out thanks to small group sizes — just 4 students per instructor. This isn’t just more enjoyable — it’s far safer. It allows your instructor to give each diver personal attention and respond to needs quickly and calmly.

Prices vary depending on the course type and what’s included. At Abyss, we offer options to suit every budget:

• Budget PADI Course – $449: Affordable, internationally recognised certification.
• Standard Course – $599: Small groups, full gear included, no hidden fees.
• Private Course – $1499: One-on-one instruction for the ultimate personal experience.

Be cautious of cheaper non-PADI options (e.g. $349) — these are often not globally recognised.

The typical course runs over two days:

• Day 1: Pool training + first ocean dive
• Day 2: Three more ocean dives

You can also start your theory anytime online with PADI eLearning and then choose a course date that suits you.

Yes — but only basic swimming skills are required. You must be able to:

• Swim 200 metres (any stroke, no time limit)
• Float or tread water for 10 minutes

You don’t need to be an athlete or have perfect technique — just be comfortable and relaxed in the water.

Absolutely — scuba diving is extremely safe when taught by professionals. At Abyss, we prioritise safety through:

• Small class sizes (max 4 students) for individual attention
• Calm, beginner-friendly dive sites with easy shore access
• Highly trained PADI instructors with thousands of logged dives

Your safety is our top concern — we create a relaxed, supportive environment where learning is fun and stress-free.

Sydney is home to several beginner-friendly dive sites known for calm conditions, easy entries, and rich marine life:

• Bare Island – A protected site in La Perouse ideal for training dives, with sponges, soft corals, and frequent sightings of weedy sea dragons.
• Shelly Beach – Located in Manly, this marine reserve offers shallow depths, great visibility, and a high chance of seeing blue gropers.
• Oak Park – Found in Cronulla, it features a reef ledge teeming with life and is perfect for building confidence underwater.

All of these sites are used regularly in our Learn to Dive courses.

Sydney’s coastline is teeming with marine life that makes learning to dive a magical experience. During your training dives, you may encounter:

• Weedy sea dragons — endemic to southern Australia and a favorite among divers for their camouflage and elegance.
• Blue gropers — friendly and curious fish, often following divers around the reef.
• Turtles — regularly seen gliding gracefully along the seafloor or surfacing for air.
• Port Jackson sharks — harmless and often resting under ledges during the day.
• Octopus, rays, and large schools of fish — always a chance for a surprise encounter!

You may even spot dolphins from the surface while gearing up! The biodiversity around Sydney makes every dive an adventure.

Scuba diving in Sydney is possible year-round, but each season offers its own advantages:

• Seal Season (June–October): Calm seas, excellent visibility, and a bonus seal dive if you book your course now.
• Summer (December–February): Warmer water and vibrant marine life — perfect for those who prefer tropical temperatures.
• Autumn (March–May): Typically offers the flattest seas and best visibility.

Winter conditions are surprisingly great for diving in Sydney, with clearer water due to fewer plankton blooms. If you don't mind slightly cooler temperatures, you'll likely get the best visibility and fewer crowds during winter months.

Everything you need is provided during your course with Abyss Scuba Diving:

• Mask, snorkel, fins
• Wetsuit, BCD, regulator set
• Air cylinder and weights
• Dive computer (on standard and private courses)

You’ll also get a gear briefing so you feel confident using each item. After certification, many divers choose to invest in their own gear — see our beginner gear packages for great-value bundles.