What if I panic or feel anxious underwater?

It’s normal to be nervous at first. Training starts in a pool and progresses gradually. Instructors stay close and you can pause any skill until you feel comfortable.

What if I run out of air?

You’ll learn to monitor your air and practice emergency skills in a controlled environment. Instructors supervise closely and dives are planned conservatively.

Should I worry about sharks when learning to dive in Sydney?

Beginner training dives are planned for calm, sheltered conditions and focus on comfort and skills. Sharks are not the norm on beginner dives, and most local species avoid people.

Am I too old or not fit enough to learn scuba diving?

Most healthy adults can learn to dive. You don’t need to be an athlete—just basic swimming ability and average health. People of many ages dive, from teenagers to older adults.

Will my ears hurt when I descend?

You’ll be taught simple equalising techniques and descents are slow and controlled. If something doesn’t feel right, we stop and adjust—there’s no rushing.

Is scuba diving dangerous? What about decompression sickness?

Entry‑level training is conservative and supervised, with clear depth and time limits. You’ll learn safe ascent habits and planning fundamentals so risk stays very low.

What happens after I get certified—will I have to dive alone?

After certification, most new divers build confidence through guided dives and a supportive local community, so you can keep diving safely with others.

Diver exploring Sydney’s underwater world

Learn to Dive in Sydney

Discover the freedom of the underwater world with friendly instructors and small groups.

Get Started

Where do I start?

Choose the option that fits you right now. No jargon. No pressure.

Brand new to scuba

Start with the Open Water course — your first globally recognised certification.

Open Water Course

Certified, but rusty

Rebuild confidence and skills with a refresher before you jump back into the ocean.

Scuba Refresher

Want a gentle first taste

Take the first step towards becoming a certified diver with our free introductory course.

Start Your Journey

Student practising scuba skills in a pool with an instructor

Start in a Safe Pool

The learning journey begins with online theory followed by a day in our heated training pool. Here you’ll master breathing, buoyancy and equipment setup in a comfortable environment. With no more than four students per instructor, you get focused coaching and time to build confidence.

International standards for entry‑level scuba courses require a combination of knowledge development, confined‑water practice and open‑water dives. Your pool session ticks off that second step and prepares you for the ocean.

Feel Supported Every Step of the Way

Our certified instructors are by your side from the very first lesson. Diving in small groups fosters friendship and ensures everyone receives personal attention. Research shows that spending time in blue spaces such as the ocean reduces stress and improves wellbeing, and that diving with a qualified instructor in small groups not only protects the environment but can further enhance the mental‑health benefits.

At Abyss you’ll learn at your own pace and never feel rushed. We believe a supportive environment is the key to success—whether you’re feeling nervous about breathing underwater or excited to hone your skills.

Friendly dive instructors assisting students in the pool

Addressing Your Concerns

It’s normal to feel unsure before trying scuba. Here are some of the most common worries we hear and how we help you overcome them.

“I’m too old or not fit enough.” Scuba is accessible to most people aged 10 to 70+ with average health and basic swimming skills. We adjust the pace to suit you.
“What if I run out of air or panic?” You’ll learn to monitor your air and practice emergency skills in a pool. Our instructors stay by your side and dives are planned conservatively.
“Are sharks or the ocean dangerous?” Training dives are in calm, shallow sites with friendly marine life. Sydney’s common sharks are harmless, and we schedule dives around the safest conditions.
“I’m afraid of the unknown.” Starting in a pool gives you plenty of time to get used to breathing underwater before venturing into the ocean. We never rush you to do more than you’re comfortable with.

Get Started

New divers exploring Sydney’s ocean on their first dive

Your First Ocean Dive

Once you’re comfortable in the pool, it’s time to explore Sydney’s world‑class dive sites. Your first open‑water dives take place at sheltered locations like Bare Island or Kurnell where you’ll put your new skills into practice surrounded by vibrant marine life. Sydney’s underwater world is home to weedy seadragons, pygmy pipehorses, anglerfish and potbellied seahorses. On some dives you might also spot wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, giant cuttlefish, bull rays and schooling fish.

Winter delivers the clearest conditions with visibility often exceeding 15 metres, but our team dives year‑round. With small classes and expert guidance, you’ll soon feel the thrill of breathing underwater in the open ocean.

Your Diving Journey

Learning to dive is just the beginning. Here’s how your adventure unfolds.

Learn the essentials: Complete your online theory and pool training to master breathing, buoyancy and gear in a safe environment.
Build confidence: Take your first ocean dives at sheltered sites around Sydney and discover marine life up close.
Explore locally: Join guided shore dives to meet dive buddies and keep your skills fresh.
Advance your skills: Take speciality courses like advanced, rescue or nitrox to expand your capabilities and explore deeper.
Join the community: Become part of a supportive dive club and enjoy trips, travel and conservation projects with fellow divers.

Ready to begin your journey?

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Why Learn to Dive in Sydney?

Convenient schedule: complete your theory online and finish your certification in just two in‑person days.
Small groups: enjoy personalised coaching with no more than four students per instructor.
All‑inclusive: course fee covers eLearning, gear hire, insurance and certification—no hidden costs.
Award‑winning instructors: train with Australia’s most decorated dive school.

Ready to take the plunge? Click below to find a date that suits you.

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