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Scuba diving equipment allows you to visit the underwater world by making it possible to breathe, see, and move comfortably while below the surface. Gear helps you change from being a land-dweller to somewhat of an aquatic being – if only for a little while. A mask lets you see clearly. A scuba regulator and tank provide the air you need. Fins allow you to swim efficiently. A wetsuit helps you stay warm and protects you from your surroundings. Whether you’re just starting as a scuba diver or you’re an experienced diver looking for new equipment, you’ll find helpful suggestions and tips in our scuba shop. Keep in mind that fit, comfort, and suitability are the three most important considerations when choosing gear, but you don’t have to sacrifice color coordination and looking good. Should I buy or hire scuba gear? Contact us or visit our Dive Shop for specialized advice and equipment sales.
It’s a gentle hiss of the air as you breathe in and out. The bubbles and water around you. The feeling of calmness, peace, and quiet. The underwater world is full of light, color, and life. The corals are beautiful and the fish will be close enough to touch (of course you shouldn’t). It’s amazing and it’s so much fun!
With the necessary training and experience, the limit for recreational scuba diving is 40 meters. Beginning scuba divers stay shallower than about 18 meters. Although these are the limits, some of the most popular diving is shallower than 12 meters, where the water’s warmer and the colors are brighter.
Your dive kit includes a gauge that displays how much air you have. You’ll learn to check it regularly, so it’s unlikely you’ll run out of air while scuba diving. However, if you run out of air, your buddy has an extra regulator (mouthpiece) that allows you to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface. There are also other options you’ll learn in your scuba diving training.
Yes, you can. As a beginner, one of the first things you will learn is hand signals that allow you to communicate underwater. Your instructor or divemaster will always ask you if you are okay before commencing with the dive.
Scuba stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This includes a Mask covering your eyes and nose, a Cylinder containing compressed air, and a Regulator enabling you to safely breathe the compressed air underwater.
You do not need to be top-fit to dive. Scuba diving however does expect a certain amount of effort like carrying your gear when doing a shore entry or getting back on the boat after your boat dive. Even though you are weightless underwater, keep in mind you do exert energy while swimming and exploring the underwater world.
Almost anybody. The minimum age is 10 years old. There is no maximum age. You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete but you do need to be generally fit and healthy.
Becoming a scuba diver is a wonderful adventure! Scuba certification includes three phases: A. Knowledge Development During the first phase of your scuba lessons, you’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving such as
You’ll learn this valuable information by reading it in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual. At the end of each chapter, you’ll answer questions about the material to ensure you understand it. Along the way, let your PADI Instructor know if there is anything you don’t understand. At the end of the course, you’ll take a final exam that ensures you have a thorough knowledge of scuba diving basics. You’ll also watch videos that preview the scuba skills you’ll practice in a swimming pool or confined water environment. In addition to the video, your instructor will demonstrate each skill for you. B. Confined Water Dives This is what it’s all about – diving. You’ll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water – a body of water with pool-like conditions, such as off a calm beach. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer. Some of the essential skills you learn include: Setting up your scuba gear, how to get water out of your mask, entering and exiting the water, buoyancy control, basic underwater navigation, and safety procedures. You’ll practice these skills with an instructor until you’re comfortable. When you’re ready, it’s time for your underwater adventure to begin at an open water dive site. C. Open Water Dives After your confined water dives, you’ll head to open water, where you and your instructor will make four dives, usually over two days. On these dives, you’ll get to explore the underwater world. You’ll apply the skills you learned in confined water while enjoying what the local environment has to offer. Most student divers complete these dives close to home, but there is an option for finishing your training while on holiday. How do I become a scuba diver?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance-based, which means that your PADI dive shop can offer a wide variety of schedules, organized according to how fast you progress. It’s possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three or four days by completing the knowledge development. Your PADI Instructor will focus on helping you become a confident and comfortable diver, not on how long it takes. You earn your certification based on demonstrating you know what you need to know and can do what you need to do. This means that you progress at your own pace – faster or slower depending upon the time you need – to become a competent scuba diver.
If you have a passion for excitement and adventure, chances are you can become an avid PADI Diver. You’ll also want to keep in mind these requirements:
No, you certainly don’t have to be a good swimmer. As long as you can stay afloat and have basic swimming abilities – it doesn’t matter if this is a slow doggy paddle. You need to have basic swim skills and be able to comfortably maintain yourself in the water. Your PADI Instructor will assess this.
A dive professional in good standing with another diver training organization may meet the prerequisites for the next level PADI certification. For example, a divemaster with another diver training organization may qualify to enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor course or Instructor Development Course (IDC). You could not receive a PADI Divemaster certification unless you completed the PADI Divemaster course. There is no simple “equivalency” or “crossover.” An instructor in good standing from another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll in an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. This program is shorter than a complete IDC and focuses on building upon your teaching skills by introducing you to the PADI System. You must also complete a PADI Instructor Exam (IE) to become a PADI Instructor. Instructor Development Program
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organization. More than 20 million beginner divers just like you have earned their PADI diving license by taking the PADI Open Water Diver course. It’s by far the world’s most widely recognized scuba diving license.
In most regions, the minimum age is 10 years old, however, in some areas, local law may require a higher minimum age limit. There is no upper age limit. To dive, you must be in good overall health, particularly your respiratory and circulatory systems. Mentally, it would help if you had a mature attitude, good judgment, and the self-discipline to follow diving guidelines. Young participants need the approval and support of their parents or guardians. Everyone completes a medical history questionnaire to identify any health concerns that need to be discussed with a physician.
Diving does present some inherent risks. You can reduce your chances of having problems while diving by following basic safety rules and learning simple skills. Your dive professional takes precautions, uses experience, and exercises good judgment to help keep you as safe as possible. People dive safely every day. However, any time people are in the water and are breathing compressed gas underwater, there is the potential for problems to occur.
Yes, there are several options. It is possible to wear contact lenses or have prescription lenses fitted onto your dive mask.
Yes, you can. You won’t be taking any long boat trips to get to the dive sites, and just in case, we do have seasickness medicine available. Many people report that they adjust to being out at sea on the boat and their seasickness subsides or disappears altogether.
No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your eardrums. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how. If you have no difficulties adjusting to air pressure during flying, you’ll probably experience no problem learning to adjust to water pressure while diving.
Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory or heart function, or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s risk. Doctors can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing fitness to dive. Download the medical statement to take to your doctor.
Sunburn, seasickness, and dehydration are the most common problems divers face. These are all preventable. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom, and watching where you put your hands and feet.
People find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern scuba masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer if a mask makes you feel closed in. During your scuba diving training, your instructor gives you plenty of time and coaching to become comfortable with each stage of learning. Your scuba instructor works with you at your own pace to ensure you master each skill necessary to become a capable scuba diver who dives regularly.
There’s a common misconception that sharks are man-eating predators, they are actually quite skittish and encounters are rare and sought after. Sharks generally avoid divers as the bubbles we blow out deter them from coming closer. Diving often gives you a new perspective on these incredible creatures, turning fear into fascination. Common Misconceptions about SCUBA Diving
Diving while pregnant is not currently recommended. There’s much to learn about how diving may affect a developing fetus so you shouldn’t dive while pregnant, or if you’re trying to become pregnant.
As long as you do not touch the marine life, you are not in danger and won’t get hurt. Nature and its creatures have to survive and some of them keep their predators away with venom. Pretty things to look at but do not touch in Tropical water: stonefish, scorpionfish, fire coral, pufferfish, triggerfish, blue-ringed octopus. And in Temperate water: boxed jellyfish and sea urchins, blue bottles, and sting rays.
No. Your dive professional will teach you how the equipment works and make sure you familiarize yourself with it and are comfortable using it. When you take a certification course, you’ll learn to assemble, operate, and maintain the equipment.
Yes, the Cape Peninsula water is cold because of the cold Atlantic Ocean. You will be wearing a sufficiently thick wetsuit that will protect you from the cold and ensure you have a comfortable dive. Visit our dive shop for assistance when purchasing a wetsuit. It is always best to first discuss your individual needs with our staff and find the perfect fit for you.
We scuba divers are very lucky because it never rains underwater. It’s no problem to dive while it is raining on the surface because it doesn’t affect divers below. If the weather is bad, we will reschedule, of course.
Each dive will be between 30 and 55 minutes, depending on the depth or the course you are on. Some shallower shore dives can last well over an hour if you have good air consumption. Please have a look at the dives and packages we offer.
No, you don’t. All rental scuba gear is included in the price when you are doing your course. You just need to bring a swimsuit and a towel. After completing your certification, you need to hire gear for every dive you will be doing. From there on, it might be a good idea to buy gear, but it’s a personal choice. Some people like to travel light and hire gear, and on the other hand, some people like to have their own gear because they are familiar with it and know the condition that it’s in. Contact us or visit our Dive Shop for specialized advice and equipment sales. Should I Buy or Rent Gear?
Just Africa Scuba specializes in individual care. PADI’s standard ratio is 8 Students to 1 Instructor, but usually at Just Africa Scuba, there will be a maximum of 4 Students per 1 Instructor to ensure you get the best experience possible. We are happy to cater to your requirements.
You can dive practically anywhere there’s water – a swimming pool, the ocean, and all points in between, including quarries, lakes, rivers, springs, or even aquariums. Where you can scuba dive is determined by your:
Have a look at the dives and packages we offer. Scuba Diving in Gordon’s Bay Diverse Diving in False Bay
We dive all year round, but dives are very much dependent on the sea conditions. During the Summer months (November – February), we dive on the Eastern Side of False Bay which is Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els. During the Winter months (June – August), we dive on the Western Side of False Bay, which is from Glen Cairn to Simon’s Town. We also dive on the Atlantic Side of the Cape Peninsula, and we launch from Hout Bay.
Yes, it is. Here at Just Africa Scuba, we are partners with DAN (Divers Alert Network). You will be fully insured for the duration of your course, thereafter, it is your responsibility to get insurance. DAN also offers temporary dive travel insurance should you only dive on holidays.
Yes, you can! Our PADI instructor and a photographer will be with you during your Pool session, and/or your very first open-water qualifying dives, capturing these memorable moments for you. Check out our Facebook page and Instagram to see some of these fun pics.
At Just Africa Scuba, we combine professional expertise with a genuine passion for the ocean to deliver safe, memorable, and personalized diving experiences. Rated as one of the top dive centers to complete your course with, our excellent reviews reflect our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. As a family-oriented center, we create a welcoming, supportive environment where every diver feels comfortable and valued. What truly sets us apart is that we are also qualified life coaches, allowing us to guide you with patience, encouragement, and confidence-building techniques—ensuring your journey into diving is not only exciting, but personally empowering and unforgettable.
A supportive, family-focused dive centre blending world-class training with personal growth.
Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time or working towards becoming a dive professional, this page helps you understand the course journey and choose the right starting point.
Click any course to view full details and book online.
Try diving in a fun, safe, and relaxed way — no experience needed. Perfect for first-timers, kids, or anyone curious about the underwater world.
Give your child an unforgettable underwater adventure! The PADI Bubblemaker course introduces kids from 8 years old and up to scuba diving in a safe, fun, and exciting way.
Begin your scuba or freediving journey and earn your first certification. Designed for beginners and returning divers who want to build confidence and solid skills.
Open Water
Start your scuba journey with the PADI Open Water Diver course! Learn essential diving skills, gain confidence underwater, and earn your certification.
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Expand your skills, confidence, and underwater awareness. Ideal for certified divers ready to take the next step and become more capable, self-reliant divers.
Take your diving to the next level! The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to enhance your skills, boost your confidence, and introduce you to new underwater experiences.
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Push your limits and take your freediving skills to the next level with the PADI Advanced Freediver course. Refine your techniques, reach new depths, and achieve personal milestones.
Focus on what excites you most underwater. From wrecks and night diving to buoyancy, photography, and nitrox — tailor your diving experience to your interests.
Turn your passion for diving into a career.
Professional-level training for those ready to lead, mentor, and work in the dive industry.
Shop a variety of watersports gear, book dives, and explore courses with Just Africa Scuba—your go-to dive centre and watersports shop in Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town, South Africa.