START YOUR SCUBA ADVENTURE AT GOAT ISLAND
SSI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Learn to scuba dive at Goat Island Marine Reserve, one of New Zealand’s most iconic underwater playgrounds. Our SSI Open Water Diver Course gives you the skills, confidence and certification to dive safely with a buddy anywhere in the world.
Over 3.5 days, you’ll complete online learning, pool/confined water skills, and real ocean dives with our experienced instructors. With small groups, supportive coaching and incredible marine life right on our doorstep, this is the perfect place to begin your scuba journey.
ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE IN NEW ZEALAND
The SSI Open Water Diver Course is your first full scuba certification and the best place to begin if you’re ready to explore the underwater world properly.
Based at Goat Island Marine Reserve, this course combines practical dive training with real ocean experience. You’ll learn how to use scuba equipment, manage your buoyancy, communicate underwater, plan dives, stay safe, and become a confident certified diver.
Once certified, you’ll be able to dive with another certified buddy to a maximum depth of 18 metres, anywhere your certification is recognised.
Why learn to dive at Goat Island?
Goat Island is New Zealand’s first marine reserve and one of the best places in Auckland to learn to scuba dive. The shallow reef, sheltered coastline and abundant marine life create an exciting but supportive training environment.
You may see snapper, red moki, goatfish, eagle rays, stingrays, octopus, crayfish, kelp forests and plenty of reef fish while completing your course dives.
No two dives are exactly the same, and learning here gives you real ocean experience from day one.
What’s included in your Open Water Diver Course?
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SSI online learning materials
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Pool or confined water training sessions
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Open water ocean training dives
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Professional instruction from qualified SSI instructors
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Scuba equipment hire during the course
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Dive planning and safety skills
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Certification processing once all requirements are complete
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Small group training with individual support
BOOK YOUR COURSE
Course structure
Our SSI Open Water Diver Course is usually completed over 3 days.
You’ll begin with online theory, which you complete before your practical training starts. This gives you the knowledge you need before getting in the water.
Your practical training includes confined water skills, where you learn and practise the core scuba skills, followed by ocean dives at Goat Island Marine Reserve where you put everything into action in a real dive environment.
The course is designed to build confidence step by step, so you feel comfortable, capable and ready to dive.
Before you book
This course is suitable for beginners, but you do need to be comfortable in the water.
You’ll need to:
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Be at least 10 years old
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Be able to swim 200 metres
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Be able to float or tread water for 10 minutes
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Complete the required medical questionnaire
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Have reasonable fitness and water confidence
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Complete your SSI online learning before the course starts
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Allow enough time for the full course schedule
Some medical conditions may require dive medical clearance before you can participate.
Not sure if you’re ready?
If you’re excited about scuba but not quite ready to commit to the full course, our Try Scuba Dive is a great first step. It gives you a taste of scuba diving at Goat Island without completing the full certification.
If you already know you want to become certified, the Open Water Diver Course is the best option.
Small group scuba training
We keep our training groups small so you get more time, attention and support from your instructor.
Learning to dive should feel exciting, not rushed. Our team will guide you through each skill, help you build confidence, and make sure you understand how to dive safely before moving on.
Ready to become a certified diver?
Start your scuba journey at Goat Island Marine Reserve and gain a qualification that opens up dive sites all around New Zealand and the world.
Book your SSI Open Water Diver Course and take your first step into a bigger underwater world.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to join the Open Water Diver Course?
No. This is a beginner scuba diving course. You don’t need previous scuba experience, but you do need to be comfortable in the water.
How long does the course take?
The course is usually completed over 3 days, plus online learning that must be completed before your practical training begins.
What certification will I receive?
You’ll receive an SSI Open Water Diver certification once you successfully complete all course requirements.
How deep can I dive after the course?
Certified Open Water Divers can dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Is scuba gear included?
Yes, scuba equipment hire is included for your course training. You’re also welcome to use your own suitable dive gear if you have it
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Where does the ocean training take place?
Most ocean training dives take place at Goat Island Marine Reserve, near Leigh, north of Auckland. Dive sites depend on weather, swell, visibility and safety conditions.
What happens if the weather is not suitable?
Scuba diving is weather dependent. If conditions are not safe or suitable, our team will reschedule the affected training dives.
Do I need a medical?
You’ll need to complete a dive medical questionnaire. Some medical conditions may require clearance from a doctor before you can dive.