Course overview

This PADI entry-level scuba experience takes beginners beyond a single try-dive, pairing confined-water skill practice with guided open-water dives off Nilaveli. Over a couple of days you build the core scuba skills under instructor supervision and dive the gentle reefs of Pigeon Island Marine Park, creating a solid base you can later complete into the full PADI Open Water Diver certification.

What you’ll learn

• Set up and check basic scuba equipment
• Breathe and equalise comfortably underwater
• Clear your mask and recover a regulator
• Manage basic buoyancy control
• Use standard underwater hand signals
• Dive safely under instructor supervision

Prerequisites

• No prior experience required
• Minimum age 10
• Basic comfort in the water
• A brief medical questionnaire (physician sign-off if needed)

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Skills & first dive

   Learn and practise the core scuba skills in confined water off Nilaveli, then make your first guided open-water dive.
2. Day2
   Reef dive & continuation

   Refine your skills and dive the Pigeon Island reefs, completing the entry-level programme with credit toward Open Water.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Trincomalee.

Frequently asked questions