Most divers swim straight past the real story unfolding on the reef. This course teaches you to read it instead, spotting the relationships and behaviours that turn an ordinary dive into something closer to an investigation. Knowledge sessions cover underwater ecology, and two open water training dives put that theory to work. Many divers say this is the point their diving genuinely changes, becoming slower and far more rewarding.

£195.00From

2 daysDuration

Ask usNext date

In detail

About This Course

The PADI Underwater Naturalist course transforms an ordinary dive into something closer to an investigation. Instead of swimming past the reef, you will learn to read it, spotting the relationships, habitats and behaviours that most divers swim straight past without noticing.

Knowledge development sessions introduce the fundamentals of underwater ecology, from how aquatic plants and animals interact and depend on each other, to the specific habitats that different species need to survive. You'll look at symbiotic relationships in particular, the partnerships and dependencies between species that explain so much of what is actually happening on a reef or wreck.

Two open water training dives then put that theory to work, giving you the chance to observe local marine life first-hand and start applying what you've learned about behaviour and habitat in real time. Many divers find this is the point their diving genuinely changes: slower, more observant, and far more rewarding.

By the end of the course you will notice details you would previously have missed entirely, and understand why they matter. It is one of the most popular specialties for exactly that reason, and pairs naturally with other Speciality courses that build toward your Master Scuba Diver rating.

The process

How The Course Works

Step 1
Naturalist Foundations
Through class discussions, you'll cover the key differences between life on land and life underwater, learning about the major groupings of aquatic life and how they interact. Along the way you'll pick up the facts that dispel some of diving's more persistent myths.
Step 2
Observation Dives
On dives with your instructor, you put that knowledge to use, learning to notice behaviours and relationships on the reef that most divers swim straight past. You'll also cover how to interact responsibly with the marine life you're now seeing properly for the first time.
PADI states: two scuba dives, for PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers aged 10 and up
Step 3
Recording What You See
A slate and pencil become part of your basic kit here, letting you note down and sketch what you spot so you can look it up and compare notes later. It turns every dive afterwards into a small piece of ongoing research.

Course curriculum

What You'll Learn

Learning Outcomes

Underwater ecology and symbiotic relationships
Aquatic plant and animal habitats
How to notice marine life behaviours you may have previously missed

Getting ready

Before You Start & What's Next

What's Included

PADI Underwater Naturalist manual or digital course materials
Two open water training dives focused on habitat and behaviour observation
Guided knowledge development sessions

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver, at least 10 years old

Next Steps

AWARE Fish Identification specialty
Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty
Master Scuba Diver rating

Upcoming training

Dates & Booking

No fixed dates listed right now

Choose your preferred start date and the academy will confirm instructor availability with you directly.

Speak to the team

Not sure where to start?

We will help you pick the right course, package and dates without making the process feel complicated.

Request Your Dates →

Quick facts

Duration

2 days of structured training

Location

Unit 4, Bellman Court, Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HD

Certification

Recognised PADI qualification on completion

Have questions?

Underwater Naturalist

What to expect