PADI Underwater Naturalist

Get a better understanding about the local ecosystem and the differences between terrestrial and aquatic worlds. See new things, even in the most familiar dive sites.

Take the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course and you’ll see new things, even on the most familiar scuba diving sites. Why? Because when know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, and aquatic plant and animal habitats, you notice behaviours and see creatures you may have previously missed. Learn more about the local ecosystem and take a closer look on your next scuba diving adventure.

What the Course Entails

Through class discussions and on two scuba dives, you’ll learn:

Course Pre-requisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers who are at least 10 years old are eligible to take the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course.

Course Flow

How Can I Get Started?

Pick up your PADI Underwater Naturalist Manual at your local PADI dive shop as you enrol in the course. After reading the manual and filling out the Knowledge Review, you’re ready to meet with your PADI Instructor and plan your underwater naturalist dives.

What is the next adventure?

Advanced Open Water or Master Scuba Diver or Rescue Diver

Holidays featuring this Course

Solo Divers

Derawan Dive Lodge

Indonesia, Indonesian Borneo

Derawan Dive Lodge is an intimate beachfront resort in Indonesia’s Derawan Archipelago, offering cosy rooms, a dive centre and access to turtles, mantas and unique sites like Kakaban’s jellyfish lake.

  • Small Dive-focused Eco Lodge
  • Very Intimate with 10 Rooms Only
  • Known for Green Turtle Nesting Beaches
  • Hammocks & Beachfront Lounging Areas
  • Small On-site Restaurant
  • Tasik Divers Dive Centre On-site

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Nakari

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

Marsa Nakari is a charming village featuring a sheltered bay just 40 km south of Marsa Alam city. A smaller, quieter and more remote alternative to Marsa Shagra but with all the benefits.

  • Close to Dolphin House Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Small & intimate atmosphere
  • Access to reefs by speedboat
  • Singles, couples & families
  • Individual and groups welcome

Solo Divers

Marsa Nakari

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

Marsa Nakari is a charming village featuring a sheltered bay just 40 km south of Marsa Alam city. A smaller, quieter and more remote alternative to Marsa Shagra but with all the benefits.

  • Close to Dolphin House Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Small & intimate atmosphere
  • Access to reefs by speedboat
  • Singles, couples & families
  • Individual and groups welcome

Solo Divers

Marsa Nakari

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

Marsa Nakari is a charming village featuring a sheltered bay just 40 km south of Marsa Alam city. A smaller, quieter and more remote alternative to Marsa Shagra but with all the benefits.

  • Close to Dolphin House Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Small & intimate atmosphere
  • Access to reefs by speedboat
  • Singles, couples & families
  • Individual and groups welcome

Solo Divers

Marsa Nakari

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

Marsa Nakari is a charming village featuring a sheltered bay just 40 km south of Marsa Alam city. A smaller, quieter and more remote alternative to Marsa Shagra but with all the benefits.

  • Close to Dolphin House Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Small & intimate atmosphere
  • Access to reefs by speedboat
  • Singles, couples & families
  • Individual and groups welcome

Solo Divers

Wadi Lahami

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

Wadi Lahami is a secluded village in Egypt’s pristine "deep south". This destination is for the true explorer.

  • Secluded, simple, and comfortable
  • Diving & kite surfing packages
  • Dive Fury Shoals from land
  • Off the beaten track
  • Birdwatchers paradise
  • Sightings of dolphins, turtles, and reef fish