Scuba Dive & work on the beach in Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Scuba Dive & work on the beach in Sodwana Bay, South Africa

5 · 4 reviews
Location
  • South Africa
    • Durban
Length
52+ weeks

Program Details

Activities
Scuba Diving Snorkeling Surfing
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Cabin
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18

Pricing

$3,155
Price Details
Includes:
3-month Intro phase.
Accommodation in a private room.
3 meals a day.
Course materials & uniform.
PADI dive courses & certification fees.
Hard gear (Intro phase only)

Excludes:
PADI Professional fees - payable direct to PADI upon completion of Divemaster and Instructor Development courses.
Soft Gear - mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt & wetsuit (can be purchased from our dive shop including a custom fitted wetsuit)

Hard Gear - BCD & regulator - for Divemaster & Instructor phases (can be purchased from our dive shop)
What's Included
Accommodation Equipment Meals Park Fees
What's Included (Extra)

PADI dive certifications
Scuba hard gear (BCD & regulator) provided if needed, for the Intro phase.

What's Not Included
Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers SIM cards Tour Guide Transportation Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Not Included (Extra)

PADI Divemaster and Instructor registration fees.
Wi-Fi vouchers for personal use can be purchased at the resort.
Private transfers are available - contact details can be requested.

Jan 03, 2026
May 06, 2025
8 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Our Career Development Course & Dive Internship is a unique experience, offering the best possible foundation to the dive industry. We aim to provide you with a real ‘hands on’ educational experience which ensures that not only do you gain the best training and qualifications but also the confidence and ability to util them fully. 

Based at South Africa’s biggest and busiest Dive Resort the program takes you to the epicenter of the industry. We dive 364 days a year and train more students than anyone else in the country. There is no better location to develop your Dive Career and prepare for working in a world class dive center overseas or on the Yachts.

The course is split up into phases, offering flexibility for those candidates who may wish to leave between phases and join with the next intake.  Already a qualified diver?  Suitable candidates may be able to start at the Divemaster phases of the course. Contact us to discuss your options.

Program Highlights

  • Coral Divers is a 5-Star PADI Resort and Career Development Center
  • Make new friends - there are around 40 participants in our program
  • Live, work & dive in a Marine Protected National Park
  • Start dates are 1 February, 1 May, 1 August or 1 November
  • Become a certified PADI Rescue diver, Divemaster or Instructor

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.5
  • Support 4.5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Francois
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dive internship

My experience was amazing whe where diving one of the best dive locations in the world all year around. The people you meet are amazing and the skills you learn are priceless. Even though every morning is a early one you will still wake up because you know you are going to the beach and going to enjoy yourself. The staff members are always kind and the people that work permanently on the beach are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. You make such good contacts and friends with your guests that will last forever. And your fellow interns will be some for your best friends.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When i was doing my instructors exam. The people that did it with me supported each other and that that helped me pull through and probably everyone else
Pros
  • The friends you make
  • Diving
  • Skills you learn
Cons
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
60 people found this review helpful.
Chloe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zero to hero gap year program

Embarking on my gap year program with a focus on scuba diving was an unparalleled adventure that exceeded all expectations, from open water to becoming a certified scuba instructor was an absolute thrill from start to finish.The program's comprehensive training, expert guidance, and hands-on experience propelled me through each stage of my diving evolution. Not only did I gain invaluable skills and certifications, I was able to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter majestic marine life, but I also forged unforgettable friendships with fellow divers who shared my passion and enthusiasm. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking adventure, personal growth, and the chance to explore the wonders of the underwater world while forming bonds that last a lifetime. The program not only honed my diving skills but also fostered a deep appreciation for ocean conservation. It was a transformative experience that I'll cherish for a lifetime.
Thank you coral divers

113 people found this review helpful.
Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Scuba Diving Internship

Embarking on the zero to hero scuba diving internship at Coral Divers in South Africa was an experience that exceeded all expectations. This comprehensive program not only equipped me with the necessary skills to become a certified diver but also transformed me into a confident and knowledgeable underwater explorer and scuba diving Instructor.

The instructors at Coral Divers displayed an exceptional level of expertise and professionalism throughout the internship. Their passion for scuba diving was contagious, and their commitment to safety was truly commendable. Under their guidance, I received top-notch training, ensuring that I developed a strong foundation in dive theory, practical skills, and emergency procedures.

One of the highlights of this internship was the opportunity to explore the mesmerizing underwater world of South Africa. Coral Divers provided access to breathtaking dive sites, including vibrant coral reefs and encounters with an array of marine life. From swimming alongside majestic manta rays to witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of colorful coral formations, every dive was a unique and unforgettable adventure.

Moreover, the supportive and inclusive community at Coral Divers made the entire experience even more enriching. Fellow interns and staff members created a welcoming environment, fostering friendships and camaraderie that will last a lifetime. The shared passion for scuba diving created a sense of belonging and made every moment spent both in and out of the water truly enjoyable.

In conclusion, my zero to hero scuba diving internship at Coral Divers in South Africa was an extraordinary journey of personal growth and discovery. The comprehensive training, breathtaking dive sites and the incredible community made this experience truly exceptional. I highly recommend Coral Divers to anyone seeking a transformative scuba diving internship that will leave a lasting impact.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Diving with the Raggies! When you've done it once, you realize that they aren't as scary as you thought they'd be.
Pros
  • Great community
  • Clear waters most of the year
  • Memories for a lifetime
Cons
  • Cold winters
121 people found this review helpful.
Bianca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Coral Divers gap year program

My 7 months that I spent at coral divers was the best time of my life. The experiences and life lessons I learnt are amazing and useful: people skills; professionalism; fun and interesting and how to make learning fun. Coral Divers is a unique, small place which becomes your home and everyone there will become your family. It is a program where you learn and accomplish world recognised courses that can be used as a career or as a backup career or just for a passionate hobby. An unforgettable and life changing experience 🫶🏼

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Explore more of Sodwana and do everything you want well before you leave: hikes; sleep outs; adventures etc.
Pros
  • New friendships
  • Build a family
  • Unforgettable experiences
Cons
  • The beginning of the year heat 🥵
  • Putting a cold wetsuit on in winter 🥶
  • The humidity
108 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers