Dive Darwin PADI Advanced Course

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Already certified? This two-day PADI Advanced Open Water course in Darwin adds five adventure dives, one of them on a historic Top End wreck, and qualifies you to go deeper and dive wrecks such as the ones in Darwin Harbour. Classes are capped at four divers.

Days

2 days

Group size

Max 4

Start / finish

Dive Darwin, Darwin Waterfront / same place

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Not included; stay anywhere in Darwin

Transport

Meet at the dive centre on the Darwin Waterfront

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

View map

Included experiences

Wreck dive — a guided dive on a historic Top End wreck
Deep dive — go below Open Water depths with an instructor
Navigation dive — learn to find your way underwater
Buoyancy — fine-tune your control in the water
Certification — PADI Advanced Open Water

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE YOU START: THE DIVE CENTRE ON THE WATERFRONT

You meet your instructor at the dive centre on the Darwin Waterfront, a short walk from the city. The precinct sits beside Stokes Hill Wharf, which Japanese bombers hit in the first raid on Darwin on 19 February 1942. Your instructor is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with more than 18 years of teaching. Before anyone gets wet, every diver fills in the PADI medical questionnaire and shows their Open Water card. You get your learning materials and the scuba gear you'll use for the course, and with no more than four students, you'll have close attention from the start.

TWO DAYS, FIVE ADVENTURE DIVES

Over two days you make five adventure dives, each one built around a skill. On the deep dive you go below the depths you were limited to as an Open Water diver and learn how pressure, air use and colour change as you go down. On the navigation dive you find your way with a compass and natural features, the skill that gets you back to the boat or the anchor line without surfacing. Buoyancy work teaches you to hover still in the water, which protects the reef, saves air and makes every later dive easier.

THE WRECK DIVE

One of your five dives is a guided dive on one of the Top End's historic wrecks. Your instructor shows you how to dive a wreck safely and what to look for as the ship turns into reef. Darwin Harbour alone holds about 90 wrecks, from Second World War ships to a vessel sunk in Cyclone Tracy and confiscated fishing boats, with turtles, rays, cuttlefish and schools of fish living around them. Finish the course and you can come back for them: the harbour wreck trips need exactly the Advanced certificate you're earning.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Dive Darwin, Unit 302 / 19B Kitchener Drive, Darwin Waterfront, Wharf One Building 3 North. The door is between Hot Tamale and Beef & Bar restaurants.
Departure time: Start time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: Two days.
Suits: Divers who already hold an Open Water certification and want to dive deeper and visit wrecks.
Please note: Every diver fills in a PADI medical questionnaire before diving; over 45 you need a doctor's clearance for a course, and some conditions or medicines rule out diving. The operator can cancel or change the boat for bad weather.

What to bring

Your Open Water certification card

What is included

PADI Advanced Open Water course over 2 days
Five adventure dives with an instructor, including a guided wreck dive
All scuba equipment
Learning materials
PADI Advanced Open Water certification on completion

Not included

Accommodation and meals
Transport to the dive centre

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.