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Being an Active Scuba Diver

Being an Active Scuba Diver
by
Matt Mandziuk

If you want to dive, you need to make the time for it. Being and identifying as a diver are 2 different things and staying current with your skills, knowledge, training and goals are very important.

One of the questions we get a lot in diving is what doest it mean to Being an Active Scuba Diver?  You may have noticed after you were certified, you got really, really, really excited and interested in diving, meanwhile, some of your open water class certified down south, a couple of them didn’t finish, etc.

If a person wants to become an active scuba diver, they have to get involved.

Set Goals:

Why did you get into scuba diving?

Was it for a trip?  A documentary you watched?  A dream destination? An event like a wedding?  Regardless of the reason, there was something that motivated you to get into scuba and that is what you should hold onto.

As you accomplish each goal, set a new goal.

I look at my motivations for technical diving for example….dive sites like Bikini Atoll, Hamilton and Scourge (our local 1812 warships in 286′), the Britannic have all been dream dives for me since my teen years, and while I’ve been on an expedition team the last several years for H & S, Bikini was the one dream that came true, flying to Micronesia 27 years after I first heard about this nuclear radiated dive haven.

Current goals are still the one’s above, but also mine diving in Europe, so it comes down to putting your plan together, including team members and getting the required training (if required), permits, etc.

Training goals are also something to consider….a good diver is always learning and always challenging themselves to their highest level of experience/certification.

If you’re interested in diving more, there are several paths that can help you get more involved…the Local/Technical Diving path,  the Leadership Diving path, The Traveller Path….Ideally a combination of all 3 are our best option, making Option 4, The Total Diver, the Ideal DDS Diver 😉

Much like keeping up with your dedication to the gym, or a diet, keeping engaged in your leisure activities is key…

Dive Everywhere, Any Time You Can….

You’ll find diving much more rewarding when you can explore all aspects of the underwater world, not just reefs, not just wrecks, no just salt or fresh water, but all of it.

Diving icebergs can be as beautiful as diving a pristine reef in the Red Sea, while diving in a cave can offer a diver a prehistoric journey into the past, as you can see mammoth bones, speleotherms (mineral deposits like stalactites and stalagmites), or diving into the history of famous shipwrecks like the Empress of Ireland, Andrea Doria and more.

The journey to get to these destinations and having these dreams come true are the most amazing times too.

The people you meet, the destinations you visit, landmarks you see and photos you can take are what diving is really all about.

The entire experience isn’t just time spent underwater, it’s the history and the lessons learned along the way too.

Paths that Inspire

When people start to scuba dive, they have ideas, dreams, goals……following through with those plans is key.

The Local Cold Water/Technical Diving Path

You really wanted to get out diving, so you started diving weekly with similar minded people in the summer in wetsuits, however once you started training in a drysuit,  you noticed you wanted to go diving more and your wetsuit buddies didn’t, so you met some more drysuit divers and you had some great adventures.

While each your you’ll see new wetsuit faces on the boat, unless they move into a drysuit, those faces seem to change with each passing year, meanwhile the same drysuit divers are on all the same charters, trips and events, so after Open Water Diver, or as part of O/W or Advanced, combine it with the PADI Drysuit Specialty Course option.

Trippiest Diver Trevor

Why is that?  Because drysuit diving extends your level of comfort, extends the time you can spend underwater, rejuvenates your bodies warmth faster than a wetsuit and of course is a lot easier to get in and out of, layer up for added warmth, and they last a significant amount of time longer than a wetsuit which has a 2-4 year average life span or about 100 dives.

Drysuit diving also leads the diver into more exciting environments. 

Have you noticed that most of the drysuit divers are diving twinset double tanks? Rebreathers?  Sidemount?
They’re doing more exciting dives than just the local shallow shore dives in favour  for more exciting diving ventures like shipwrecks, caves, maybe even technical diving sites, but it takes time and skills to progress and in a society of instant gratification, sometimes people just want to do the bare minimum and that’s okay too if that makes them happy.

DDS Diver Starting his Rebreather Journey

So Divers if you want to dive more, get out, practice your skills with more likeminded people and challenges yourself through continuing education classes.

Whether you stay more recreational and participate in PADI Specialty training at the recreational level and work towards becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver or you work towards a more technical path, an active diver who’s always learning is the best diver.

Moving into technical diving…Divers come from all over North America to train with us.  Why?  Because we offer the most thorough and rewarding technical diving training that embraces our training and experience we’ve gained from training with instructors (past and present) from  all training agencies.

Our NTEC Doubles Primer workshop/classes are the start of things to come for those wishing to start working towards their Foundational Skills classes like Intro to Tech and to get to their dream goal..  

Intro to Tech is the measuring stick for divers looking to become a better diver with buoyancy, trim, comfort and familiarity with their doubles setup.  Skills are broken down into specific sets that increase with each dive.  The class is video’d, students watch and debrief after each day in the classroom and upon successful completion are able to start accomplishing their goals like caves, wreck penetration, technical diving, diving with helium based mixes and more.

You’ll notice the technical divers are very active and very involved and that is what makes our diving community so special.  We have a lot of active DDS Divers who just love to get out and work on skills and mentor newer divers.

Diving can be the most extreme, or the most meditative experience in the world and the dive needs to find what “does it” best for them, but never limit yourself saying you’re “never going to….” and just get the most experience in as many environments as possible.

The most active divers are our cave and technical divers and aspiring one’s.

The Leadership Path

Divers interested in becoming a leader in diving, can work towards professional ratings, completing advanced, rescue diver and moving towards the coveted PADI Divemaster certification, which is the first leadership level (Professional) in PADI.  From there Divers can complete their PADI Assistant Instructor Class and PADI Instructor Development Course.

Dive leaders are an essential part of the training process.  If you think back to your open water class, there’s a chance you had a Divemaster to help acting as a role model and as an intermediary person to talk to between the you and the instructor, as sometimes students feel it’s easier talking to a DM rather than an Instructor.

PADI Instructor Development Course
DDS Instructors Unite during an IDC

Much like new divers, experienced divers need to keep active and challenge themselves.

We found that if a Scuba Diver doesn’t progress through training or challenge themselves to dive at their highest level, they have a 3 year shelf-life of being “stale” then the disappear.

Cave Divers are the exception so far……Cave Divers seem to stick with it and dive with us for decades.

So how does an experienced diver stay in the sport?  Challenging themselves to take a technical diving class like Decompression Procedures/Advanced Nitrox.  If they’re certified to that level then Trimix is their next class and then then should look at Rebreathers to save money on the Helium.

With a closed circuit rebreather, the diver can dive a full set of smaller trimix doubles that will save the diver multiple days of having to get their tanks refilled if they have a set of double LP50’s or so, as long as they don’t have to switch to open circuit during the dive, as the breathing efficiency of a CCR is on average 20:1 vs Open Circuit or better, so that diver who’d consume a set of doubles with 1/3 left for reserve will be using only a small amount of gas in comparison to open circuit.

The Traveller Path

A Diver should be as trained as is can be for their dream dive trip, but a vacation diver in a single tank setup can enjoy a lot of good diving around the world without having to go into a lot of extra equipment and training.  To do the diving as a recreational diver, a PADI Advanced Open Water Certification with Deep Diver Specialty will cover the average diver to their maximum recreational diving limit of 130’, but in addition to this, a Rescue Diver certification is also highly highly highly recommended, as you never know the dive buddy you’ll be stuck with as a walk-on on a dive vacation….Of course some folks would suggest they do a Solo Diver class to avoid diving with the bad divers also.

Solo Diver training is a lot of fun and very rewarding and it helps to start instilling some of the mindset and skills that a technical diver would utilize on a regular basis.

While most dive boats cater to recreational divers, there are definitely benefits to training up higher, as the wrecks get bigger, better and deeper, the reefs are in better shape away from the masses of divers who flock to the shallower sites, and more bottom time beyond what a single tank can offer is always a bonus.

At the end of the day, being an active diver is the most important thing.

There's nothing like waking up with the sun in a beautiful destination
Waking up with the sun in a beautiful destination – Sea of Cortez MX

An active diver is defined as someone who dives at least monthly to keep their skills sharp and practical knowledge fresh.  There’s nothing worse than an “experienced” diver forgetting how to assemble their dive kit on a dive boat.

Some of the most fun things that happen on a dive trip aren’t even necessarily things that happen under the water, it’s the fun and camaraderie are things that make you laugh and love being a part of the fun.

Liveaboard dive trips are the best value in diving and being at sea for a week means you get to explore the farther away sites that a land based operation can’t journey to.

We’re an authorized reseller for the finest liveaboard operations around the globe and we’re always looking for the next best, next exciting, newest to us destination.

Break the cycle of diving the basic, more public areas and explore more special, road less travelled destinations.

Our Red Sea trip was a huge success this past December, with a lot of exciting trips to Malta, Maldives, Philippines and Micronesia and Europe either booking or being booked at the time of this writing.

The Total Diver

The scuba diver that is active in all environments, all season long who is an active recreational, cave, technical diver are the ideal role model and the ideal candidate we target when we hire Instructors.

Many of our divers are divers who have been diving for years, logged hundreds of dives and have spent time mentoring and encouraging new divers, advanced and experienced divers and who also enjoys travelling, exploring and everything that diving can offer.

A role model and leader in diving is a professional who logs as many dives for fun as they do for teaching, as there is so much more out there to explore.

Dive with a group of likeminded divers, don’t limit yourself to just 1 or 2 people, because as we often see, a traditional buddy team fades when people have a life changing event, and often times the more keen diver sites on the bench wishing they could dive.  So, just come out and dive with the most active dive shop in the business, here at Dan’s.

Beautiful sunset on Georgian Bay

Travelling divers explore the world more than their own backyard, yet North America offers the some of the best diving in the world, as does Europe, it’s not just about tropical adventures, but exploring what’s in your country, and Canada has some of the biggest and best shipwrecks, deepest walls and most beautiful scenery.

We’re located in St. Catharines, ON, Canada, but we dive the planet and explore and enjoy diving still after all these years!

If you’re looking for amazing places to dive, consider local diving like Tobermory, Kingston, 1000 Islands, Straits of Mackinac.  Travel within Canada to Newfoundland and British Columbia, as well as Quebec and see the beautiful reefs and wrecks.

Where should you dive?  Anywhere we’re excited to go is a great start!

Join us on trips, charters, social events and training check our events regularly CLICK HERE

 

Dive the Philippines with Dan’s Dive Shop

Now Booking

Join us in the Philippines January 2025. Sign up here.

Dive the Philippines with Dan’s Dive Shop

Dive the Philippines with Dan’s Dive Shop on this 10-day trip, as will visit two of the most beautiful Islands in the Philippines, Cebu and Bohol. We will be resort hopping, as we spend 5 nights at the intimate Magic Islands Resort and then 5 nights at the beautiful Magic Oceans Resort with amazing diving on both islands. 

Everything will be taken care of from the moment you arrive in the Philippines. Our DDS Diver Package includes all accommodation, 7 days boat diving, unlimited shore diving, all meals, and all airport and resort transfers. 

Nestled amongst a jungle backdrop both resorts host stunning house reefs with unlimited shore diving plus boat dives including a sardine run, diving with turtles and whale sharks. Shore dive from the resort and search the reef for beautiful marina life such as mandarin fish and pygmy seahorses. 

DIVING MAGIC ISLANDS RESORT 

Moalboal has a vast array of marine life, from the very tiny Denise Pygmy Seahorse, to the sexy and elegant Thresher Shark that is often spotted hunting the huge school of Sardines that reside at Panagsama Wall. The Sardine bait ball is a spectacle all by itself, with well over a million sardines making up the school. Watching them shift and change shapes as the predators swoop in to catch a tasty mouth full is just mesmerizing. 

Pescador Island is just a 10 minute boat ride away. This little uninhabited islet rises up out of the Tañon Strait, creating a perfect place for marine life to flourish. Its huge walls drop down to 60 plus meters, with colorful soft corals and Gorgonian Sea Fans clinging to the rocky face, and all the tropical fish you can think of. On the West side of the islet, you have ‘The Cathedral’ a huge cavern that has numerous large entry and exit points, looking back out of the cavern it has the eerie appearance of a skull.

DIVING MAGIC OCEANS RESORT 

Anda offers 17km/10 miles of diving pleasure with 28 dive sites plus a sandbank, Lamanok Island and several diving day trips, that gives you the opportunity to see the outstanding diversity of marine life and the vibrant colors of the corals. It’s very easy to become entranced and spend all day long diving. 

The incredible biodiversity puts Anda slowly on the map as a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts. The options include muck diving, walls covered with healthy corals, sandy slopes, small caves, mangroves and sandy bottoms full of life. The marine life varies from XXS to XXL, Pygmy seahorses, Nudibranchs, schools of fish, a passing whale shark and even an occasional manta. The Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse is the star of the waters in Anda, Bohol and can be found at several dive sites. With a max. length of only 1 inch, you’ll definitely need your macro lens for a perfect shot! 

MAGIC RESORTS 

Both Magic Oceans and Magic Island Resorts offer a boutique experience. All accommodation is in bungalows with 1 king or 2 singles. The bungalows are nestled around a pool directly next to the ocean, Rooms are comfortably laid out with air conditioning. 

All meals are included in the package, prepare to be not only wowed by the food but renowned Philippine hospitality. Learn more about Magic Resorts here. 

Included on your trip is a Dive and Draw Session led by Artist Grace Marquez. She will guide you on how to paint your own memory as a unique souvenir of the Philippines. 

Option to add on a Bohol Adventure Tour to your trip. It’s a great day to explore the nature and culture of the Philippines – quad riding at the Chocolate Hills, visit at the Tarsier Monkey sanctuary, ziplining over the Lomboc River, etc. etc. The price for this trip is + USD 190 pp. 

TRIP LEADER 

Meet Grace, your Trip Leader! Grace is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer at Dan’s Dive Shop. She has helped introduce our divers to many of our local dive sites as well as leading divers on local and international group dive trips. 

Grace was born in the Philippines on a tiny island called Marinduque which is dubbed the “heart of the Philippines” because of its central location and shape! Despite being a world traveller Grace has only returned to the Philippines once and it was on this trip she did her very first introductory scuba dive that set the wheels in motion in her dive life! Grace is excited to be returning to dive the beautiful reefs of Philippines again, now as an accomplished Technical, Cave and Wreck Diver. 

Also an accomplished Artist, when Grace is not diving she is capturing the magic of the water world in her paintings. Grace is looking forward to capturing more underwater inspiration on this Philippines trip and she is very much looking forward to experiencing all this trip has to offer alongside you. 

TRIP DETAILS: 

DDS DIVER PACKAGE $2750 USD 

NON DIVER PACKAGE $2150 USD 

Magic Island Resort: Superior Deluxe cottage from January 14 – 19, 2025 

Magic Oceans Resort: Superior Deluxe cottage from January 19 – 24, 2025 

Includes: Full Board Accommodations, King or two Single beds, Double Occupancy, Transfers and Diving. Not Included: Flights, Insurance & Scuba Gear. 

All prices are based on 2 persons per bungalow . Single surcharge is USD 55 per night in Magic Island and USD 65 per night in Magic Oceans 

Unlimited diving is based on 3 to 4 boat dives per day and unlimited, unguided house reef diving (incl. night dives). NITROX is USD 30 per diving day 

TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: 

Transfer from Cebu Airport – Magic Island – Magic Oceans – Airport Cebu. 

Includes Business Class Ferry Tickets and Private Transportation. On transfer day between the resorts you will leave Magic Island around 8AM in the morning (after breakfast) to go to the ferry port in Cebu City. Take the 2 hour ferry in Business Class to the ferry port in Bohol, Your drivers will be waiting to bring you to Magic Oceans in about 1.5 hour drive. You will arrive in Magic Oceans around 3PM, so there’s still time for a late afternoon dive or a night dive. 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 

At Booking : $295 USD 

Jan 1, 2024 $400 USD

July 1, 2024 $800 USD

Nov 1, 2024 $1255 USD 

FLIGHTS:

Please plan to arrive and depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport CEB. Flight will be bookable in February 2024. 

TERMS:

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancel before July 1, 2024 and receive a refund minus $150 CDN Administrative Fee. All payments after July 1, 2024 are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend let us know and we will do our best to resell your spot. If we sell your spot, you’ll receive a full refund minus a $150 CDN Administrative Fee.

Travel Insurance is Strongly Advised to Protect You and your Travel Investment. Instant quotes available from DiveAssure Insurance for Travel, Medical & Diver Plans from (rates are USD).

Travel Arrangements by

Fawn Messer, Flight Centre Independent Travel Consultant

329 Welland Ave, St Catharines ON

Phone: 905-984-2160 or 1-800-268-DANS

Email: fawn.messer@fcitravel.ca

CPBC #2790 | TICO#50016384 | OPC#702971

Dive the Red Sea Shark Week in Egypt with DDS

Two spots left!

Join Dan’s Dive Shop as we participate in a Dive the Red Sea Shark Week in Egypt for an amazing scuba diving trip aboard a luxury yacht from November 27-December 4, 2023. We have charted an entire 5 star yacht for a week of fabulous wreck and reef diving.

The dive itinerary is Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone Reefs (SHARK WEEK). You will get to dive all the best reefs of the Red Sea during the best time of the year to spot sharks! The Red Sea is home to the following species:  hammerheads, silkys, silvertips, grey reef, oceanic whitetips, threshers and whale sharks. The walls of Daedalus and Elphinstone reef are known for their abundance of life and frequent pelagic visitors such as manta rays & tuna. Dr. Elke Bojanowski participates in Shark Week and hosts informative presentations on shark behavior and shark conservation efforts in the Red Sea including her own research. This is a Recreational & Technical friendly trip.

Make the most of your trip to Egypt with options available to add a tour to visit the pyramids, cruise the Nile or relax at a Red Sea beach resort! Our DDS Travel Advisor will assist you with both flights and/or tours for a memorable trip of a lifetime. Or make your own arrangements and meet us at the boat!

Trip Price (USD)

$1,880 US per person Twin Cabin

$1,980 US per person Suite Cabin

Refundable Deposit of only $100 CDN to reserve your spot!

Trip Price Includes

Full board in a double occupancy private en-suite cabin

3 dives per day plus night dives

Dive guides, tanks, and weights/belts

Round-trip ground transfers from/to airport/hotel and vessel

All meals, snacks, coffee, tea, juices, sodas

Marine park and port fees

VAT (Value Added Tax) $160.00 USD

Does not include: Airfare, Nitrox, Scuba Gear, Gratuities, Land Accommodation & Alcohol. Byob or purchase on board.

M/Y Scuba Scene * New Boat Coming Soon *

One of the largest dive liveaboards on the Red Sea, the Scuba Scene is 141 feet long and was extensively renovated in 2021. Guest cabins and lounge areas are beautifully laid-out across four decks. You can expect world cuisine dining from an on-board chef and the trip includes all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

World Class Yacht

The upper and top decks hold three sundecks, a spacious and comfortable salon, and flybridge. Shaded areas and fridges with cold drinks available on the top sundeck. Plenty of space to relax post diving. On the main deck Suite Cabins are fitted with king beds, private bathrooms, small fridges, adjustable A/C units and large picture windows. The main deck also has a spacious dive deck and platform, with plenty of room for all diving equipment, and a camera table and charging points. Also on the main deck is the dining area/salon where meals are served throughout your trip. Twin Cabins are located on the lower deck each with two twin beds, a private bathroom, small fridge, and adjustable A/C unit.

Experienced Crew

Scuba Scene is managed by two people with years of experience in the Red Sea. Ahmed Fadel is a tech instructor, that has worked in different areas of diving over the last 20 years. Dr. Elke Bojanowski aka The Shark Lady’ is a biologist specializing on the study of Red Sea shark populations, and the founder of the Red Sea Sharks Trust. She oversees the vessel’s citizen scientist program which focuses on shark research and conservation.

Diving the Red Sea

The Red Sea has some of the best diving in the world, known for amazing colourful coral and marine life. The rich and colourful, soft and hard corals brim with sea creatures. Sharks, manta rays, dolphins, rare nudibranchs and long-nosed hawkfish, among others are frequently spotted. Brothers Islands also have the wrecks of the Aida & Numidia to visit.

Onboard Scuba Scene has a spacious dive deck, camera table and hard bottom tenders with individual tank racks. Nitrox 32 as well as custom mixes available. Full recreational equipment is available for rental.

Technical rental equipment available includes: 16 CF  side-mounted pony tank, Manifold twinsets, 100 CF, 80 CF, 50 CF stages with rigging, Rebreather cylinder sets  & Stage regulators.

Scuba Scene is Recreational and Technical friendly. This trip is suitable for all divers with a minimum Advanced Diver certification and a minimum 30 logged dives. If you are OW or have less than 30 dives and would like to join the trip please contact Dan’s Dive Shop to get you in the water and ready for the trip.

Hurghada

Hurghada is an Egyptian resort town along 40km of beach considered one of the safest areas in Egypt. There is lots to see and do with fantastic hotels at reasonable prices. Arrive early, beat the jet lag and spend a couple nights relaxing on the beach and experiencing Egypt before your trip departure.

Airfare

It is advised to arrive in Hurghada by November 26th for your trip. Return flights to Canada can be booked to depart on Monday Dec 4 after 10am. Flights can be booked together with the DDS group in December 2022 and will be arranged by our Travel Advisor. Current pricing is approx $1200 Toronto to Hurgarda round trip or $900 for Toronto to Cairo round trip.

Land Tours, Optional Add-On

Full Egypt Adventure Tour

Explore Amazing Egyptwith Intrepid Tours. This private full Egypt Tour is door to door. Intrepid’s tour includes all transportation and accommodation from your arrival at Cairo airport until you reach your hotel in Hurghada. Intrepid’s standard Egypt Adventure Tour has been upgraded to include airport pick, an extra hotel night in Cairo upon arrival and then transfers to Hurghada at the end of the tour.

The tour includes all accommodation except the night before the boat departs in Hurghada, most entrances to attractions and some meals. It’s balanced between lots of sightseeing but enough down time to explore at your own or add on more attractions. The best part is this tour is led by an Egyptologist and Intrepid’s tour style focuses on providing an authentic experience. 

2-day Trip to Luxor from Hurghada  

If doing the full tour isn’t possible for you but you would still like to make the most of your trip to Egypt, join this 2-day/ 1-night to private tour to Luxor departing from Hurghada.  Tour Highlights include Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon and a boat trip on the Nile River. This private tour includes transfer from Hurghada, one night at a 5-star hotel in Luxor and all entrance fees.

Trip Itinerary: Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (SHARK WEEK)

Departure: November 27, 2023 at 5pm in Hurghada, Egypt

Disembark: December 4, 2023 at 10am Hurghada, Egypt

Price $1880 US Twin Cabin or $1980 US Suite Cabin

Additional Details Single supplement or non diver is full rate. This trip is suitable for singe divers or couples of all ages. This trip is not suitable for snorkelers. All cabins are double occupancy.

Trip Payments Deposit due at booking $75 US / $100 CDN. Payment of $655 US due November 20, 2022. Final payment due August 20, 2023.

Cancellation Policy Cancel by November 20, 2022 for a full refund. Cancel by May 20, 2023 for a full refund minus a $75 administrative fee. All payments after May 20, 2023 are non refundable. Trip payments are transferrable at any time to a new booking. If you need to cancel your spot we will do our best to fill it.

COVID Cancellations If borders are closed at the time of travel, then a rebooking will be allowed. If a guest tests positive prior to arrival and is not permitted to travel, a rebook will be allowed. A positive test result within 5 days of trip date must be provided. Rebooked trips will be reinvoiced and any difference in fare and fees will be assessed.

Travel Insurance is Strongly Advised to protect you and your trip investment. It is also recommended that all divers have diving accident insurance. Allianz All Inclusive Insurance Plans are available for purchase and cover scuba diving activities with limitations.

For More Information about the trip you can also visit All Star Livaboards FAQ

Questions or ready to book? Visit the shop or email fawn.messer@fcitravel.ca

Travel Arrangements by

Fawn Messer, Flight Centre Independent Travel Consultant

329 Welland Ave, St Catharines ON

Phone: 905-984-2160 or 1-800-268-DANS

Email: fawn.messer@fcitravel.ca

CPBC #2790 | TICO#50016384 | OPC#702971

Dive the Red Sea Shipwrecks in Egypt with DDS and All Star Red Sea

Dive the Red Sea Shipwrecks in Egypt with Dan’s Dive Shop!

Only 1 spot left!

Join us for an amazing scuba diving trip aboard the luxury yacht All Star Red Sea from December 4 -11, 2023 for a week of fabulous wreck and reef diving.

The dive itinerary is the Wrecks of the North Red Sea + Brothers Islands. During your trip you will get to dive all the best wrecks of the North Red Sea including the famous SS Thistlegorm, The Dunraven and Rosalie Moellers plus dive the beautiful Brothers Islands Marine Park. The Brothers are two volcanic islands known for amazing reef and marine life where there is a good chance you will be able to spot an Oceanic White Tip or Thresher Shark! This is a Recreational & Technical friendly trip.

Make the most of your trip to Egypt with options available to add a tour to visit the pyramids, cruise the Nile or relax at a Red Sea beach resort! Our DDS Travel Advisor will assist you with both flights and/or tours for a memorable trip of a lifetime.

Trip Price (USD)

$1,880 US per person Suite Cabin including the Local Fees.

Trip Price Includes

Full board on All Star Red Sea in double occupancy private en-suite cabin

3 dives per day plus night dives

Dive guides, tanks, and weights/belts

Round-trip ground transfers from/to airport/hotel and vessel

All meals, snacks, coffee, tea, juices, sodas

Local Fees

Does not include: Airfare, Nitrox ($100USD), Scuba Gear, Gratuities, Land Accommodation & Alcohol. Byob or purchase on board. Diver Insurance is required for this trip.

All Star Red Sea – First Class Yacht

One of the newest built dive liveaboards on the Red Sea, the All Star Red Sea is first class vessel. Beautifully laid out across five spacious decks with even a swimming pool onboard! You can expect world cuisine dining from an on-board chef and the trip includes all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Onboard you will find the lower deck houses a spacious restaurant. The main level features the dive deck with camera tables and open area showers. The upper deck is home to a swimming pool and sundeck with comfortable chaise lounge chairs, shaded pool bar, a TV room with entertainment options. One level up find another shimmering sundeck with sun and shaded seating and views of the Red Sea and an air-conditioned salon for group gatherings. The top sun deck  has a jacuzzi tub, lounge chairs and the flybridge.

Suite Cabins are spread across the yacht sleeping up to 28 divers. Each cabin features a private bathroom, ample storage space and adjustable air conditioning. Each cabin has two twin beds which can be adjusted for couples or single travellers.

See full deck plans here.

Experienced Crew

All Star Red Sea is managed by two people with years of experience in the Red Sea. Ahmed Fadel is a tech instructor, that has worked in different areas of diving over the last 20 years. Dr. Elke Bojanowski aka The Shark Lady’ is a biologist specializing on the study of Red Sea shark populations, and the founder of the Red Sea Sharks Trust. She oversees the vessel’s citizen scientist program which focuses on shark research and conservation.

Diving the Red Sea

The Red Sea has some of the best diving in the world, known for amazing colourful coral and marine life. Our trip is a mix of wreck and reef diving. You will get to dive WWII shipwrecks and dive volcanic pinnacles packed with reef and fish. The rich and colourful, soft and hard corals brim with sea creatures. Possibility of seeing sharks, manta rays, dolphins, rare nudibranchs and long-nosed hawkfish, among others.

Take a virtual tour of on of the most famous wrecks on the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm.

Onboard All Star Red Sea has a spacious dive deck, camera table and hard bottom tenders with individual tank racks. Nitrox 32 as well as custom mixes available. Full recreational equipment is available for rental.

Technical rental equipment available includes: 16 CF  side-mounted pony tank, Manifold twinsets, 100 CF, 80 CF, 50 CF stages with rigging, Rebreather cylinder sets  & Stage regulators.

All Star Red Sea is Recreational and Technical friendly. This trip is suitable for all divers with a minimum Advanced Diver certification and a minimum 30 logged dives. If you are OW or have less than 30 dives and would like to join the trip please contact Dan’s Dive Shop to get you in the water and ready for the trip.

Hurghada

Hurghada is an Egyptian resort town along 40km of beach considered one of the safest areas in Egypt. There is lots to see and do with fantastic hotels at reasonable prices. Arrive early, beat the jet lag and spend a couple nights relaxing on the beach and experiencing Egypt before your trip departure.

Airfare

It is advised to arrive in Hurghada by December 3rd for your trip. Return flights to Canada can be booked to depart on Monday Dec 11 after 10am. Flights be arranged by our Travel Advisor. Current pricing is approx $1400 Toronto to Hurgarda round trip or $1100 for Toronto to Cairo round trip. Egypt Air offers direct flights from Toronto to Cairo.

Land Tours, Optional Add-On

Full Egypt Adventure Tour

Explore Amazing Egypt with Intrepid Tours. This private full Egypt Tour is door to door. Intrepid’s tour includes all transportation and accommodation from your arrival at Cairo airport until you reach your hotel in Hurghada. Intrepid’s standard Egypt Adventure Tour has been upgraded to include airport pick, an extra hotel night in Cairo upon arrival and then transfers to Hurghada at the end of the tour.

The tour includes all accommodation except the night before the boat departs in Hurghada, most entrances to attractions and some meals. It’s balanced between lots of sightseeing but enough down time to explore at your own or add on more attractions. The best part is this tour is led by an Egyptologist and Intrepid’s tour style focuses on providing an authentic experience.

2-day Trip to Luxor from Hurghada  

If doing the full tour isn’t possible for you but you would still like to make the most of your trip to Egypt, join this 2-day/ 1-night to private tour to Luxor departing from Hurghada. Tour Highlights include Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon and a boat trip on the Nile River. This private tour includes transfer from Hurghada, one night at a 5-star hotel in Luxor and all entrance fees.

Undoubtably this will be a trip you will never forget!

Trip Itinerary: Wrecks of North Red Sea & Brothers Islands

Departure: December 4, 2023 at 5pm in Hurghada, Egypt

Disembark: December 11, 2023 at 10am Hurghada, Egypt

Price: $1880 US Suite Cabin

Additional Details Single supplement or non diver is full rate. This trip is suitable for singe divers or couples of all ages. This trip is not suitable for snorkelers. All cabins are double occupancy.

Trip Payments Deposit due at booking $730 US. Final payment due September 1, 2023.

Cancellation Policy Cancel by May 20, 2023 for a full refund minus a $75 administrative fee. All payments after May 20, 2023 are non refundable. Trip payments are transferrable at any time to a new booking. If you need to cancel your spot we will do our best to fill it.

COVID Cancellations If borders are closed at the time of travel, then a rebooking will be allowed. If a guest tests positive prior to arrival and is not permitted to travel, a rebook will be allowed. A positive test result within 5 days of trip date must be provided. Rebooked trips will be reinvoiced and any difference in fare and fees will be assessed.

Protect Yourself and your Travel Investment

We sell dive accident and dive-travel insurance protection from Dive Assure. Get a quote instantly. Prices are in USD

For More Information about the trip you can also visit All Star Livaboards FAQ

Questions or ready to book? Visit the shop or email fawn.messer@fcitravel.ca

Travel Arrangements by

Fawn Messer, Flight Centre Independent Travel Consultant

329 Welland Ave, St Catharines ON

Phone: 905-984-2160 or 1-800-268-DANS

Email: fawn.messer@fcitravel.ca

CPBC #2790 | TICO#50016384 | OPC#702971

PADI Open Water Diver Course Fridays May 2024

PADI Open Water Diver Course Friday Nights May 2024

Join us and Discover the underwater world with your PADI Open Water Diver Course this May. Have fun and learn to dive right with Dan’s Dive Shop, Canada’s Oldest, Most Respected Scuba Diving School.

Learn how to Scuba Dive!  Why not make this year awesome and learn to dive? Take you pool and classroom training with us this May and complete your Open Water Dives right after. Spend your life exploring exotic locations as well as diving around  Ontario and the rest of this amazing world underwater.  There are tons of great dive sites here in Niagara & Ontario with exciting shipwrecks and beautiful aquatic life.

Learn to scuba dive with one of North America’s most respected, most experienced, most progressive and visionary dive shops.  At Dan’s we teach you the right way to dive from day one, click the link for more information of our Modern Approach to scuba diving. We pride ourselves on offering you a higher level of training aimed at taking you further through the life long adventure sport of scuba diving.

At Dan’s we offer you a more thorough and modern approach to your scuba diving education, as we teach how to maximize your skills to the highest level in the best equipment with the most experienced instructors in the country. DDS Divers are the most skilled and respected recreational and technical divers in the water because they are taught to be more comfortable, utilize precision buoyancy, possess higher skill and techniques underwater, with a higher academic and team awareness.

Prerequisites:

Minimum age is 10 years by PADI standards, however we strongly recommend 12-14 years (Unless accompanied by a parent). We also recommend all youth complete a PADI Discover Scuba prior to enrollment. All students must complete a PADI Medical Waiver prior to course start date.

All divers must be comfortable in the water and be able to swim in deep water. Not sure if this is you? Call or email the shop and a dive professional will be happy yo give you advice.  If you may need to practice swimming prior to starting the course there are lots of great options at the public pools around the Niagara Region.

Logistics:

Enroll today and start you PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearn at home prior to the course start date. You can complete all the required academic portions of the PADI Open Water Diver Course at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. From there you’ll then meet at Dan’s Dive Shop where you’ll DDS Instructor will go through additional classroom to fill in many of the gaps left unanswered with a more informative and beneficial academic training experience. You will also go through scuba gear fitting and proper assembly and then head to the pool to begin you inwater training.

During your pool sessions your Instructor will teach you core underwater scuba skills with a focus on safety, buoyancy, trim and inwater comfort. And of course you will have a lot of fun.

Upon successful completion of classroom and pool sessions you will then complete four Open Water Diving over two days and become a certified PADI Open Water Diver. On you training dives you will practice skills already mastered in the pool will and see some of the beautiful freshwater diving available to us locally.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, 10, 17 & 24 from 4:30pm – 9:30pm

Training Agency:

PADI

Costs:

Our PADI Open Water Certification Course Cost cost is $695 +HST ALL INCLUSIVE including your eLearning activation code, 6 additional classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic PADI curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards, 5 open water dives exceeding the minimum of 4 dives required, full scuba equipment rental of your life support gear (no snorkelling gear you’ll need to purchase Scuba Quality gear from us), certification fees and more.

PADI Open Water Referral Scuba Course Class/Pool Only $450+HST (open water dives completed elsewhere)

What gear will you need?

All students will need to purchase their own scuba quality Mask, Strap Fins, Snorkel, Boots. Many of our students prefer to purchase the rest of their kit too. You’ll want to buy the right gear, so please have a read through our DDS Student Diver PDF and learn more about the specific gear requirements and training differences we offer, as well as some incentives.

Many Dive Stores charge additional fees for scuba gear rentals during open water sessions. DDS has the finest rentals and we even offer a course rebate when you purchase your life-support package from DDS, so talk to our staff about how we can get you suited up with the finest scuba equipment at the best pricing possible.

Financing is available: Finance your course, snorkeling gear and even your scuba equipment package at a very reasonable rate. Ask staff for details and learn diving in the best equipment you can…..your own personal dive gear, or ours. DDS will include all scuba equipment for the course, however, you will enjoy your diving experience much more in your own personal dive equipment.

Cancellation Policy:

If less than 14 days notice is given there is a $200 fee to cancel or reschedule. If less than 48 hours notice is given the course is 100% non refundable. Redeemed eLearning is non refundable.

PADI Open Water Diver Course Weekdays June 2023

PADI Open Water Diver Course June 2023

Join us and Discover the underwater world with your PADI Open Water Diver Course this summer. Have fun and learn to dive right with Dan’s Dive Shop, Canada’s Oldest, Most Respected Scuba Diving School.

Do your PADI Open Water Diver Course confined water sessions and classroom over three days on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays from 12:00pm- 6:00pm and then complete your PADI Open Water Diver Certification Checkout Dives at a later date.

Learn to scuba dive with one of North America’s most respected, most experienced, most progressive and visionary dive shops.  At Dan’s we teach you the right way to dive from day one, click the link for more information of our Modern Approach to scuba diving. We pride ourselves on offering you a higher level of training aimed at taking you further through the life long adventure sport of scuba diving.

For those wishing to complete their PADI Open Water Scuba Course abroad, we do offer PADI Referrals. We can help you find the best dive shop and one who may share similar values and techniques, although we teach a style of diving less than 3% of the stores worldwide are offering, so bare in mind that you will see a drastic difference in training elsewhere from gear to techniques and skills.

At Dan’s we offer you a more thorough and modern approach to your scuba diving education, as we teach how to maximize your skills to the highest level in the best equipment with the most experienced instructors in the country. DDS Divers are the most skilled and respected recreational and technical divers  in the water because they are taught to be more comfortable, utilize precision buoyancy, possess higher skill and techniques underwater, with a higher academic and team awareness.

Learn how to Scuba Dive!  Why not make this year awesome and learn to dive? Spend your life exploring exotic locations as well as diving around  Ontario and the rest of this amazing world underwater.  There are tons of great dive sites here in Niagara & Ontario with exciting shipwrecks and beautiful aquatic life.

Prerequisites?

Minimum age is 10 years by PADI standards, however we strongly recommend 12-14 years (Unless accompanied by a parent). We also recommend all youth complete a PADI Discover Scuba prior to enrollment. All students must complete a PADI Medical Waiver prior to course start date.

Logistics:

Enroll today and start you PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearn at home prior to the course start date. You can complete all the required academic portions of the PADI Open Water Diver Course at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. From there you’ll then meet at Dan’s Dive Shop on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm -6pm where you’ll DDS Instructor will go through additional classroom to fill in many of the gaps left unanswered with a more informative and beneficial academic training experience. You will also go through scuba gear fitting and proper assembly and then head to the pool to begin you inwater training. All in class and pool training will be completed over four evenings.

Upon successful completion of classroom and pool sessions you will then meet the following week and complete four Open Water Diving over two days and become a certified PADI Open Water Diver. All training sites are located here in the Niagara Region and will give you a chance to see some of the beautiful freshwater diving available to us locally.

Training Agency:

PADI

Additional Details:

Open Water Dives are required for Open Water certification and are included in your full course price and completed locally.

Scuba courses are available 12 months of the year.

Costs:

Our PADI Open Water Certification Course Cost cost is $650+HST ALL INCLUSIVE including your eLearning activation code, 6 additional classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic PADI curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards, 5 open water dives exceeding the minimum of 4 dives required, full scuba equipment rental of your life support gear (no snorkelling gear you’ll need to purchase Scuba Quality gear from us), certification fees and more.

What gear will you need?

All students will need to purchase their own Mask, Strap Fins, Snorkel, Boots, however many of our students prefer to purchase the rest of their kit too. You’ll want to buy the right gear, so please have a read through our DDS Student Diver PDF and learn more about the specific gear requirements and training differences we offer, as well as some incentives.
You don’t need to purchase a weight belt and weights, at DDS we don’t believe in over-weighting our students. Weight belts are an outdated piece of gear that has not been used by us in training since the late 1990’s.Our divers are taught to use little to no weight.

Many Dive Stores charge additional fees for scuba gear rentals during open water sessions. DDS has the finest rentals and we even offer a course rebate when you purchase your life-support package from DDS, so talk to our staff about how we can get you suited up with the finest scuba equipment at the best pricing possible.

Financing is available: Finance your course, snorkeling gear and even your scuba equipment package at a very reasonable rate. Ask staff for details and learn diving in the best equipment you can…..your own personal dive gear, or ours.
DDS will include all scuba equipment for the course, however, you will enjoy your diving experience much more in your own personal dive equipment.

Our Cancellation Policy: If less than 14 days notice is given there is a $200 fee to cancel or reschedule. If less than 48 hours notice is given the course is 100% non refundable. Redeemed eLearning is non-refundable.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Saturdays Winter 2024

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024

Join us and Discover the underwater world with your PADI Open Water Scuba Course!  Have fun and learn to dive right with Dan’s Dive Shop, Canada’s Oldest and Most Respected Scuba Diving School.

Taket your PADI Open Water Scuba Course confined water sessions and classroom covered over two Saturdays from 10am -8pm both days. Next, complete your PADI Open Water Diver Certification Checkout Dives this winter down south or locally Summer 2024. Option to finish your training with us in Akumal Mexico, May 13-20, 2024!

Learn to scuba dive with one of North America’s most respected, most experienced, most progressive and visionary dive shops.  At Dan’s we teach you the right way to dive from day one, click the link for more information of our Modern Approach to scuba diving. We pride ourselves on offering you a higher level of training aimed at taking you further through the life long adventure sport of scuba diving.

At Dan’s we offer you a more thorough and modern approach to your scuba diving education, as we teach how to maximize your skills to the highest level in the best equipment with the most experienced instructors in the country. DDS Divers are the most skilled and respected recreational and technical divers in the water because they are taught to be more comfortable, utilize precision buoyancy, possess higher skill and techniques underwater, with a higher academic and team awareness.

Learn how to Scuba Dive!  Why not make this year awesome and learn to dive? Spend your life exploring exotic locations as well as diving around  Ontario and the rest of this amazing world underwater.  There are tons of great dive sites here in Niagara & Ontario with exciting shipwrecks and beautiful aquatic life.

Prerequisites?

Minimum age is 10 years by PADI standards, however we strongly recommend 12-14 years. We also require all youth complete a PADI Discover Scuba prior to enrollment. All students are responsible to ensure they are medically fit for diving. Please read the PADI Diver Medical Form found here. If the answer is YES on PAGE TWO of the waiver you are required to get clearance from your physician before the course start date.

All divers must be comfortable in the water and be able to swim in deep water. Not sure if this is you? Call or email the shop and a dive professional will be happy yo give you advice.  If you may need to practice swimming prior to starting the course there are lots of great options at the public pools around the Niagara Region.

Logistics:

Enroll today and start you PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearn at home prior to the course start date. You can complete all the required academic portions of the PADI Open Water Diver Course at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. From there you’ll then meet at Dan’s Dive Shop where you’ll DDS Instructor will go through additional classroom to fill in many of the gaps left unanswered with a more informative and beneficial academic training experience. You will also go through scuba gear fitting and assembly and then head to the pool to begin you inwater training.

In the pool all divers are required to complete a small swim test in tread before going on to learn fun underwater skills and safe diving practices.

Upon successful completion of classroom and pool sessions you will then need to complete an Open Water Diving component to become fully certified. These are held frequently in the spring and summer.

Additional Details:

Training Agency: PADI.

Open Water Dives are required for Open Water certification and are included in your full course price. Students have 12 months from starting their course to complete the training.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024 Dates: Jan 13/20 or Feb 10/17  or Mar 9/16 or Apr 13/20 2024

Costs:

Our PADI Open Water Diver Course is $695+HST and is ALL INCLUSIVE. Your course price includes; eLearning, additional classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic PADI curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards, 5 open water dives exceeding the minimum of 4 dives required, full scuba equipment rental of your life support gear (no snorkelling gear you’ll need to purchase Scuba Quality gear from us), certification fees and digital PADI card.

If you purchase your eLearning from PADI directly, we will adjust the difference on your course price when you signup at DDS. Please make sure you select Dan’s Dive Shop as your PADI Dive Shop to recieve the price adjustment

PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course is $450+HST. This course includes; PADI eLearning, classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic  curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards and PADI Referral Paperwork allowing you to complete your certification dives at any PADI Dive Shop around the world. This course is perfect for student divers wanting to get certified on their next vacation. Save time on your holiday and complete all your pool and classroom training here at home beforehand.

Certification Dives Options

Offered locally in Niagara once a month from May – October over two consecutive days.

Complete your dives on a fun weekend away with DDS to Georgian Bay in August 2024. Full details here.

Join us to the warm waters of Akumal, Mexico in May 13-20, 2024!

Take the referral program and complete your dives with ANY PADI facility worldwide.

What gear will you need?

All students will need to purchase their own Mask, Strap Fins, Snorkel, Boots, however many of our students prefer to purchase the rest of their kit too. You’ll want to buy the right gear, so please have a read through our DDS Student Diver PDF and learn more about the specific gear requirements and training differences we offer, as well as some incentives.

Many Dive Stores charge additional fees for scuba gear rentals during open water sessions. DDS has the finest rentals and we even offer a course rebate when you purchase your life-support package from DDS, so talk to our staff about how we can get you suited up with the finest scuba equipment at the best pricing possible.

Financing is available: Finance your course, snorkeling gear and even your scuba equipment package at a very reasonable rate. Ask staff for details and learn diving in the best equipment you can…..your own personal dive gear, or ours. DDS will include all scuba equipment for the course, however, you will enjoy your diving experience much more in your own personal dive equipment.

Terms:

If less than 14 days notice is given there is a $200 fee to cancel or reschedule. If less than 48 hours notice is given the course is 100% non refundable. Redeemed eLearning is non refundable. Students are responsible for arriving to course with eLearning and medical forms completed.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Saturdays Winter 2024

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024

Join us and Discover the underwater world with your PADI Open Water Scuba Course!  Have fun and learn to dive right with Dan’s Dive Shop, Canada’s Oldest and Most Respected Scuba Diving School.

Taket your PADI Open Water Scuba Course confined water sessions and classroom covered over two Saturdays from 10am -8pm both days. Next, complete your PADI Open Water Diver Certification Checkout Dives this winter down south or locally Summer 2024. Option to finish your training with us in Akumal Mexico, May 13-20, 2024!

Learn to scuba dive with one of North America’s most respected, most experienced, most progressive and visionary dive shops.  At Dan’s we teach you the right way to dive from day one, click the link for more information of our Modern Approach to scuba diving. We pride ourselves on offering you a higher level of training aimed at taking you further through the life long adventure sport of scuba diving.

At Dan’s we offer you a more thorough and modern approach to your scuba diving education, as we teach how to maximize your skills to the highest level in the best equipment with the most experienced instructors in the country. DDS Divers are the most skilled and respected recreational and technical divers in the water because they are taught to be more comfortable, utilize precision buoyancy, possess higher skill and techniques underwater, with a higher academic and team awareness.

Learn how to Scuba Dive!  Why not make this year awesome and learn to dive? Spend your life exploring exotic locations as well as diving around  Ontario and the rest of this amazing world underwater.  There are tons of great dive sites here in Niagara & Ontario with exciting shipwrecks and beautiful aquatic life.

Prerequisites?

Minimum age is 10 years by PADI standards, however we strongly recommend 12-14 years. We also require all youth complete a PADI Discover Scuba prior to enrollment. All students are responsible to ensure they are medically fit for diving. Please read the PADI Diver Medical Form found here. If the answer is YES on PAGE TWO of the waiver you are required to get clearance from your physician before the course start date.

All divers must be comfortable in the water and be able to swim in deep water. Not sure if this is you? Call or email the shop and a dive professional will be happy yo give you advice.  If you may need to practice swimming prior to starting the course there are lots of great options at the public pools around the Niagara Region.

Logistics:

Enroll today and start you PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearn at home prior to the course start date. You can complete all the required academic portions of the PADI Open Water Diver Course at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. From there you’ll then meet at Dan’s Dive Shop where you’ll DDS Instructor will go through additional classroom to fill in many of the gaps left unanswered with a more informative and beneficial academic training experience. You will also go through scuba gear fitting and assembly and then head to the pool to begin you inwater training.

In the pool all divers are required to complete a small swim test in tread before going on to learn fun underwater skills and safe diving practices.

Upon successful completion of classroom and pool sessions you will then need to complete an Open Water Diving component to become fully certified. These are held frequently in the spring and summer.

Additional Details:

Training Agency: PADI.

Open Water Dives are required for Open Water certification and are included in your full course price. Students have 12 months from starting their course to complete the training.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024 Dates: Jan 13/20 or Feb 10/17  or Mar 9/16 or Apr 13/20 2024

Costs:

Our PADI Open Water Diver Course is $695+HST and is ALL INCLUSIVE. Your course price includes; eLearning, additional classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic PADI curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards, 5 open water dives exceeding the minimum of 4 dives required, full scuba equipment rental of your life support gear (no snorkelling gear you’ll need to purchase Scuba Quality gear from us), certification fees and digital PADI card.

If you purchase your eLearning from PADI directly, we will adjust the difference on your course price when you signup at DDS. Please make sure you select Dan’s Dive Shop as your PADI Dive Shop to recieve the price adjustment

PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course is $450+HST. This course includes; PADI eLearning, classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic  curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards and PADI Referral Paperwork allowing you to complete your certification dives at any PADI Dive Shop around the world. This course is perfect for student divers wanting to get certified on their next vacation. Save time on your holiday and complete all your pool and classroom training here at home beforehand.

Certification Dives Options

Offered locally in Niagara once a month from May – October over two consecutive days.

Complete your dives on a fun weekend away with DDS to Georgian Bay in August 2024. Full details here.

Join us to the warm waters of Akumal, Mexico in May 13-20, 2024!

Take the referral program and complete your dives with ANY PADI facility worldwide.

What gear will you need?

All students will need to purchase their own Mask, Strap Fins, Snorkel, Boots, however many of our students prefer to purchase the rest of their kit too. You’ll want to buy the right gear, so please have a read through our DDS Student Diver PDF and learn more about the specific gear requirements and training differences we offer, as well as some incentives.

Many Dive Stores charge additional fees for scuba gear rentals during open water sessions. DDS has the finest rentals and we even offer a course rebate when you purchase your life-support package from DDS, so talk to our staff about how we can get you suited up with the finest scuba equipment at the best pricing possible.

Financing is available: Finance your course, snorkeling gear and even your scuba equipment package at a very reasonable rate. Ask staff for details and learn diving in the best equipment you can…..your own personal dive gear, or ours. DDS will include all scuba equipment for the course, however, you will enjoy your diving experience much more in your own personal dive equipment.

Terms:

If less than 14 days notice is given there is a $200 fee to cancel or reschedule. If less than 48 hours notice is given the course is 100% non refundable. Redeemed eLearning is non refundable. Students are responsible for arriving to course with eLearning and medical forms completed.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Saturdays Winter 2024

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024

Join us and Discover the underwater world with your PADI Open Water Scuba Course!  Have fun and learn to dive right with Dan’s Dive Shop, Canada’s Oldest and Most Respected Scuba Diving School.

Taket your PADI Open Water Scuba Course confined water sessions and classroom covered over two Saturdays from 10am -8pm both days. Next, complete your PADI Open Water Diver Certification Checkout Dives this winter down south or locally Summer 2024. Option to finish your training with us in Akumal Mexico, May 13-20, 2024!

Learn to scuba dive with one of North America’s most respected, most experienced, most progressive and visionary dive shops.  At Dan’s we teach you the right way to dive from day one, click the link for more information of our Modern Approach to scuba diving. We pride ourselves on offering you a higher level of training aimed at taking you further through the life long adventure sport of scuba diving.

At Dan’s we offer you a more thorough and modern approach to your scuba diving education, as we teach how to maximize your skills to the highest level in the best equipment with the most experienced instructors in the country. DDS Divers are the most skilled and respected recreational and technical divers in the water because they are taught to be more comfortable, utilize precision buoyancy, possess higher skill and techniques underwater, with a higher academic and team awareness.

Learn how to Scuba Dive!  Why not make this year awesome and learn to dive? Spend your life exploring exotic locations as well as diving around  Ontario and the rest of this amazing world underwater.  There are tons of great dive sites here in Niagara & Ontario with exciting shipwrecks and beautiful aquatic life.

Prerequisites?

Minimum age is 10 years by PADI standards, however we strongly recommend 12-14 years. We also require all youth complete a PADI Discover Scuba prior to enrollment. All students are responsible to ensure they are medically fit for diving. Please read the PADI Diver Medical Form found here. If the answer is YES on PAGE TWO of the waiver you are required to get clearance from your physician before the course start date.

All divers must be comfortable in the water and be able to swim in deep water. Not sure if this is you? Call or email the shop and a dive professional will be happy yo give you advice.  If you may need to practice swimming prior to starting the course there are lots of great options at the public pools around the Niagara Region.

Logistics:

Enroll today and start you PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearn at home prior to the course start date. You can complete all the required academic portions of the PADI Open Water Diver Course at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. From there you’ll then meet at Dan’s Dive Shop where you’ll DDS Instructor will go through additional classroom to fill in many of the gaps left unanswered with a more informative and beneficial academic training experience. You will also go through scuba gear fitting and assembly and then head to the pool to begin you inwater training.

In the pool all divers are required to complete a small swim test in tread before going on to learn fun underwater skills and safe diving practices.

Upon successful completion of classroom and pool sessions you will then need to complete an Open Water Diving component to become fully certified. These are held frequently in the spring and summer.

Additional Details:

Training Agency: PADI.

Open Water Dives are required for Open Water certification and are included in your full course price. Students have 12 months from starting their course to complete the training.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024 Dates: Jan 13/20 or Feb 10/17  or Mar 9/16 or Apr 13/20 2024

Costs:

Our PADI Open Water Diver Course is $695+HST and is ALL INCLUSIVE. Your course price includes; eLearning, additional classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic PADI curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards, 5 open water dives exceeding the minimum of 4 dives required, full scuba equipment rental of your life support gear (no snorkelling gear you’ll need to purchase Scuba Quality gear from us), certification fees and digital PADI card.

If you purchase your eLearning from PADI directly, we will adjust the difference on your course price when you signup at DDS. Please make sure you select Dan’s Dive Shop as your PADI Dive Shop to recieve the price adjustment

PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course is $450+HST. This course includes; PADI eLearning, classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic  curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards and PADI Referral Paperwork allowing you to complete your certification dives at any PADI Dive Shop around the world. This course is perfect for student divers wanting to get certified on their next vacation. Save time on your holiday and complete all your pool and classroom training here at home beforehand.

Certification Dives Options

Offered locally in Niagara once a month from May – October over two consecutive days.

Complete your dives on a fun weekend away with DDS to Georgian Bay in August 2024. Full details here.

Join us to the warm waters of Akumal, Mexico in May 13-20, 2024!

Take the referral program and complete your dives with ANY PADI facility worldwide.

What gear will you need?

All students will need to purchase their own Mask, Strap Fins, Snorkel, Boots, however many of our students prefer to purchase the rest of their kit too. You’ll want to buy the right gear, so please have a read through our DDS Student Diver PDF and learn more about the specific gear requirements and training differences we offer, as well as some incentives.

Many Dive Stores charge additional fees for scuba gear rentals during open water sessions. DDS has the finest rentals and we even offer a course rebate when you purchase your life-support package from DDS, so talk to our staff about how we can get you suited up with the finest scuba equipment at the best pricing possible.

Financing is available: Finance your course, snorkeling gear and even your scuba equipment package at a very reasonable rate. Ask staff for details and learn diving in the best equipment you can…..your own personal dive gear, or ours. DDS will include all scuba equipment for the course, however, you will enjoy your diving experience much more in your own personal dive equipment.

Terms:

If less than 14 days notice is given there is a $200 fee to cancel or reschedule. If less than 48 hours notice is given the course is 100% non refundable. Redeemed eLearning is non refundable. Students are responsible for arriving to course with eLearning and medical forms completed.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Saturdays Winter 2024

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024

Join us and Discover the underwater world with your PADI Open Water Scuba Course!  Have fun and learn to dive right with Dan’s Dive Shop, Canada’s Oldest and Most Respected Scuba Diving School.

Taket your PADI Open Water Scuba Course confined water sessions and classroom covered over two Saturdays from 10am -8pm both days. Next, complete your PADI Open Water Diver Certification Checkout Dives this winter down south or locally Summer 2024. Option to finish your training with us in Akumal Mexico, May 13-20, 2024!

Learn to scuba dive with one of North America’s most respected, most experienced, most progressive and visionary dive shops.  At Dan’s we teach you the right way to dive from day one, click the link for more information of our Modern Approach to scuba diving. We pride ourselves on offering you a higher level of training aimed at taking you further through the life long adventure sport of scuba diving.

At Dan’s we offer you a more thorough and modern approach to your scuba diving education, as we teach how to maximize your skills to the highest level in the best equipment with the most experienced instructors in the country. DDS Divers are the most skilled and respected recreational and technical divers in the water because they are taught to be more comfortable, utilize precision buoyancy, possess higher skill and techniques underwater, with a higher academic and team awareness.

Learn how to Scuba Dive!  Why not make this year awesome and learn to dive? Spend your life exploring exotic locations as well as diving around  Ontario and the rest of this amazing world underwater.  There are tons of great dive sites here in Niagara & Ontario with exciting shipwrecks and beautiful aquatic life.

Prerequisites?

Minimum age is 10 years by PADI standards, however we strongly recommend 12-14 years. We also require all youth complete a PADI Discover Scuba prior to enrollment. All students are responsible to ensure they are medically fit for diving. Please read the PADI Diver Medical Form found here. If the answer is YES on PAGE TWO of the waiver you are required to get clearance from your physician before the course start date.

All divers must be comfortable in the water and be able to swim in deep water. Not sure if this is you? Call or email the shop and a dive professional will be happy yo give you advice.  If you may need to practice swimming prior to starting the course there are lots of great options at the public pools around the Niagara Region.

Logistics:

Enroll today and start you PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearn at home prior to the course start date. You can complete all the required academic portions of the PADI Open Water Diver Course at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. From there you’ll then meet at Dan’s Dive Shop where you’ll DDS Instructor will go through additional classroom to fill in many of the gaps left unanswered with a more informative and beneficial academic training experience. You will also go through scuba gear fitting and assembly and then head to the pool to begin you inwater training.

In the pool all divers are required to complete a small swim test in tread before going on to learn fun underwater skills and safe diving practices.

Upon successful completion of classroom and pool sessions you will then need to complete an Open Water Diving component to become fully certified. These are held frequently in the spring and summer.

Additional Details:

Training Agency: PADI.

Open Water Dives are required for Open Water certification and are included in your full course price. Students have 12 months from starting their course to complete the training.

PADI Open Water Scuba Course Winter 2024 Dates: Jan 13/20 or Feb 10/17  or Mar 9/16 or Apr 13/20 2024

Costs:

Our PADI Open Water Diver Course is $695+HST and is ALL INCLUSIVE. Your course price includes; eLearning, additional classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic PADI curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards, 5 open water dives exceeding the minimum of 4 dives required, full scuba equipment rental of your life support gear (no snorkelling gear you’ll need to purchase Scuba Quality gear from us), certification fees and digital PADI card.

If you purchase your eLearning from PADI directly, we will adjust the difference on your course price when you signup at DDS. Please make sure you select Dan’s Dive Shop as your PADI Dive Shop to recieve the price adjustment

PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course is $450+HST. This course includes; PADI eLearning, classroom sessions covering academics far beyond the basic  curriculum, pool sessions with additional pool time above and beyond basic standards and PADI Referral Paperwork allowing you to complete your certification dives at any PADI Dive Shop around the world. This course is perfect for student divers wanting to get certified on their next vacation. Save time on your holiday and complete all your pool and classroom training here at home beforehand.

Certification Dives Options

Offered locally in Niagara once a month from May – October over two consecutive days.

Complete your dives on a fun weekend away with DDS to Georgian Bay in August 2024. Full details here.

Join us to the warm waters of Akumal, Mexico in May 13-20, 2024!

Take the referral program and complete your dives with ANY PADI facility worldwide.

What gear will you need?

All students will need to purchase their own Mask, Strap Fins, Snorkel, Boots, however many of our students prefer to purchase the rest of their kit too. You’ll want to buy the right gear, so please have a read through our DDS Student Diver PDF and learn more about the specific gear requirements and training differences we offer, as well as some incentives.

Many Dive Stores charge additional fees for scuba gear rentals during open water sessions. DDS has the finest rentals and we even offer a course rebate when you purchase your life-support package from DDS, so talk to our staff about how we can get you suited up with the finest scuba equipment at the best pricing possible.

Financing is available: Finance your course, snorkeling gear and even your scuba equipment package at a very reasonable rate. Ask staff for details and learn diving in the best equipment you can…..your own personal dive gear, or ours. DDS will include all scuba equipment for the course, however, you will enjoy your diving experience much more in your own personal dive equipment.

Terms:

If less than 14 days notice is given there is a $200 fee to cancel or reschedule. If less than 48 hours notice is given the course is 100% non refundable. Redeemed eLearning is non refundable. Students are responsible for arriving to course with eLearning and medical forms completed.