Top 5 Places to Learn Scuba Diving in Singapore 2024

Picking up scuba diving in Singapore

Being a small island city, Singapore offers few dive spots for passionate scuba divers – be they advanced or those who are just starting out. As a result, many divers here in Singapore tend to travel to neighbouring countries to partake in the sport. Many new scuba divers, therefore, have a misconception that to learn scuba diving, one must travel far out of Singapore, and squander large amounts of time and money on long boat rides and days out at sea.

Singapore offers a plethora of places where individuals can learn scuba diving. Most of them offer affordable classes for scuba divers of any background to easily sign up, get their certificate and pursue their scuba diving passion. Given the lifting of several COVID-19-related restrictions as well, individuals can find it easier to pick up these skills given the large availability of courses and timeslots now.

Like many other intense sports, however, scuba diving first requires a certification which allows divers to dive in different waters around the world. Below, we have compiled a handy list of everything you will need to know about the prerequisites to scuba diving and attaining a certificate to dive just about anywhere you wish.

Prerequisites to learning scuba diving in Singapore

In order to partake in any scuba diving course in Singapore, you are required to meet the following criteria:

1. At least 10 years of age or older

2. Able to swim 200m or more by yourself

3. Able to tread or float in water for 10 minutes without any assistance or floatation devices

Diving Certificates in Singapore

While there are many different types of scuba diving certificates around, diving schools in Singapore mainly offers the:

1. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Certificate

2. SSI (Scuba Schools International) Certificate

These certificates both in general follow the framework laid down by the World Recreational Scuba Diving Council. However, over the past few months, the pandemic has resulted in some adjustments to each of the certification processes. Listed below are some of the most recently updated characteristics between the two:

1. PADI

1. Offers both physical or digital manual for self-learning however the prices are generally more expensive than SSI’s

2. Provides all scuba divers with the option of a digital certificate

3. In terms of training philosophy, it offers a progressive-based education structure where divers can only progress to rescue and other advanced courses upon completion of the open water courses.

4. Individuals looking to attain a PADI certification can attain them through a dive centre that offers the courses or through an independent instructor who need not be affiliated with any dive centres

5. Certificates are often issued by the dive instructors

2. SSI

1. Offers only a digital manual for self-learning

2. Provides all scuba divers with the option of a digital certificate

3. In terms of training philosophy, it offers a more specialised-based education structure where divers are encouraged to practice more on the same type of dive in order to become more competent and confident

4. SSI dive centres also provide courses such as the XR Foundations for all divers of all levels. These courses help to cultivate a safe and holistic diving experience for divers and it is considered a good platform for divers of all levels

5. Individuals looking to attain an SSI certificate can attain it through instructors who are affiliated with an SSI Dive Centre

6. Certificates are issued by the SSI Dive Centre

Diving Schools in Singapore

After knowing which certificate you want, individuals can then hit up the many different schools that provide diving courses for you to attain your scuba diving certificate. 

Below, we list the top 5 places where you can learn scuba diving in Singapore in 2024.

1. Simply Scuba – PADI

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With more than 25 years of experience in the diving industry, Simply Scuba is a great place to pick up scuba diving here in Singapore.

Starting at S$750, they offer a wide range of PADI courses including the Open Water Dive Course for scuba divers who are looking to pick up a scuba diving certificate. During the course itself, theory sessions, a logbook, e-manual and equipment.

Price: From S$750

Open Water Dive Locations: Tioman (Malaysia)

2. GS Diving – PADI

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Specialised mainly in PADI recreational diving courses, GS-Diving is one of the better schools around.

Starting at S$738, the PADI Open Water Diver Course includes all transportation, equipment, materials, and instructor fees. Participants will only need to bring their swimming attire and towel.

Price: From $738

Open Water Dive Locations: Pulau Hantu (Singapore)

3. The Submersible – PADI

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Formed by a group of divers who share a similar passion for marine life and the environment, The Submersibles offers a wide range of PADI courses. Formed in 2006 and classed as a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre since 2010, they are one of the rare PADI Dive Centers that have PADI Insurance to cover students and crew during the course duration.

Starting at S$1280 per student for two students in a class, the Open Water Course will provide all eLearning & certifications, gear rentals, pool sessions and open water dives in local waters, PADI instructor fee and Water Certification (eCard) upon completion of the whole course.

Price: From $1280

Open Water Dive Locations: Pulau Hantu (Singapore)

4. Dive Lab – SSI

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Established in 2010, DiveLab offers a wide range of SSI scuba diving courses with personalised training to ensure that divers have the necessary skills and experience required to become confident underwater.

Starting at S$689, they offer SSI Open Water Diver Courses, both in Singapore and in Tioman. They provide SSI E-learning kits, pool sessions, diving equipment rental, 4 open water dives, SSI Open Water Diver Certification upon completion and a free DiveLab Rash Tee for every signup.

Price: From $689

Open Water Dive Locations: Pulau Hantu (Singapore), Tioman (Malaysia)

5. Turtle Buddy Divers

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Turtle Buddy Divers (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is a professional diving company that offers PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Scuba Diving courses to customers in Singapore. With a focus on safety and personalized attention, Turtle Buddy Divers provides quality instruction and guidance for individuals who are interested in exploring the wonders of the underwater world.

Starting at S$645, they offer PADI Open Water Courses including the beginner, advanced water and rescue diver courses.

Price: From $645

Open Water Dive Locations: Pulau Hantu (Singapore)

Summary

While there is a wide range of course providers out there, do note that each offers a different price structure with different materials for the selected courses. Do also note that all prices and information are subject to change over time.