About this tour
When Noah from our team ran the Deep Diver Course in New Zealand, he spent the day pushing his certified diving skills to 40 metres. This is a serious step up — three dives across the day, covering dive planning, safety protocols, and the specific techniques you need at depth. The crew running it knows their stuff, and you're working with an instructor the whole way. It's pitched at divers who've already got their basic cert and want to go deeper, literally. You'll need decent fitness and a clear bill of health, but if you tick those boxes, it's a proper progression course, not a tourist tick-box.
Highlights
- Three structured dives to build depth confidence progressively
- Instructor-led planning and safety briefing before each dive
- All SCUBA gear and charter boat included in the price
- Designed to teach real-world deep-dive decision-making
- Works for divers ready to move beyond recreational limits
- Based in New Zealand's accessible dive sites
What to expect
This isn't a leisurely reef wander — it's a working course with learning objectives. Noah's day started with theory and dive planning on the boat, covering the differences in physics, nitrogen absorption, and decompression at 40m. The three dives build in complexity: first one's shallower while you dial in the techniques, then the deeper pushes start. The instructor watches your buoyancy control, time management, and how you handle the nitrogen narcosis effects that kick in at depth. There's a real focus on safety protocols rather than just 'look at the fish.' The pacing is deliberate — you're not rushing between dives, and the crew manages air time and surface intervals properly.
New Zealand's dive sites tend to be cool-ish water and variable visibility depending on where you go. The boat ride out sets the tone — usually a small charter operation, so expect a working-boat vibe rather than luxury. By dive three, you'll notice the depth change in how you feel and how long your air lasts. It's physically taxing but genuinely educational if you're serious about diving safely beyond the 18m rec limit.
What travellers say
- Comprehensive safety focus over flashy sightseeing
- All equipment and charter included; no hidden gear costs
- Instructor-led progression across three dives
- Real-world dive planning and decision-making training
- Genuine step forward for certified divers wanting depth
- Early starts and full-day time commitment on the water
- Physically demanding; not suitable for many health conditions
- New Zealand water temperatures require proper thermal gear
- Small boat operations mean seasickness risk in rough conditions
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This course actually teaches you to dive deep rather than just tagging along on a boat. If you want to go beyond recreational limits and do it properly, it's essential. Instructors are focused on your competence and safety, not rushing you through. The gear and boat are sorted, so no hire hassles. It suits divers with solid fundamentals who've done a handful of recreational dives and want proper training.
You'll need at least moderate fitness — three dives at depth is demanding on your body. Early starts are standard for dive operations, and you'll be on the water for most of the day. Water temp in New Zealand varies seasonally, so bring a proper wetsuit or check what's recommended. The course isn't cheap because it involves qualified instructor time and charter costs. It's not for anyone with back problems, heart issues, or pregnancy — the depth and exertion rules those out. Seasickness is a real risk if the ocean's rough, and there's no hiding on a small boat.
Bring food and water (not included). SCUBA gear, boat, and instructor are covered. Solo divers are fine; no group-size limits listed. Book in calmer months if you're prone to motion sickness. You need existing cert (minimum 15 years old). Weather can cancel or reschedule you — they offer rescheduling or store credit.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.