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PADI DIVEMASTER INTERNSHIP

PADI DIVEMASTER INTERNSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA'S SECRET PARADISE

Take your first step in making the beach your office and become a PADI Dive Professional. Gain experience being a Divemaster at one of the best dive locations in the world, take part in marine conservation research, and learn more about the ocean to share with your future clients.

DURATION

6 - 16 weeks

PRICE

From € 5250

ARRIVAL DAY

Fridays

LOCATION

Sodwana Bay, South Africa

What You’ll Be Doing

This internship blends marine conservation, regular diving, and professional dive training, so you’re gaining real experience while working toward your PADI Divemaster certification.

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You’ll be diving regularly on Sodwana’s reefs, taking part in our ongoing marine research and monitoring projects. Depending on current projects and conditions, this may include species identification, reef surveys, fish and invertebrate counts, photography-based monitoring, and collecting environmental data. Nudibranch monitoring is also part of our ongoing research, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in spotting, identifying, and photographing these fascinating animals.

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Alongside the conservation work, you’ll complete additional course dives, theory sessions, and practical skills required for the PADI Divemaster course. This includes developing dive leadership skills, improving your dive knowledge, assisting with training dives, and becoming confident both in and out of the water.

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You’ll also take part in our marine lecture series, led by a local zoologist, covering topics like marine species identification, fish and invertebrates, megafauna, coral reefs, ecological relationships, marine conservation, and the research projects you’re contributing to.

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Most importantly, this isn’t a rigid or high-pressure environment. You’re still enjoying fun dives, incredible marine life, and a social atmosphere, while gradually building the skills, experience, and confidence needed to step into a professional diving role.

What You’ll Leave With

By the end of the internship, you’ll leave with both qualifications and experience.

  • A PADI Divemaster certification (once all requirements are completed).

  • Stronger diving skills, situational awareness, and underwater confidence.

  • Practical experience assisting with training, leading dives, and managing dive operations.

  • Hands-on involvement in marine conservation research and data collection.

  • A deeper understanding of reef ecology, marine life, and conservation challenges.

  • Professional experience that supports careers in diving, marine conservation, or research.

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FIND YOUR INTERNSHIP PATHWAY

Select your current diving qualification and number of logged dives to find the internship package that best matches your experience. Not sure which option applies to you? Contact us and we'll help you choose.

PADI Open Water to Divemaster (16 weeks)
  • Starting qualification: None.

  • Logged dives required: 0 Dives.

  • Duration: 16 weeks.

  • Package price: € 13200 

What's Included
  • Richards Bay airport transfers.

  • Accommodation at our Deep Blue house.

  • Weekly groceries.

  • All dive courses required to get to the PADI Divemaster qualification (Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Deep Speciality, Nitrox, Rescue, Emergency First Responder and Divemaster courses).

  • Five project dives a week & hard gear rental for dives (cylinder, BCD, regulator & weight belt).

  • Transport to & from the beach for dives as well as around town.

  • Gate fees into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park for dives, as it is a marine protected area.

  • Weekly excursions to view points, Lake Sibaya, Tolla se Gat or our northern beaches.

  • Marine lectures from a local zoologist.

  • 24/7 support from our on-site staff.

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“Hands down the best PADI Divemaster internship on this earth!!! I completed my internship with Deep Blue and came away with lifelong friends, confidence, skills I never thought I’d have, and memories I’ll treasure forever. The support from every member of the team was incredible.”

—  Lorna Farquhar

Ready To Join Us Divemaster Internship
READY TO TAKE YOUR DIVING FURTHER?

Work towards your PADI Divemaster qualification while gaining practical diving experience, developing professional skills and contributing to marine research in Sodwana Bay.

How Booking Works

1. Send a request​

Tell us your current qualification, logged dives and preferred arrival dates.

2. Confirm your dates

We'll review your experience, check availability and email your invoice.

3. Secure your place

Pay your 20% deposit to secure your internship spot.

4. Get ready to dive

Complete your participant form and prepare for your internship.

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