Course overview

The PADI Underwater Navigator specialty sharpens your ability to find your way on the reefs of Baa Atoll in the Maldives, a valuable skill on the atoll's channels and large reef systems near Dharavandhoo. Across three dives you master compass use, natural navigation and distance estimation to dive with confidence and independence.

What you’ll learn

• Navigate accurately using a compass
• Use natural references such as reef contours and ripples
• Estimate distance by kick cycles and time
• Follow patterns and reciprocal headings
• Mark and relocate underwater points of interest

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10
• PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or qualifying certification
• Basic buoyancy comfort
• Diver medical clearance form (physician sign-off if needed)

What's included · What's not

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Navigation dives

   Theory plus three training dives on local reefs practising compass headings, natural references, distance estimation and relocating sites.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Baa Atoll.

Frequently asked questions