Course overview

The SSI Navigation specialty develops your ability to find your way underwater with natural references, compass work and distance estimation. Zanzibar's long Kendwa reef and the coral gardens off Stone Town give clear features and gentle profiles ideal for building navigation confidence.

What you’ll learn

• Read natural references to maintain orientation
• Steer accurate compass headings and reciprocal courses
• Estimate distance using kick cycles and time
• Locate and return to a chosen underwater point
• Execute geometric search and navigation patterns
• Plan and lead a navigation dive for a buddy pair

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (junior) / 15 (adult)
• SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
• Diver medical clearance signed by a physician

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
   Reference & compass

   Digital academics then navigation dives on the long Kendwa reef or Stone Town gardens, working through natural navigation, compass courses and patterns to certify.

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 Zanzibar.

Frequently asked questions