We’ve all been there. Sitting on holiday, looking out at clear blue water and wondering what it’s like beneath the surface.
You’ve probably also seen videos and TV programmes – vibrant reefs, turtles, manta rays – and thought: ‘Wow!’.
So why just wonder what it would be like? Why not actually do it?
For a lot of people, scuba diving sits firmly on the “one day….” list. The good news is, getting started is far more accessible than you might think – and taking a proper dive course is the best way to turn that curiosity into something real.
Why scuba dive?
We’re obviously biased. We love diving and that’s why we’re in the industry.
But why should you be interested in giving it a go? Well, the simple answer is – for so many reasons.
When PADI asked their members a few years ago why they went scuba diving, the responses were varied. Among the most common were freedom, exploration, therapy, connecting with friends and family, discovery, and adventure.
Whatever your reasons for giving it a go, there are very few people – even those who only try it once – on whom diving does not leave a lasting impression.
If you’re going to do it – do it right
Starting something new can feel like a big step, especially when it involves the ocean. That’s exactly why dive courses exist.
Organisations like PADI create courses that are built around taking complete beginners and guiding them through each stage in a calm, structured way. You begin with the basics, build your understanding, and then take those skills into the water with experienced instructors by your side.
Very quickly, what felt unfamiliar starts to feel natural. Breathing, moving, controlling your buoyancy – it all clicks into place.
Open up a completely new travel experience
Without a certification, diving is limited to short taster experiences. With one, you can explore properly.
Reefs, wrecks, drop-offs, marine life encounters – they all become accessible. And that changes how you look at destinations. A beach holiday becomes something more. A boat trip becomes an opportunity. Even a quiet bay can turn into an unforgettable dive site.
The courses are part of the fun
This isn’t learning in the traditional sense. Yes, there’s some theory, but most of it happens in the water – and that’s where it becomes memorable.
You’ll experience that first breath underwater, learn how to move effortlessly, and start to feel completely at ease beneath the surface. It’s hands-on, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable from the outset.
What scuba diving courses can you take?
If you’re new, there’s a clear pathway to follow, with each step opening up a little more of the underwater world. Emperor provides all of these courses and more information on what they entail can be found on our PADI Dive Courses section.
- Beginner / Try Dive (Discover Scuba Diving/DSD)
A simple introduction. Perfect if you just want to see what it’s like before committing to a full course. - PADI Scuba Diver
Allows you to dive with a professional Dive Guide down to 12 metres and can change the way you view your future holidays. It takes just a couple of days and represents about 50% of the Open Water course. - Open Water Diver
The main entry-level certification. This qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy, usually down to 18 metres, anywhere in the world. - Advanced Open Water Diver
Builds on your skills with different types of diving – such as deeper dives, navigation, and speciality experiences. It’s less about “advanced” and more about gaining confidence and variety. - Speciality Courses
These focus on specific interests, like wreck diving, night diving, underwater photography, or buoyancy control. - Rescue Diver and Beyond
For those who want to take things further, these courses develop awareness, problem-solving, and overall diving ability.
You don’t do it all at once. Most people start small and then naturally want to progress.
Where is the best place to learn to dive?
You might already be on holiday and want to give it a try or are specifically planning a trip around learning to dive.
Whichever, if you’re going to learn, where you do it makes a huge difference. Emperor Divers offers a range of courses across some of the world’s most rewarding dive destinations, combining expert instruction with ideal conditions.
In Egypt’s Red Sea, our centres in Sharm el Sheikh, Port Ghalib, and Wadi Sabarah provide warm water, excellent visibility, and calm conditions which are perfect for beginners finding their feet.
In Indonesia, our centre in Nusa Lembongan sees the diving add a little more variety, with vibrant reefs and the chance to encounter larger marine life as your confidence grows.
And in the Solomon Islands, you’ll find something completely different again. Our Honiara dive centre is the gateway to uncrowded sites, clear water, and fascinating WWII wrecks that add a sense of history to every dive.
Across all locations, courses run from complete beginner level through to advanced and speciality training, so you can progress at your own pace.
Why it’s worth doing a course on holiday
One of the best ways to learn is while you’re away.
Instead of spreading sessions out while at home, you can (quite literally) fully immerse yourself. Warm water, clear conditions, and regular dives help everything fall into place much more quickly. You build confidence faster, remember more, and enjoy the process along the way.
And when you’re not diving, you’re already in a destination worth being in.
It started with curiosity but can go much (much!) further
So, back to the start. Most people begin diving with a simple thought: I’d quite like to try that.
That interest can develop into a passion (some might say obsession…) and it is a course that turns curiosity into something meaningful.
It gives you the skills, the confidence, and the freedom to explore a completely different world – one that’s been there all along, just beneath the surface.
To find out more about courses or to book on at one of our dive centres, visit our designated PADI courses page or you can talk to us via webchat, WhatsApp and email ([email protected]).