UNDERWATER NATURALIST DIVER SPECIALTY COURSE
See things in a different light, learn about symbiosis and the different challenges for marine life.
You may have done quite a few dives on a familiar dive site and still missed many things. Take the Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course and you will suddenly see different creatures as you notice how marine life live together in their marine habitat.
In this Specialty course you learn about the main differences between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. You will look into the behaviour of marine life and how symbiosis keeps the ecosystem at balance. Specific to Koh Tao you will get an introduction to the threats and conservation efforts taken by the local community.
You will be introduced to responsible behaviour so we do not interrupt the balance and help preserve this ecosystem we all love to explore.
Gain valuable knowledge and see the underwater world different by taking the Underwater Naturalist Specialty.
Your Instructor will teach you in small groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. Any questions you may have about the marine habitat of Koh Tao will be answered in this Specialty course.
Your underwater naturalist Specialty
see things different as you look into how the marine ecosystem works
This course can be taken in 1 day. We will adjust the program for you and move elements of your personal course to accommodate for your travel plans. You can take this course over two days, but in general, these are the parts of your training course:
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Part 1: Theory
After an introduction between you and your Instructor you will complete the necessary paperwork before moving on to theory.
The Knowledge Development part of your Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course starts by self-study with your personal copy of the manual. You will answer questions for 2 Knowledge Reviews.
These will introduce you to the main physical differences between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the (sometimes wrong) perception of humans as well as responsible behaviour to use when in a marine environment. You will read about the interaction and relationships of marine life and their symbiotic relationships.
Together with your instructor you will then go over those Knowledge Reviews and relate these to the specifics of the marine ecosystem here on Koh Tao.
You will also look at the marine life identification slate you are going to use on your Open Water dives and how to use a blank slate to depict and note your findings.
There is no exam for the Underwater Naturalist Diver Specialty Course.
Part 2: Naturalist Open Water Dives
For your Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course we will get on one of our 3 custom built dive boats and go out for two dives (unless you chose the 1-dive-option).
On these dives you will focus on identifying various marine life and their interaction with each other and the habitat. You will look at fish, coral, crustaceans and other invertebrates and marine plants.
Your Instructor will point out marine life to you and you will be tasked to use your identification or blank slates to give a positive identification or depict the species.
Together you will look into symbiotic relationships of mutual benefit or parasitic kind, like they exist between anemonefish and their host, or gobies and shrimps, for example. You will also see examples of local threats to the balance of this fragile marine ecosystem and conservation activities taken by the local community.
After your dives, we will add the identifications from your dives in your dive log book and you will be a certified Underwater Naturalist Specialty diver!
BROADEN YOUR HORIZON TODAY
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YOUR underwater naturalist course
To give you an idea of what your specialty course will look like, here’s an example schedule:
FULL DAY
UNDERWATER NATURALIST SPECIALTY
Day 1 - Full Day
Introduction & Paperwork
Theory (Knowledge Reviews)
Intro to Identification techniques
– Lunch –
2 Open Water Specialty Dives
The Underwater Naturalist Specialty course links into other courses. If you have done the Adventure Dive already, you only need 1 more dive in this course.
In this case you can add a Buoyancy or Fish-ID Adventure Dive to it or simply add a Fun Dive with AWARE Coral Watch.
If your travel plans require a different schedule we can accommodate for that.
If you require more information about alternative options just contact us.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: underwater naturalist specialty course
these are the requirements for the underwater naturalist specialty course:
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Minimum Age
The minimum age to enroll in the Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course is 10 years.
Minimum Certification Level
To become a Underwater Naturalist Specialty Diver you will have to hold a certification as a (Junior) Open Water Diver (or equivalent from another certification agency).
Medical Statement
Insurance
To comply with our dive insurance requirements, you will need to have proof (logbook etc.) of a dive within the last 6 months otherwise you will need to take part in our Crystal Dive Scuba Review before taking part in the course to receive our insurance cover.
underwater naturalist specialty course – What’s included?
Our underwater naturalist specialty package includes:
- Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Personal Underwater Naturalist Manual & Certification
- Crystal Dive Logbook & T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal Instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive Insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted Accommodation throughout your course (1 night)
- 10 % Discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
DISCOUNTED Accommodation
For your course & diving days!
Book Now
The Underwater Naturalist Specialty course at Crystal Dive will teach you how the balance in the fragile marine environment is kept.
In the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course you will learn about the interaction of living organisms in our marine environment, foodchains and relationships between them.
This Specialty Course will broaden your horizon how an ecosystem works within a world of environmental challenges.
฿3,500 – ฿5,000
2-Dive-Option: This is your choice if you haven't already done a Underwater Naturalist Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water. With this option you get a full introduction into symbiosis, predator/prey relationships and the ecological background.
1-Dive-Option: This option is available for you if you already completed a Underwater Naturalist Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water Course. This will allow you to fit in another specialty dive the same day or just enjoy a fun dive to use the learned skills.
Underwater Naturalist Specialty
2-Dive-Option: This is your choice if you haven't already done a Underwater Naturalist Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water. With this option you get a full introduction into symbiosis, predator/prey relationships and the ecological background.
1-Dive-Option: This option is available for you if you already completed a Underwater Naturalist Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water Course. This will allow you to fit in another specialty dive the same day or just enjoy a fun dive to use the learned skills.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Underwater Naturalist Specialty every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Underwater Naturalist Specialty online HERE. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Underwater Naturalist Specialty?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Underwater Naturalist Specialty performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Underwater Naturalist Specialty?
For your Underwater Naturalist Specialty we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of [NUMBER] nights. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Underwater Naturalist Specialty?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Underwater Naturalist Specialty are listed here: COURSE PREREQUISITES. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Underwater Naturalist Specialty?
We pride ourselves to teach our Underwater Naturalist Specialty personal in groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Underwater Naturalist Specialty?
We have 3 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily basis, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Underwater Naturalist Specialty. More about our boats here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Underwater Naturalist Specialty?
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we will get right back to you!
