Scuba Programs in South Africa

Spend 28 days exploring the underwater world through photography on South Africa’s vibrant KwaZulu-Natal coast. This hands-on program is designed for students and emerging photographers who want to build their skills in a real-world setting. With guidance from professional underwater photographers, you'll learn how to shoot in challenging marine environments—focusing on lighting, composition, and camera settings. Daily SCUBA dives give you the chance to put new techniques into practice, with regular feedback sessions to help you improve. You’ll also learn about safe and responsible diving practices while working in one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the region. Whether you're aiming to boost your creative portfolio or gain practical experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills and connect with other aspiring photographers in a dynamic, supportive environment.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

This program aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of some of Cape Town’s most impoverished children and youth ages 6 - 13. Volunteers are placed in a physical education program that runs in conjunction with the local public primary school curriculum. They help deliver a sports program and assist local teachers with classroom lessons. Days vary depending on the activities planned and each volunteer's creativity! The assistance of international volunteers is essential to the program's success in increasing the chances for local children to achieve their goals and ultimately improve their lives. Volunteers also spend two afternoons per week learning how to surf with a professional instructor at Muizenberg Beach, the most popular surfing beach in Cape Town, about a 20-minute drive from the volunteer accommodation.

Discover the joy of family volunteering with GoEco, the leading platform for award-winning volunteer projects abroad. Our carefully selected programs provide an opportunity for families to bond over shared experiences while making a meaningful difference in communities worldwide. From sea turtle conservation in the Maldives to social upliftment initiatives in Cape Town, there's a project to match every family's interests. With GoEco, family volunteering is more than just travel - it's an opportunity to educate, inspire, and create lasting memories.

If you can’t decide on a travel itinerary when visiting Africa, join our African Marine and Wildlife Volunteer Adventure Tour! This five or six-week program is a combination of adventure activities and volunteering opportunities in various locations: Kruger National Park, Swaziland (now called Eswatini), and Mozambique. Spend weeks 1 to 4 in Mozambique where you gain an international diving qualification and learn techniques in marine monitoring and data collection. The work you do contributes directly to larger research initiatives. In the final week, dive into the culture of Eswatini and explore the outdoors on foot or on a bike. Then, see the Big 5 and other wildlife in Kruger and even experience camping in the wild for four nights! This volunteer and adventure tour is perfect if you’re studying or interested in marine biology, zoology, conservation, or wildlife management or if you’re fond of the outdoors and wildlife. The trip is definitely the adventure of a lifetime!

Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quests. Each Quest has its own set of adventure activities, soft skill workshops, and personal mentoring sessions. During each Quest, you will travel through different parts of South Africa, experiencing wild animal encounters, some of the most sought-after hiking experiences, scuba diving in Sodwana, wine tasting in Cape Town, river rafting on the Orange River, and more. You will be taught several different skill sets focused on equipping the skills needed to live the life you want to live, including TRE, Quantum Logic, Public Speaking workshops, Rebounding, and more. Battling with finding direction? We have you covered with career guidance and personal development workshops. We also aim to give back to the communities we visit through various community-building activities.

Experience a marine adventure in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, one of the world’s top dive locations. Adventure Mania’s Gap Year Program gives students and young adults a blend of scuba diving, marine ecology, and adventure travel. No diving experience is required. Participants receive PADI-certified dive training in small groups, with full gear rental and expert guidance. The week includes supervised reef dives, conservation lectures, and hands-on activities like snorkeling, rock pool excursions, beach cleanups, and ecology workshops. Based in a world-class coastal region, the program strikes a balance between structured learning and freedom. Two days each week are reserved for participants to relax, explore independently, or join optional local adventures, such as hiking, quad biking, or cultural outings. Students stay in comfortable, upper-market accommodation at Adventure Mania’s private lodge, with 24/7 support and strong safety protocols. This is not a traditional internship, but a fun and conservation-focused gap year experience for young people who want to travel, learn, and explore South Africa’s marine world.

Venture into a “magical” journey with Zoom Vacations, a leader in LGBTQ+ group travel, where inclusivity, luxury, and adventure come together seamlessly. Whether with your significant other or family, each meticulously curated trip celebrates diversity while offering unforgettable experiences in some of the world's most stunning destinations. Explore the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, cruise through the Galápagos Islands, or marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Wherever you go and what you do, you'll connect with like-minded travelers in a supportive and welcoming environment. These gay-friendly group adventures are designed to combine cultural immersion, thrilling activities, and indulgent moments of relaxation. From private guided tours and five-star accommodations to exclusive events that highlight local LGBTQ+ communities, Zoom Vacations ensures that every trip is both meaningful and fun.

Experience the perfect holiday in a space where inclusivity and authenticity thrive. Voyemo’s unique travel program is tailored to provide unforgettable trips for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. It combines luxury, cultural exploration, and community connection. Each journey is thoughtfully curated to celebrate diversity and create a safe, welcoming environment. From serene beach escapes to dynamic city tours, Voyemo offers hand-picked accommodations, personalized itineraries, and exclusive activities. Whether you’re indulging in culinary delights or connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities, every moment is designed to blend relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Voyemo ensures your unique needs and preferences are respected, offering a travel experience prioritizing individuality and meaningful connections. Celebrate love, life, and yourself through extraordinary travel.