Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, camera, and something warm to wear after diving.You can bring your own lunch or request a packed lunch (meat or vegetarian). Let us know your preference.

Risk Disclosure - PLEASE READ

I understand that this activity comes with inherent risks and possible dangers. These include, but aren't limited to, breathing compressed air, boat traffic, sea creatures, decompression sickness, drowning, pressure-related injuries, air bubbles in the bloodstream, decompression illness, lack of fluids, gas intoxication, equipment malfunctions, ear issues, sunburn, overheating, hypothermia, seasickness, and bad weather.Diving or snorkelling trips take place outdoors in the ocean, so there's a chance of sudden natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls, or volcanic eruptions. I recognise that participating in the Diving/Snorkelling offered by Paihia Dive can be risky if not handled with care, control, and responsibility. I accept that these risks could lead to physical or mental injury, or even death.

Overview Itinerary FAQs

Bay of Islands Intro to Scuba Diving Day Trip

North Island

Paihia Dive

from

US$229

per person

Dive boat near Piercy Island with Hole in the Rock visible as two people look toward the formation in the Bay of Islands

Experiences

Snorkelling & Diving

Nature & Wildlife

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Paihia

Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands

Travel Time: 6 hours

The Bay of Islands Intro Dive is a full-day scuba diving experience from Paihia for people who have never dived before. Learn the basics with an instructor before entering the water at a shallow reef site, practising essential scuba skills and enjoying a guided dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres.

Your First Scuba Dive in the Bay of Islands

Depart Paihia at 8:30 am and cruise through the Bay of Islands while your instructor introduces you to the SSI training materials and prepares you for your first dive. At a shallow reef site, practise basic scuba skills before exploring underwater with your instructor to a maximum depth of 12 metres.

After your dive, enjoy time for lunch and snorkelling before cruising back to Paihia, normally arriving around 4:00 pm. A second dive may also be available for an additional fee.

Scuba divers underwater alongside playful seals in clear waters near the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Large school of fish swimming over a reef in clear waters near Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

New Zealand fur seal swimming through kelp during a Discovery Scuba dive in the Bay of Islands

Pigfish swimming among a school of blue maomao above a reef in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Stingray gliding over seaweed-covered reef with diver in the background in the Bay of Islands

Scuba diver observing a yellow seahorse in the Bay of Islands

Close-up of a snapper swimming among marine life in clear waters near Paihia, Bay of Islands.

Scuba divers exploring a vibrant reef teeming with fish near Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Dolphin swimming underwater in the Bay of Islands

Tour Highlights

Full-day Bay of Islands scuba diving trip
Designed specifically for first-time divers
No previous scuba diving experience required
SSI digital training and instructor briefing
Practise basic scuba skills in shallow water
Guided reef dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres
Explore Bay of Islands marine life
Time for snorkelling after your dive
Scenic boat trip through the Bay of Islands
Optional second dive for an additional fee
Lifetime access to SSI digital course materials through the MySSI app

Before participating, you'll need to complete Paihia Dive's Understanding the Risks form. Introductory diving also requires you to review the relevant medical form. Depending on your medical history and answers, you may need clearance from a doctor confirming that you're fit to dive.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, camera, and something warm to wear after diving.
You can bring your own lunch or request a packed lunch (meat or vegetarian). Let us know your preference.

I understand that this activity comes with inherent risks and possible dangers. These include, but aren't limited to, breathing compressed air, boat traffic, sea creatures, decompression sickness, drowning, pressure-related injuries, air bubbles in the bloodstream, decompression illness, lack of fluids, gas intoxication, equipment malfunctions, ear issues, sunburn, overheating, hypothermia, seasickness, and bad weather.
Diving or snorkelling trips take place outdoors in the ocean, so there's a chance of sudden natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls, or volcanic eruptions. I recognise that participating in the Diving/Snorkelling offered by Paihia Dive can be risky if not handled with care, control, and responsibility. I accept that these risks could lead to physical or mental injury, or even death.

Cancellations after booking: No Refund
Changes to dates more than 7 Days before: No Amendment Fee
Changes within 7 days: 50% Amendment Fee; free if we are able to fill your space

Please note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Frequently asked questions

No. The Intro Dive is specifically designed for people who have never scuba dived before. An instructor will introduce you to the procedures and basic skills before taking you underwater.

The itinerary allows time for snorkelling after your introductory dive.

This is a full-day experience departing Paihia at 8:30 am and normally returning by around 4:00 pm.

No. The wreck dive is for certified divers aboard the same boat. Intro Dive participants complete their training and briefing while the certified divers are at the wreck, then move to a shallow reef site for their dive.

The maximum depth is 12 metres. You'll first practise basic skills and become comfortable breathing underwater before descending with your instructor.