Recommendations in choosing PADI vs SSI To summarize: Both PADI and SSI offer world-class diving training around the world. They both maintain high standards of practice across the globe. SSI is generally cheaper, so if you are looking for a lower price, you can do your SSI Open Water.

New Zealand's underwater world is vast and water temperatures are varied. Scuba diving in New Zealand is good year-round: in June-November water temperatures range from 59-70°F/15-21°C, while December-May sees the mercury rise to a comfortable 66-77°F/19-25°C. Most divers wear a 7mm wetsuit in all seasons.

You can scuba dive without a certification! Yes, you, your friend, or family member can do a PADI Discover Scuba® Diving experience with your local dive shop. This is a great opportunity to scuba dive without a certification and figure out if taking a certification course is the right next step for you.

Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving whereby divers use breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface breathing gas supply, and therefore has a limited but variable endurance. The name scuba is an anacronym for "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus" and was coined by Christian J.