Course overview

Learn to find your way underwater with the PADI Underwater Navigator specialty in Raja Ampat, where strong currents and large reef systems can quickly disorient divers. You practise natural navigation, compass technique and distance estimation on sites like Yenbuba Jetty and the reefs around Mansuar Island. Staying oriented makes every dive safer and more enjoyable, and this PADI dive course sharpens a core scuba diving skill.

What you’ll learn

• Navigate accurately using natural references
• Use a compass to swim reciprocal and square patterns
• Estimate distance by kick cycles and time
• Mark and relocate underwater points of interest
• Maintain orientation in current and reduced visibility
• Plan and follow a navigation pattern as a buddy team

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior Open Water) and up
• PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent certification
• Diver medical clearance signed by a physician

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Natural navigation

   Cover theory and practise natural navigation and distance estimation on a reef near Mansuar.
2. Day2
   Compass and patterns

   Run compass headings, square and reciprocal patterns, and complete the three dives to certify.

Verified through iDive

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Frequently asked questions