Diving Solo

Though diving solo isn’t for everyone, diving alone can be done safely by well-trained, experienced and responsible divers. Scuba Diving International (SDI) has formulated standards by which qualified dive instructors can offer solo diving courses. Some of the vessels in the Explorer fleet allow solo diving for those certified and equipped.

Any solo divers diving off of our vessels – including staff – must be both properly trained and equipped. The equipment, training and administrative requirements are extensive. If you would like to do a solo diving course during your time with us, or to dive solo, you will need to be aware prior to your arrival of the SDI requirements which we follow.

UW Saba 02 | Explorer Ventures Fleet® Liveaboard Diving

Please also recognize that not all dive sites which we will visit may be conducive to solo diving, due to weather, current, entry method, Marine Park regulation or otherwise. There may be occasions where solo diving is not allowed by the dive staff, based on their local knowledge of conditions or dive logistics.

Solo diving is not available in the Maldives, Indonesia, Palau, Red Sea & Galapagos.

Solo Diver Course Requirements

Please note: staffing constraints mean there are often weeks where the solo course is unavailable.
Those wishing to take the SDI solo diving course on board must meet the following prerequisites:

  • Completion of standard liability release, as well as medical history form
  • Minimum Advanced Diver rating
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Minimum 100 logged dives (proof must be presented to the instructor).
  • Ability to complete a 200-meter surface swim in full scuba gear, without stopping.
  • In addition, the diver must be mentally and physically fit to complete the course. Instructors have discretion in determining whether a candidate qualifies on these points.

The solo diving course consists of a class session emphasizing equipment and planning, as well as two dives. Each dive must follow the dive plan discussed before the dive or the student must do an additional certification dive. During each solo dive, the equipment requires specified below must be met.

Requirements – Certified Solo Divers

Divers wishing to dive solo, who have previously been certified to do so, are welcome to dive solo from Caribbean Explorer II and Turks & Caicos Explorer II only. The follow requirements must be met:

  • Solo divers must present proof of their certification (Only the SDI Solo Diver Certification allows a diver to dive solo aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II and the Caribbean Explorer II).
  • Solo divers must carry a pony bottle (not a Spare Air or similar device), whistle, knife, compass, and signaling device deployable from safety stop depth (safety sausage or dive flag on a reel, for example).
  • All solo divers must file a dive plan for each solo dive with the dive staff on board, and adhere strictly to that dive plan.
Rental Gear & Course Pricing

Costs – Caribbean vessels

To check our current Solo diver course & equipment rental prices, please click here. 

If you might be interested in the solo diving course, please make note of it on your application form so that we can confirm whether or not an instructor and rental equipment will be available.