The PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty Instructor course is designed for dive professionals who want to help divers develop a deeper understanding of the underwater world. This specialty focuses on ecology, habitat awareness, and responsible interaction rather than species memorization or technical diving skills.

As an Underwater Naturalist Specialty Instructor, you’ll learn how to teach divers to recognize aquatic habitats, understand basic marine and freshwater ecology, and observe marine life behavior in a respectful, environmentally responsible way. The emphasis is on awareness, curiosity, and connection to the environment.

At Space City Dive Center, Underwater Naturalist Instructor training emphasizes clear communication and real-world application. You’ll refine how you guide divers in observing ecosystems, explain environmental relationships in simple terms, and help students become more thoughtful, conservation-minded divers.

This specialty pairs naturally with continuing education, dive travel, photography, and Master Scuba Diver pathways. It is especially popular with divers who want to enrich every dive experience by understanding what they are seeing beneath the surface.

What You’ll Learn

• Aquatic ecosystems and habitat types
• Basic marine and freshwater ecology concepts
• How to observe marine life behavior responsibly
• Environmental awareness and conservation principles
• Teaching naturalist concepts in an engaging way

Who This Course Is For

Underwater Naturalist Specialty Instructor is designed for dive professionals who want to expand their teaching portfolio with an environmentally focused, education-driven specialty. It is ideal for Divemasters and Instructors involved in continuing education, dive travel, and Master Scuba Diver training.

Prerequisites

• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or higher professional rating
• Active Teaching status required
• Minimum of 10 logged dives meeting Undetwater Naturalist criteria
• Completion of required medical documentation

What’s Included

• Course Director-led Underwater Naturalist Specialty Instructor training
• Teaching guidance and standards review
• Underwater Naturalist Specialty Instructor certification upon successful completion

PADI Specialty Instructor application fee is not included