{"id":797,"date":"2024-09-04T09:59:46","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T09:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/?page_id=797"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:41:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T10:41:58","slug":"underwater-naturalist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/underwater-naturalist\/","title":{"rendered":"Underwater Naturalist"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<ul id=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumbs\"><li class=\"item-home\"><a class=\"bread-link bread-home\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\"separator separator-home\"> &gt; <\/li><\/ul><div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>Underwater Naturalist Course<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>PRICE<\/strong>: 5,000&nbsp;THB<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em>The PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty is an educational program that focuses on the complex relationships between marine organisms and their environment. At Isla Tortuga Divers, students learn about the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers within the reef ecosystem. This course transforms a standard dive into an ecological study, highlighting symbiotic relationships and underwater behavior.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>How to Identify Marine life<\/h3>\n<p>Our PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty course is an excellent 1-day course that teaches scuba divers how to identify fish, invertebrate, and common plant species and upon completion will earn you a PADI Underwater Naturalist <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/\">specialty course certification<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>Understanding the Aquatic Environment<\/h4>\n<p>With the information this course provides, you will be able to recognise and explore the marine life commonly seen in the ocean around Koh Tao.<\/p>\n<p>Knowing <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/fish-identification-course\/\">how to identify fish species<\/a>, invertebrates, and plant species will add real value to your dives and provide you with a deeper understanding of the marine environment and the animals that live there.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1331\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1331\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1331\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-course-koh-tao.jpg\" alt=\"underwater naturalist marine conservation Koh Tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-course-koh-tao.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-course-koh-tao-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-course-koh-tao-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1331\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Identifying Marine Life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Included in Underwater Naturalist Specialty course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>2 Underwater Naturalist Open Water training dives<\/li>\n<li>PADI Underwater Naturalist Manual<\/li>\n<li>AWARE \u2013 Our World, Our Water<\/li>\n<li>Dive Insurance<\/li>\n<li>Max 4 students per <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/\">PADI Dive Instructor<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Full set of Aqualung rental equipment including a Dive Computer for your course<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/about-us\/\">Official Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a> T-shirt<\/li>\n<li>PADI certification card<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Prerequisites for the Underwater Naturalist course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum certification:<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/open-water-course\/\"> Open Water Diver<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Minimum Age: 10 years<\/li>\n<li>Recent diving experience \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/scuba-review\/\">scuba review<\/a> if you have not dived in the last 12 months<\/li>\n<li>Medically fit to dive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>During your training, we will build your confidence and skills at your own pace, as you become proficient at the marine life identification techniques taught throughout the course.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1332\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1332\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1332\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-underwater-naturalist-training-thailand.jpg\" alt=\"padi underwater naturalist marine conservation koh tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-underwater-naturalist-training-thailand.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-underwater-naturalist-training-thailand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-underwater-naturalist-training-thailand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-underwater-naturalist-training-thailand-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1332\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">PADI Underwater Naturalist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>1 Day Underwater Naturalist Specialty course<\/h3>\n<p>Our PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course is conducted over two sections; theory and practical, and the course includes two Open Water training dives.<\/p>\n<p>Both training dives allow divers to practice their marine life identification techniques whilst gaining the fundamental knowledge required to better understand species interactions and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_ecosystem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marine ecosystems<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Knowledge Development<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Students need to attend all the instructor-led knowledge development sessions and complete the knowledge reviews with your <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/master-scuba-diver-trainer\/\">specialty diving instructor<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Open Water training practical sessions<\/strong> &#8211; 2 Open Water training dives<\/p>\n<h3>Learning Objectives for Underwater Naturalist course<\/h3>\n<p>Our PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to become an informed and responsible marine protector and underwater explorer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aquatic Ecology Fundamentals:<\/strong> Gain a solid understanding of the key differences between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including factors like pressure, light penetration, and nutrient cycles.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Major Marine Life Groupings:<\/strong> Learn to identify and understand the ecological roles of major marine life groupings like fish, invertebrates, algae, and corals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Symbiotic Relationships:<\/strong> Explore the<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Symbiosis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> fascinating world of symbiosis<\/a>, where different organisms live together in mutually beneficial relationships.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Predator-Prey Interactions:<\/strong> Uncover the dynamics of predator-prey relationships in the ocean, including hunting strategies, defence mechanisms, and their impact on the ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Underwater Behaviour:<\/strong> Learn to recognise and understand various underwater animal behaviours, like communication, feeding strategies, and reproductive patterns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Responsible Diving Practices:<\/strong> Develop and <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/peak-performance-buoyancy\/\">refine buoyancy control<\/a> and other diving techniques to minimise your impact on the underwater environment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Local Marine Life Identification:<\/strong> Gain knowledge about the specific marine plants and animals found in your diving region, enabling you to identify them on your dives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Threats to Marine Ecosystems:<\/strong> Explore the major threats facing our oceans, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conservation Efforts:<\/strong> Understand current conservation efforts and how divers can contribute to protecting the underwater world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Scientific Observation Techniques:<\/strong> Learn basic techniques for observing and recording marine life sightings in a way that can contribute to global citizen science efforts.<\/p>\n<p>By working through these learning objectives, you will become a citizen scientist contributing valuable information to global <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/\">coral reef marine conservation<\/a> efforts.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1333\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1333\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1333\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-marine-conservation-koh-tao.jpg\" alt=\"Padi underwater naturalist marine conservation in Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-marine-conservation-koh-tao.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-marine-conservation-koh-tao-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-marine-conservation-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-marine-conservation-koh-tao-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1333\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Underwater Naturalist Diver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Open Water training dives for Underwater Naturalist course<\/h3>\n<p>Your Underwater Naturalist specialty training dives will be conducted at suitable dive sites around<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/koh-tao\/\"> Koh Tao<\/a>. The choice of dive sites will depend on multiple environmental factors including weather and our current diving schedule.<\/p>\n<h3>Information for PADI Underwater Naturalist course<\/h3>\n<p>Our Underwater Naturalist Specialty course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to become competent divers who can identify fish, invertebrates, and plant species.<\/p>\n<h3>PADI Underwater Naturalist course Schedule<\/h3>\n<p>You will meet your <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-diving-instructor-course\/\">diving instructor<\/a> at 9am ready for the orientation and instructor-led knowledge reviews, which includes completion of your paperwork and the PADI medical statement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>09:00 &#8211; 11:00:<\/strong> Orientation &amp; Knowledge Development<\/p>\n<p><strong>12:15 &#8211; 17:00:<\/strong> Two Underwater Naturalist Open Water training dives<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of all the course requirements you will be certified as an Underwater Naturalist specialty course diver.<\/p>\n<p>The instructor-led knowledge review is conducted on the first morning before the dives and consists of a twenty-question open book knowledge review that your instructor will review with you.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1321\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1321\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1321\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-fish-identification-diving-koh-tao.jpg\" alt=\"fish identification marine conservation Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-fish-identification-diving-koh-tao.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-fish-identification-diving-koh-tao-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-fish-identification-diving-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-fish-identification-diving-koh-tao-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1321\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Diverse Marine Life on Koh Tao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Underwater Naturalist Course Topics<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Discover the meaning of Ecology and Ecosystem<\/li>\n<li>Taxa and how scientists classify organisms<\/li>\n<li>How to classify organisms into different categories<\/li>\n<li>Understand the different types of Symbiosis<\/li>\n<li>Common misconceptions people have about aquatic organisms<\/li>\n<li>Learn of the differences between terrestrial and marine ecosystems<\/li>\n<li>How to minimise your impact underwater when taking photos<\/li>\n<li>Human interactions with marine life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Underwater Naturalist course &#8211; Open Water training dives<\/h3>\n<p>There are two Open Water Underwater Naturalist Specialty course training dives to complete at <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/dive-sites\/\">popular dive sites<\/a> around Koh Tao.<\/p>\n<h4>Underwater Naturalist Dive 1 in Open Water<\/h4>\n<p>On dive 1, your diving instructor will assess your buoyancy to ensure your diver skills are good enough to be collecting marine organism data around coral reefs.<\/p>\n<p>After evaluation of your buoyancy skills and we are confident they are good enough, using your marine life identification slates, you will be asked to passively observe marine life and take notes.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of dive 1, students will be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passively observe marine life whilst demonstrating good buoyancy skills<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate and apply best diving practices to minimise any impact on marine dwelling organisms and the marine environment.<\/li>\n<li>Locate and identify at least two aquatic plants<\/li>\n<li>Locate and identify at least four aquatic invertebrates<\/li>\n<li>Locate and identify at least five aquatic vertebrates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Underwater Naturalist Dive 2 in Open Water<\/h4>\n<p>On dive 2 open water training dive, you will plan the dive with your instructor and by the end of this dive, you will be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passively observe aquatic marine life<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate and apply best diving practices that preserve bottom-dwelling organisms and minimise any impact on the marine environment.<\/li>\n<li>Find and identify examples of symbiotic relationships and predator\/prey relationships.<\/li>\n<li>Find and identify as many human impacts on the marine environment that you can on your dive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After completing both the underwater naturalist dives, your instructor will debrief on everything you have learned and discuss any problems encountered on the dives and how it can be improved next time.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of two Underwater Naturalist specialty course Open Water training dives and meeting all the course requirements, you will be certified as a PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty diver.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1323\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1323\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1323\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-fish-id-conservation-course-koh-tao.jpg\" alt=\"aware fish identification marine conservation Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-fish-id-conservation-course-koh-tao.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-fish-id-conservation-course-koh-tao-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-fish-id-conservation-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-fish-id-conservation-course-koh-tao-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1323\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">AWARE Fish Identification<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Benefits of the PADI Underwater Naturalist course<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.padi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PADI<\/a> Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course will transform your scuba diving experiences from recreational dives into exploration dives of the delicate marine ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>This course is perfect for divers who want to take their diving and marine environment knowledge to the next level and go beyond observing marine life and learn more about how it all works together.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Points of the Underwater Naturalist course<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Enhanced Awareness:<\/strong> You will gain a deeper understanding of the marine environment, including the key differences between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and their interactions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sharper Observation Skills:<\/strong> The course hones your ability to identify various marine plants and animals, allowing you to see marine life you may have missed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Discover Hidden Behaviours:<\/strong> Learn about symbiosis (mutually beneficial relationships), predator-prey interactions, and other fascinating behaviours that shape the underwater world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Responsible Diver:<\/strong> The course emphasises responsible diving practices, ensuring you minimise your impact on the delicate marine environment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Local Ecosystem Knowledge:<\/strong> Gain in-depth knowledge about the specific ecosystem of your diving area, making your dives even more meaningful.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Greater Appreciation:<\/strong> With newly discovered knowledge, you will develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the underwater world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Marine Conservation Advocate:<\/strong> The course empowers you to become an ocean ambassador, understanding the threats marine ecosystems face and looking at ways to protect them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More Rewarding Dives:<\/strong> Every dive becomes a discovery mission, transforming familiar dive sites into exciting opportunities to learn and observe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Connect with Other Divers:<\/strong> The course encourages a sense of community with other divers who share your passion for the underwater world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>PADI Course Requirements:<\/strong> The Underwater Naturalist Specialty course can contribute towards the <span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">PADI Master Scuba Diver<\/span> rating (check with your instructor for details).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1322\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1322\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1322\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-aware-fish-id-training-thailand.jpg\" alt=\"fish identification marine conservation Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-aware-fish-id-training-thailand.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-aware-fish-id-training-thailand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-aware-fish-id-training-thailand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-aware-fish-id-training-thailand-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1322\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coral Reefs of Koh Tao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Become an Underwater Naturalist specialty diver<\/h3>\n<p>By taking this course, you will become a knowledgeable and responsible underwater naturalist, which will help to make your dives more enriching and help to contribute to the protection and conservation of our oceans.<\/p>\n<p>Build on your knowledge and skills as a scuba diver and sign up for the PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty diving course and make a difference.<\/p>\n<p>Koh Tao is a great location to go fun diving and explore our PADI Specialty courses. With our expert diving instructors, <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-divemaster-course\/\">PADI Divemasters<\/a>, custom dive boat and quality dive equipment,<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/\">&nbsp;Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a>&nbsp;can meet the needs of all certified divers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;fun&nbsp;dive <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/\">pricing<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/accommodation\/\">AC Rooms<\/a> or Shared Rooms and our daily dive site schedule.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>Book Underwater Naturalist<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>PRICE<\/strong>: 5,000&nbsp;THB<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;pl-lg sticky-col&#8221;]<div class=\"sticky-sidebar-wrapper\">\r\n                    <div class=\"sticky-sidebar\">[vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=&#8221;sidebar-page&#8221;]<\/div>\r\n                <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">What to expect<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Watch Our Video<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1280px; margin: 0 auto;\">[vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Vx7OqQcJZlk&#8221;]<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">GALLERY<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Check Out Our Pictures<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1320px; margin: 0 auto;\"><div class=\"gallery popup-gallery\" id=\"gallery-6405\"><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Identifying Marine Life\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"PADI Underwater Naturalist\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-underwater-naturalist-training-thailand-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Underwater Naturalist Diver\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-naturalist-marine-conservation-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"AWARE Fish Identification\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-fish-id-conservation-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button center\">Book A Course<\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq0\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is the cost of the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq0\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The course is priced at 5,000 THB and includes 2 Open Water training dives, PADI Underwater Naturalist Manual, dive insurance, full equipment rental including a dive computer, and our guarantee of a maximum of 4 students per PADI Instructor.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq1\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What are the prerequisites for the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq1\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        You must be at least an Open Water Diver, minimum age 10 years, have recent diving experience (a scuba review if you have not dived in the last 12 months), and be medically fit to dive.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq2\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How long does the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course take?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq2\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The course takes 1 day to complete and includes knowledge development sessions in the morning and two Open Water training dives in the afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq3\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What will I learn during the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq3\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        You will learn how to identify various marine life, understand ecological relationships, develop responsible diving practices, and gain a deeper appreciation of the underwater environment.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq4\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Why should I take the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq4\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        By taking this course, you will enhance your diving experience, become a more informed diver, and contribute to marine conservation efforts by understanding and protecting the underwater ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq5\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is the difference between a regular dive and an Underwater Naturalist dive?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq5\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        A regular dive is often focused on the big picture &#8211; seeing the reef and its inhabitants. An Underwater Naturalist dive is about the fine print.<\/p>\n<p>It shifts your focus from just seeing marine life to understanding why it is there and how it interacts with its environment.<\/p>\n<p>At Isla Tortuga Divers, we teach you to move beyond being a tourist to becoming an observer of the complex symbioses and biological roles that keep the ecosystems of Koh Tao thriving.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq6\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Will I learn specifically about the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq6\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Absolutely. While the course covers universal ecological principles &#8211; such as the differences between the vertebrate and invertebrate kingdoms &#8211; we apply those lessons directly to our local environment.<\/p>\n<p>During your two training dives at sites like White Rock or Shark Island, our elite PADI Professionals will help you identify local symbiotic relationships, such as the bond between goby fish and blind shrimp or the protective role of anemones for clownfish.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq7\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Does this course involve a lot of complex science?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq7\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The course is designed to be accessible and engaging for divers of all backgrounds. We avoid dry academic lectures in favor of practical, observable biology.<\/p>\n<p>You will learn the basic groupings of marine life and how to recognize different types of coral, sponges, and crustaceans.<\/p>\n<p>Our goal at Isla Tortuga Divers is to give you a biological lens through which to view the ocean, making every future dive more interesting as you begin to recognize patterns and behaviors.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq8\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How does the Underwater Naturalist specialty help protect the ocean?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq8\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Understanding the reef is the first step toward protecting it. When you learn about the fragility of the inter-connectedness of marine life, you naturally become a more careful and eco-conscious diver.<\/p>\n<p>By understanding which organisms are particularly vulnerable to touch or sediment, you develop a higher level of respect for the underwater world.<\/p>\n<p>As an industry authority on conservation, we believe that educated divers are the most effective ambassadors for our oceans.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq9\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Why should I take this course at Isla Tortuga Divers?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq9\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        When you train at our 5-Star IDC center, you are mentored by professionals who live and breathe marine ecology.<\/p>\n<p>We don&#8217;t just teach from a manual; we share years of experience observing the subtle changes and fascinating behaviors of the reefs here in Koh Tao.<\/p>\n<p>Our friendly approach ensures you get the personal attention needed to spot the hidden marine life and understand the unique ecological stories that make diving in Thailand so spectacular.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]The PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty is an educational program that focuses on the complex relationships between marine organisms and their environment. At Isla Tortuga Divers, students learn about the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers within the reef ecosystem. This course transforms a standard dive into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1333,"parent":408,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-797","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course | Isla Tortuga Divers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"PADI underwater naturalist specialty course is a one day course with two dives to learn more about fish behaviour and marine invertebrates\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/underwater-naturalist\/\" \/>\n<meta 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