Even Jacques Cousteau has cited Poor Knights Islands among the world's top diving destinations. Here, the cold currents meet the warm ones, and aside from tropical fish, you can observe also graceful eagle ray or huge manta ray... Attributable to its volcanic origin, the magic underwater world of this 11 million years old island features sheer stone walls, caves and tunnels. http://diving.co.nz
Shortly about scuba diving training: Anyone can learn scuba diving, as no special physical preparedness is needed. There is nothing extreme about it, unless you venture to dive into caves or other risky underwater areas. Several schools in Latvia offer scuba diving training and issue internationally recognized certifications. The most widespread is PADI training system, which allows diving anyplace in the world, wherever you see PADI sign. The 1st level initial Open Waters Diver certification provides that you can dive to a maximum depth of 18m. The 2nd level Advanced Open Waters Diver certification allows extending ones maximum depth to 40m. A total of 5 dives must be completed for this purpose - 2 core dives comprise a deep and underwater navigation. And then you can choose 3 adventure dives - dive into a current, identify fishes, dive with a scooter, etc. There is a possibility to pass training and obtain a certification abroad too, at the same time getting the first glimpse of exotic underwater world there. Another option is to pass the first level in Latvia, and then continue elsewhere in the world - where visibility is better and water warmer. To be able to dive in very cold water using dry suit, you have to complete a Dry Suit Specialty training course as well.