Dive South

Located in Poole, Dive South has been a staple of the Dorset diving community since 2008. As the first RAID training centre in the region, they have built a reputation for a meticulous approach to training that prioritises skill mastery over mere certification.

You will find an environment that values precision, whether you are working on your buoyancy in a shallow setting or progressing through technical stages. The centre is geared towards divers who want to build a solid foundation of confidence and competence through a tailored, calm learning process.

The team at Dive South is composed of experienced instructors who specialise in technical disciplines, including sidemount. They maintain a strict ratio of four divers per guide, ensuring that you receive the individual attention necessary to perfect your trim and gas management.

Instruction is conducted in English, and the centre provides a professional, supportive atmosphere for both novice and advanced divers. Beyond training, the centre hosts an active diving club, facilitating local excursions and organised trips for the community.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering every stage from Try Dive and Scuba Diver Open Water through to Divemaster and Instructor levels. For those looking to advance their skills, they offer Advanced 35, Deep 40, and Underwater Navigation.

Specialised training is a core strength of the centre, with specific courses for Sidemount Diver, Wreck Diver, and Advanced Wreck Diver. They also offer Enriched Air (Nitrox), Night & Limited Visibility, and Drysuit Diver training. For those interested in technical progression, the curriculum includes Master Rescue Diver and various RAID-specific modules.

The centre provides a range of facilities for both training and recreational diving. While you are welcome to use your own personal kit, rental equipment is available for those who need it.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom times. The facility is set up to support a variety of diving needs, from entry-level recreational students to advanced technical divers.

The local waters host a variety of larger marine life, including rays, dogfish sharks, and common dolphins. You may also encounter grey seals or even manta rays depending on the conditions.

In the shallower areas like Kimmeridge Bay, the seabed is often covered in sea anemones. Other common residents include cuttlefish, octopus, and bobtail squids.

For those interested in macro life, the area supports various species including octopus and cuttlefish.

The local area offers a variety of environments, from easy drift dives to more structured sites. Diving conditions vary depending on the specific location, with sites ranging from shallow shore entries to more technical profiles.