Welcome to our dive school

Whether you've already passed your first diving course, or are looking to dive for the first time, we can help you!

We offer courses from beginner through to Divemaster and specialty courses in between; all our instruction is given by experienced PADI instructors.

Our diving based courses are run from either our RIB or one of our hardboats, which means that you'll be learning in the environment you'll be predominantly diving in; the sea. On the Isle of Portland, Dorset, our location in Castletown is a popular diving area and we have all the facilities you need in one place, so all you have to think about is your diving. You'll get a taster for some of the UK's best diving and a good grounding for your future diving.

We currently only teach recreational diving courses, but if you are interested in the technical aspects of diving please talk to us – we will be able to point you in the right direction!

Get Diving

Once you've completed your course it's important just to GO DIVING. Practicing your skills and building your experience is just as important as doing a course. Scimitar offers a dive charter facility from beginners to experienced divers. If you have just completed your course, or if you're new to UK sea diving we can arrange an instructor or experienced buddy to go diving with you and assist until you are comfortable and happy in your diving.

We also have a club attached to the school, which gives divers the opportunity to meet new people and explore new places. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by numerous wrecks, which are well worth a visit, and for those of you who are interested in marine life, the wrecks provide an artificial reef and are full of life.

The club will be arranging talks and courses during the coming year – including photography courses and wreck appreciation courses – there's something to interest everyone. We welcome divers of all levels and agencies so just come along and join in.

Our club dives are not just in Portland but include Swanage, Plymouth and other destinations such as Malta.