Dive in Sidemount Configuration on Malapascua Island
The PADI Sidemount Recreational Specialty introduces you to an alternative way to carry your cylinders — mounted at your sides rather than on your back. Many divers find sidemount more comfortable, better for trim, and easier on the back. This course is for recreational divers who want to explore the configuration without going into technical diving.
Learn to dive in paradise
Course Overview
A two-day course combining theory and in-water training, finishing with open water specialty dives in sidemount configuration.
- Duration: 2 days
- 4 training and specialty dives
- PADI Sidemount Diver certification (recreational)
- Sidemount equipment provided for the course
Course Overview
The course has two main components:
Knowledge Development
Learn about sidemount equipment setup, cylinder attachment, regulator configuration, and the benefits of the sidemount position for horizontal trim and buoyancy. Covers recreational limits and when sidemount makes sense.
Pool / Confined Water
Practice assembling your sidemount rig, entering the water, achieving neutral buoyancy, and managing two regulators in a controlled, shallow environment before moving to open water.
Open Water Dives
Specialty dives at Malapascua’s local sites in full sidemount configuration. You’ll practise buoyancy, trim, and cylinder management in real dive conditions with instructor guidance.
Study Materials
The course uses the PADI Sidemount Diver specialty manual. Available in print or as a digital download, included in the course price.
You can review the theory before you arrive if you prefer to get more dive time on the water.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) required. Minimum age is 15. No prior specialty certifications are needed for the recreational version of this course.
Download medical exam formYour Instructors
Our instructors are experienced with both recreational and technical sidemount diving and can advise on whether to pursue the recreational or technical version based on your goals.
Interested in Technical Diving?
If you want to go further — deeper dives with more decompression flexibility — ask about the PADI Sidemount TEC Specialty or the TEC 40 course as natural next steps.
Technical sidemount builds directly on the skills from this recreational course.
Combine Courses
The recreational Sidemount Specialty pairs well with the Advanced Open Water Course or Nitrox. If you’re already thinking about technical diving, combining with TEC 40 is the most efficient path forward.
Inquire about this course
Inquire about this course
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