Local dive courses and boat trips
Teach diving courses and run local shore and boat dives as a qualified instructor.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,667 UK companies in this field, 33% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 79120 “Tour operator activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You run beginner and advanced diving courses with pool sessions and open-water dives, plus guided shore or boat dives at local sites. You hire out kit and may arrange air fills.
Your first three steps
- Confirm your instructor qualification and its insurance with an agency such as PADI, SSI or BSAC
- Line up a local pool, dive site and boat or charter option, and get quotes
- Price a starter course and a guided dive day, then offer them to local clubs and friends
Who pays
Beginners wanting a first qualification, certified divers wanting to progress, and groups such as friends or work teams trying diving.
How it makes money
A fee per course or trip, with extra income from kit hire, air fills and certification materials.
Skills that help
- Recognised diving instructor qualification
- Calm teaching and safety awareness
- Planning around tides, weather and group needs
Watch out for
- Health and Safety Executive rules for diving at work, which can apply to instructors, so check what applies to you
- Instructor liability, public liability and equipment insurance
- Boat charter: check the vessel and skipper meet Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements
- Cylinder and regulator servicing and testing, and safe storage of kit
- Diving is weather and season dependent, so income can vary
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a diving business in the UK?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how much kit you buy, your insurance and your servicing needs. Work out your own figures before committing to equipment or boat charter.
What rules should I check before teaching diving?
Check whether Health and Safety Executive rules for diving at work apply to you as an instructor. Also check instructor liability, public liability and equipment insurance, and that any chartered boat and skipper meet Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements.
How much can a dive instructor business earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many courses and trips you run. Diving is weather and season dependent, so income can vary through the year.
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