Laut

Based in Kamakura, in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture, Laut has been welcoming divers since 2002. As a PADI 5 Star IDC centre led by a shop manager who holds the rank of Course Director — PADI's highest instructor level — this is a place built around teaching, with a genuine focus on sharpening skills from the very first breath underwater through to professional training.

Courses and diving for every level

The shop runs around 100 different courses, spanning everything from beginner lessons to tech diving and professional development. Local guiding covers dive sites in Kanagawa, while day trips reach the Chiba and Izu areas, and longer tours head out to the Izu Seven Islands, Okinawa and overseas. Lessons and tours are kept to small groups, with schedules arranged to suit you.

Underwater you might encounter sharks, whales, turtles, rays and a variety of ocean fish. On land, divers have an onsite classroom, free Wi-Fi and parking, plus Nitrox and equipment rental. Instruction is offered in Japanese, making Laut a natural fit for divers keen to progress with expert guidance.