Are you thinking about investing in a wetsuit but are not sure whether to purchase a scuba diving wetsuit or a surfing wetsuit? Do you take part in both activities and are wondering if you can buy a thermal protection suit that’s multipurpose? In this blog, we aim to set out the key differences between wetsuits for diving and wetsuits for surfing and what makes them specific to each activity.

Divers often ask instructors, “What’s the best course for me to take next?” It’s an understandable question, but often surprisingly hard to answer. Your “best” next course really depends on you, what excites you about diving, where you dive and where you want to dive.

This article was written by Vikki Batten, PADI International Ltd Technical Consultant, and originally published on the TecRec blog on April 16, 2010.

This article was written by Martin Robson, PADI TecRec Trimix Instructor, Sidemount and Cave IT, and originally published on the TecRec blog on March 10, 2010.

This article was originally written by Jeff Loflin, TecRec Instructor Trainer, and published on the TecRec blog on February 16, 2010.

Scuba diving is one of the most unfiltered, exciting and rewarding ways to experience our blue planet. Indeed, we believe in the great and equalizing power of the ocean to help, heal, challenge and change people. While women represent a little less than 40% of all divers worldwide, there’s still a notable gender gap when it comes to professional diving: women currently represent only 20% of all PADI Pros. That’s lower than in medicine (34%), the legal profession (38%) and financial services (less than 33%). 

When it comes to equipment design, have you ever wondered how certain key measurements came into existence? An interesting example is the measurement between the two holes on a backplate.

Namibia has some amazing diving places for technical diving. We have Dragon’s Breath, the largest underwater lake in the world, Otjikoto lake, with some German First World War cannons, and the extensive cave systems of Guinas and Harisep lakes. The latter are commonly visited by expeditions from all around the world who leave fascinated by the sites’ beauty and uniqueness.

If you want to learn about ocean conservation and how you can contribute to saving the ocean, the updated PADI AWARE Specialty course is perfect for you. This course focuses on 10 tips to save the ocean, giving you the tools to make a difference for the beautiful ocean every time you dive, travel, or go about your daily life. Now supported by eLearning, this course and tips are easier than ever to access – you can complete the academic portion of the course at your own pace, using your desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Here’s a sneak preview of the course’s all-new 10 tips to save the ocean!

The PADI Travel team is comprised of experienced divers and PADI Pros who have explored more than 60 dive destinations worldwide. They excel at assisting divers and travelers in finding dive sites that align with their skill level, budget and expectations. In this article, we have compiled 10 dive travel destinations (plus a bonus!) from the PADI Travel Experts that will help you discover your next diving adventure. Get ready for an extraordinary underwater journey with their expert guidance!

This year, forget the gift card they’ll never use and give the ultimate gift – a dive trip! You’ll undoubtedly win “best present” by giving an invitation to the dive trip of dreams.

The simple answer is: commercial divers get paid to work underwater and recreational divers dive for fun. It’s a bit like driving an 18-wheel truck versus taking a scenic drive on holiday.

We spend a lot of time, rightly, pointing out that technical diving is not for everyone. It’s for experienced divers, we say. It’s for those who want to go beyond current limits and are willing to accept the added risks, training, investment and commitment it demands. That’s true, but be we should be careful not to exclude anyone from trying Tec 40.

This time last week, it was International Women’s Day. To be honest, I’m always in two minds about Women’s events, awards, records, etc. I understand the need to highlight inequality and injustice and fight for change. I also realise that we often measure people on sports that are traditionally male, e.g. running, jumping, strength etc, so we split competitions into male and female for better comparison.

Back in 2010, I was backpacking Southeast Asia, being a traveling bum. I used to live on instant noodles, street food and sleep in the cheapest accommodation money could buy, just so I could conserve money to pay for my addiction… scuba diving!!!!

Seas the season! Embark on a mystical journey beneath the surface as we dive into the enchanting world of mermaids, where glittering tails and oceanic wonders await. What better way to spread cheer than by discovering the perfect mermaid gifts for those who call the deep blue their home? Whether you’re shopping for a friend who dreams of underwater adventures or a family member with a deep-seated love for all things marine magic, our guide is here to make a splash.

Few places can capture a diver’s imagination like the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching over 1,430 miles (2,300 kilometers) along the eastern coast of Australia, this natural wonder is home to abundant marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Whether a beginner or an experienced diver, diving in the Great Barrier Reef should be on your bucket list.

Wearing the best ocean jewelry offers an easy way for anyone to show a deep connection to the world’s oceans. Through enchanting designs and eco-conscious themes, scuba diving jewelry doesn’t just look great, it also says a lot about the person wearing it. And it definitely falls into the category of best scuba gift ideas for her, for him or for anyone who loves being close to water.

Divers and ocean lovers are known for decorating their homes with a touch of the deep blue. From seashell decor to mesmerizing aquatic-themed artwork, they tend to craft a serene underwater environment with the best home decor for ocean lovers. Even morning routines can be ocean-inspired, sipping coffee from mugs with marine life prints. These scuba diving gift ideas for the home are ideal as they bring the tranquility of the ocean into daily life. 

Diving in Colombia and want to know what marine life you could encounter? Offering diving opportunities in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Colombia is the perfect destination for your next diving certification or vacation. No matter whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete beginner getting PADI Open Water Diver certified, Colombia’s marine life will leave your endlessly inspired. In this article, we’ll dive into the enchanting world of Colombian marine life.

I was chatting with a friend about eco-friendly gift wrapping and mentioned, “My family has been passing around the same gift bows since the 1990s!” I expected her to be impressed, or at least amused. Instead, she smirked. Her family has been reusing the same holiday wrapping paper for years.

A piece of the best scuba diving apparel, such as a hat, a jacket or a bracelet, is always a reliable gift idea if you’re looking for the best gifts for divers. In addition to being functional, clothing is a popular way for scuba and ocean enthusiasts to proudly showcase their passion. Whether it’s a stylish, shark-adorned t-shirt or a manta ray-shaped jewelry piece, the best scuba apparel can provide a tangible connection to the underwater world when a direct connection with water isn’t possible. 

Sharks are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of many people around the world. Whether you’re a fan of their power and grace or simply find them intriguing, there’s no denying that sharks have a special place in our hearts. If you know someone who loves sharks as much as we do, why not surprise them with shark gifts this holiday season?

Are you passionate about ocean conservation? Do you want to actively contribute to protecting our marine environment? Look no further than PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, your gateway to meaningful conservation efforts. 

Bonaire is known as one of the best shore-diving locations in the world. The way the island has cultivated and created this shore diving infrastructure is like no other, keep reading to learn how diving in Bonaire works.

One of the reasons we love scuba diving is the magical marine life encounters: seahorses tucked in seagrass, turtles munching on seaweed, and mighty whale sharks scooping up plankton. But how often do you pause to appreciate the ocean plants our favorite creatures rely on for food and shelter?

Whether artificial intelligence (AI) will help or destroy humanity is yet to be decided. But it could help us talk to whales.

The Caribbean is a diver’s wonderland. The tropical, clear waters and rich marine life make this corner of the ocean a must-see for every serious diver. If you’re deciding which country or dive site to visit, there seem to be endless options. It can be overwhelming to choose where to go, but that’s where we come in! This article presents you with five of the best dive resorts in the Caribbean. We want to help you whittle down your list, so you can hit the Caribbean running.

When it comes to scuba diving, most things have to be seen to be believed. No matter how many photos you see, videos you watch and documentaries you follow, they can’t hold a candle to first-hand experience. Such is the case of bioluminescence diving.

You already know CPR is a medical technique which can potentially double a patient’s chances of survival during a cardiac arrest. Now you’re ready to acquire CPR competency for yourself in case you are ever faced with an emergency situation. Naturally, you have some questions, like is it easy to learn CPR? Is CPR hard to perform? And how long does it take to learn CPR? 

Hey, I’m Amélie, I’m 17 and I love scuba diving! Recently I’ve been on an incredible diving journey with my family doing the PADI Rescue Diver course. In this blog post, I’m going to take you through my scuba diving journey, with a special focus on the PADI Rescue Diver course.

Have you ever been watching sports and found yourself wondering if any of your favorite sports stars share your passion for the underwater world? Well, the answer is a definite yes! There are loads of pro athletes who dive After all, can you imagine any better way to escape from the stress of competing at the highest level than putting a tank on your back and jumping into the big blue? 

In high school and university, I loved learning about science, but I didn’t love science classes. For example, I found documentaries about black holes and

This is a tale about how an unforeseen encounter and a mutual passion for diving can completely alter the course of your life.

Oftentimes, Instagram only portrays the most exciting aspect of our lives – whether it’s our annual vacations or our big life milestones. Instagram can often make people feel like their personal lives are not as invigorating or thrilling as they should be. That said, we can also use Instagram as motivation to finally chase after the items on our bucket list. If the idea of scuba diving has ever crossed your mind, then don’t push it off any longer. Make your Instagram photos a reflection of your dreams and goals!

When you hear about Cuba, scuba diving is probably not the first association that comes to your mind. Handmade cigars, aged rums and old cars might be what most people think about, but what if we told you that Cuba hosts the third largest reef in the world? The Gardens of the Queen, or Jardines de la Reina in Spanish, is a complex ecosystem of small virgin islands and mangrove forests where you can find untouched reefs, curious sharks and mighty crocodiles. Located 50 miles (80 km) off Cuba’s southern coast, extending for 93 miles (150 km) and with an area of 840 square miles (2,170km2), this is one of the largest protected areas in the Caribbean.

Does your household have enough food, water, and basic supplies to last 72 hours or more? Whether you’re building your first emergency kits or already have a disaster preparedness kit, the purpose of this article is to ensure your stock of emergency supplies includes all the essential items.

Does your household have enough food, water, and basic supplies to last 72 hours or more? Whether you’re building your first emergency kits or already have a disaster preparedness kit, the purpose of this article is to ensure your stock of emergency supplies includes all the essential items.

Why consider a CPR certification course? Did you know that during cardiac arrest, the odds of survival decrease by 7% to 10% every minute, and the average response time for emergency personnel is 8 to 12 minutes? When CPR can be started right away, the patient’s chance for survival can double or even triple.* In a study reported by the National Institute of Health, survival rates for cardiac arrest were extremely low when bystander CPR was not administered.

Why consider a CPR certification course? Did you know that during cardiac arrest, the odds of survival decrease by 7% to 10% every minute, and the average response time for emergency personnel is 8 to 12 minutes? When CPR can be started right away, the patient’s chance for survival can double or even triple.* In a study reported by the National Institute of Health, survival rates for cardiac arrest were extremely low when bystander CPR was not administered.

You know the acronym, and you’re likely familiar with what the procedure looks like, but what does CPR stands for?

Welcome, fellow ocean enthusiasts, to a truly inspiring story of resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of scuba diving. Today, we have the privilege of sharing the remarkable journey of Geoff Robinson, a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, who made the courageous decision to change his career in pursuit of better mental health and rediscovered the wonders of the underwater world alongside his son. Join us as we delve into Geoff’s story, tracing his path from fear to passion and from self-discovery to a profound connection with his son.

Are you an ocean newbie looking for an out-there vacation, or perhaps a seasoned diver searching for your next adventure? Either way, seeking out the world’s best marine life encounters will help you create the ultimate travel wishlist.

If you’ve been diving awhile, you likely have a good idea of what tec diving (a.k.a “technical diving”) is, or you are one. But if you’ve only been around diving for a bit, you’ve likely heard of it, but not know exactly what it is and why some divers (including me) do it.

The PADI Professionals featured here embody what it means to be a positive force for people and planet. Nominated by PADI Regional Headquarters, each Ocean Torchbearer Award Winner has created a positive impact in their community in one (or more) of PADI’s Pillars of Change: Ocean Conservation, Dive Industry Sustainability, and People & Humanity. We’d like to congratulate each Ocean Torchbearer Award Winner for their work in making our ocean planet a better place to work, play, and live.

In this article, we will look at threats to the cave environment, and how divers can help to protect it for the future.

Cristina Zenato received the top award at Eurotek in Birmingham, UK on October 9, 2016.

With hundreds of countries and varying divers’ interests, shortlisting the world’s best scuba diving destinations is certainly pretty tough.

My name is Eleonora, and I just turned 19. I am now a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, and this is my story.

It all started in 2012 when I was on holiday in Abu Dabbab, Egypt. My parents decided to give me a completely new experience for my tenth birthday — a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience.

Scuba diving jobs offer fantastic travel opportunities and a great way of life. They can also pay well. If living your underwater dreams and making money at the same time sounds like a dream to you, it’s time to become a professional diver. In this blog, we take a look at high paying jobs for scuba divers. Keep in mind that many of these careers will require training above and beyond recreational diving.

Anyone who has ever been scuba diving or has a curiosity about the world beneath the surface knows how special an experience with sharks and rays can be. Although we all want to have a memorable time with one of these creatures, not everyone knows the best protocols for when they actually see a shark or ray underwater. However, diving and snorkeling using the best practices for interactions with sharks and rays is vital. It’s the best way to protect both yourself and the animals.

Koh Tao, Thailand’s world-renowned diving paradise, has unveiled two exciting additions to its underwater world: the HTMS Suphairin and the HTMS Hanhak Sattru wrecks. These wrecks, once serving as fast attack craft for the Royal Thai Navy, now offer thrilling opportunities for divers to explore and discover the rich marine life and history hidden beneath the waves.

Let’s talk about the possibility of needing to refresh your scuba skills after getting yourself PADI certified. It can happen for any number of reasons. These include a long gap between your certification and your first fun dive or simply because you lost a little confidence after finding yourself in the open water. 

Just off Ireland’s western coast, the Aran Islands sit, like a gateway, between the Irish mainland and the Atlantic Ocean. The largest of these islands is Inishmore. This tiny, 31 square kilometer (12 square mile) island is surrounded by the magnificent blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and makes the ideal summer vacation destination if you enjoy activities like diving, hiking, and cycling. 

From rainbow-colored coral reefs to mesmerizing marine life, the underwater world is crammed full of memory-worthy visuals. It’s unsurprising that one of the best ways people like to remember these magical moments is with an underwater portrait or selfie. To ensure you get the most Selfie Day-worthy images possible, we’ve put together some of our top tips for producing the best scuba diving portraits and underwater selfies.

If you’re in India and the sea beckons, you’re in luck. Some of the world’s most breathtaking diving destinations are just a short flight away. So, grab your gear, and let’s dive in to discover the best scuba diving destinations for Indians.

If we’re honest with ourselves, all of us ocean enthusiasts know we should be asking ourselves how we can make a difference in the face of threats facing the ocean. After all, we see the sea, recognize what’s happening and know that its future depends on making changes. If we don’t do advocate for and put such changes in motion, who will? Again, if we’re self-honest, no one will. It’s up to us. So, to have a passion for the ocean, yet not do anything to protect it, seems a bit hypocritical and selfish to me.

PADI’s second Pillar of Change, Dive Industry Sustainability, was created to leverage our global influence to encourage the major dive industry players to reduce their environmental impact. It’s also a means for us to ensure diving is a regenerative activity that positively benefits people and the world.

PADI’s third Pillar of Change, People & Humanity, was created to foster diversity and inclusion in the dive industry and support local communities. PADI was founded on the core belief that the oceans should be accessible to all. We strive to create an environment of openness across our industry with a shared understanding that ‘underwater we all speak the same language.’ As the world’s largest network of underwater explorers, the inclusive nature and diversity of diving is something that we celebrate and honor.

Water covers over 70% of the surface of our planet, so it’s puzzling why it’s called Planet Earth and not Planet Ocean. The ocean has long inspired us with the mysterious secrets that lie beneath the surface. But it’s only recently that technology has allowed us to explore deeper, beyond the shore. Yet, one question remains ever intriguing: how deep is the ocean?

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is the newest country in Southeast Asia with a magnificent array of coral reefs and fish species located in the Coral Triangle between Indonesia and Australia. As a relatively new diving destination, its dive sites have, for the most part, only been recently discovered, and the country’s waters have yet to be fully explored. More and more divers are arriving all the time to see the country’s hidden beauty underneath the surface. More excitement awaits as a new shipwreck was recently added to the area!

PADI and National Geographic Pristine Seas have teamed up to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Here’s how PADI Dive Centers will play a critical role in the process.

The PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action empowers divers and non-divers looking to create meaningful ocean change with clear actions they can take at both the local and global level.

Are you tempted to explore a little bit deeper on your dives? Do you want to roam sunken wrecks and cruise through canyons that lie beyond the limits of your dive cert? If so, the PADI Deep Diver Specialty course might be right for you. Grab your gear, strap on your fins, and let’s plunge into the depths together.

In the world of pizza delivery, there are countless tales of dedicated drivers but what about dedicated divers? That’s right, there’s actually an underwater pizza delivery man – talk about a unique job description! You’re probably wondering how can pizza even be delivered underwater? Well, meet Rob Doyle, the extraordinary pizza delivery expert who has perfected the art of delivering hot and fresh pizzas to an exclusive underwater hotel. That hotel is known as Jules’ Undersea Lodge, located about 21 feet (6.5 meters) below the surface in Key Largo, Florida.

Scuba diving – and the incredible underwater world beneath the surface – does wonders for the mind, body and soul. We believe diving has the power to change lives, and this holds true no matter whether you’re a beginner, novice or professional. With the 2023 American football season kicking off soon, we caught up with three NFL players who shared how scuba diving and being in the PADI community have helped them win, on and off the field.

Family vacations are special opportunities to spend quality time together and make cherished memories. What better way to do so than exploring the ocean together at a magical diving destination? Planning where to go on vacation can be tricky, depending on your children’s ages, everyone’s diving abilities and interests, so we’ve picked a variety of family-friendly diving destinations to help you start your search! From resorts to liveaboards in beautiful locations around the globe, these outstanding destinations offer land and water activities for all ages and skills. Here are five of the best diving destinations for families!

Family vacations are special opportunities to spend quality time together and make cherished memories. What better way to do so than exploring the ocean together at a magical diving destination? Planning where to go on vacation can be tricky, depending on your children’s ages, everyone’s diving abilities and interests, so we’ve picked a variety of family-friendly diving destinations to help you start your search! From resorts to liveaboards in beautiful locations around the globe, these outstanding destinations offer land and water activities for all ages and skills. Here are five of the best diving destinations for families!

For me, the ocean and space have always gone hand in hand. Both are challenging, low oxygen environments but both hold wonder, curiosity and imagination for so many. They unite us as to the beauty of our planet. As soon as I took my first breath underwater, I was absolutely hooked, but little did I know where diving would lead me and how it would also help me on my journey to becoming an astronaut.

For me, the ocean and space have always gone hand in hand. Both are challenging, low oxygen environments but both hold wonder, curiosity and imagination for so many. They unite us as to the beauty of our planet. As soon as I took my first breath underwater, I was absolutely hooked, but little did I know where diving would lead me and how it would also help me on my journey to becoming an astronaut.

Introducing Puerto Lopez, the town on the coast of Manabí, Ecuador where, every year, the biggest manta ray aggregation arrives looking for cleaning stations.

19th July 2023: After six weeks of eLearning and constant study, I was now ready to take on the challenge of my PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC).

Shark attacks? The deep abyss? The unknown or the general thought of being underwater might bring fear to many non-divers. But for scuba divers, what they are really afraid of is much different. After polling our social media audience and discussing scuba diving fears with certified divers near and far, what scares divers most stems from a more practical side of the sport.

As a certified diver, you might be looking for ways to engage with your local dive community. But how do you go about making connections and creating those life-long diving buddies you have been looking for? In this blog, we aim to guide you toward the easiest and most effective ways of getting connected – joining a dive club near you.

What color do you see when you think of the ocean? How about when you imagine diving in the ocean? You answered, blue, right? The ocean is blue; however, do you know why? Below, we’ll explore the cool science behind why the ocean is blue, and why it sometimes is not.

There’s no knowing where, when or what kind of a medical emergency is going to occur. It could be a heart attack in a workplace or a choking incident at a restaurant. No matter what incident you’re faced with, the last thing you want to feel in the moment is helplessness. By having a first aid certification under your belt, you’ll have the knowledge and the confidence to act in many emergency situations.

Freediving pushes the boundaries of human capability in the aquatic world. It involves divers striving to achieve impressive depths or durations on a breath hold while adhering to strict safety protocols. The sport offers various disciplines, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specific skills. In this article, we will explore the seven different disciplines of freediving.

Two recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports (IPCC 2018; Bindoff et al. 2019) summarize the existing projections of future coral bleaching, stating that coral reefs as we know them will all but disappear in a scenario of up to 2°C (3.6°F) warming. Additionally, up to 90% of coral reefs could be lost even with an increase of 1.5°C (2.7°F), which is now predicted to occur as soon as 2027. With the Tongan volcanic eruption appearing to have accelerated this process by 10 years, we are running out of time and need to take immediate action.

Belgium may be a small country, but its diving opportunities are anything but modest. The country offers several quarries turned dive sites that provide a safe and controlled environment for divers of all levels. There are also some very popular lakes which offer great diving opportunities. Interestingly, sea dives are not very common in Belgium, and divers travel more to the neighboring Netherlands for their saltwater adventures.  

When it comes to scuba diving destinations, diving in the Netherlands might not come to mind first thing. It may be a small country and known for its picturesque windmills and tulip fields; however, hidden beneath the surface are some remarkable dive sites that offer unique underwater experiences. From historic shipwrecks to vibrant marine life, diving in this region is an adventure waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive into the depths and explore the captivating world beneath the surface in the Netherlands. 

Have you ever wondered how much of the ocean has been explored? The answer to this may dazzle you. Although humans have been around for nearly 200,000 years, we’ve only just scraped the surface of underwater exploration. With numbers varying slightly depending on which agency’s data you’re looking at, we’ve chartered and mapped roughly 20% of the ocean and have only physically seen or been to 5%. 

What does it mean to “Live Unfiltered?”

If you want to try scuba diving but aren’t ready to commit to a certification course, you have a few options: a PADI® Discover Scuba Diving® experience (also known as a DSD®) and…other programs. 

Belize is renowned as one of the meccas of scuba diving globally — particularly for the Belize Great Barrier Reef. This is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere! Exploring Belize from a dive resort allows a blend of action, adventure and relaxation. We’ve done the work for you, and collected the 5 best Belize dive resorts! Each of these Belize dive resorts have PADI 5-star dive centers onsite or in close proximity, and they suit a wide range of budgets.

It’s the summer dive season in the northern hemisphere, which for many of us means local diving and air travel to resort destinations. But, if you’ve not done it – or have not done it in awhile – there’s a third option that can get you underwater even more. As I learned to love while living in the midwest, it’s the diving road trip – going by car (or truck, van etc.) beyond what you’d call “local” diving. In some locations there’s great destination diving with only 1-2 hours, but depending upon where you live, 4-6 hours may be reasonable and well worth the drive time.