Learning to dive can be a life-changing decision. Not only does scuba diving offer an escape from the everyday, above-the-surface world, it invites you to discover a completely new one – a world filled with marine marvels, like colorful coral reefs, sunken ships and megafauna that will take your breath away.

At 11,390 square miles (30,000 square kilometers), Lake Malawi in Africa is one of the largest and deepest lakes on the planet, but that’s not the superlative I want to focus on below. What intrigued me most: Lake Malawi is among the world’s most biodiverse freshwater bodies, and night diving is the best time to see the action. After dark, divers watch as dolphin fish dart between car-sized boulders to hunt the East African lake’s famous and evolutionarily marvelous cichlids. The tiny fish, which have been compared to Darwin’s finches, evolved from one to at least 800 species in the last 750,000 years. To see them, and their periwinkle dolphin-fish predators, dive into Lake Malawi, one of the world’s most biodiverse lakes, at night.

Being grateful is good for your health – it’s not us saying it but the science. Unfortunately, most of us are better at recognizing the negative aspects of our lives and experiences. That may be why some scientists and self-help experts advise us to keep a gratitude journal, as recognizing and acknowledging what we are grateful for may take a dedicated effort, but it is totally worth it. Today, our staff is here to give thanks to the PADI Pros who changed their lives.

Rebecca McGowan, a Team GB Taekwondo athlete, shares her post-Olympic journey into the world of scuba diving. Alongside her partner, Bradly, the couple took a much-needed dive holiday in Thailand to reconnect with a sport that has become a key part of their lives beyond athletics.

It started out with a simple seed her father planted as Margo Peyton grew up exploring the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. From her father’s fishing boat, she learned how to swim, befriended marine life much larger than herself, and her love for everything ocean grew. Margo was equally passionate about travel and combined those loves while living in Grand Cayman for many years. 

The ocean offers connection, healing, and adventure to millions worldwide, yet for many, physical, mental, or psychological barriers have made it feel out of reach. PADI has long been committed to breaking down these barriers, creating opportunities for people of all abilities to explore and protect the ocean. In support of this mission, PADI is launching the inaugural PADI Adaptive Diving Week from 1-7 December 2024. This week will celebrate the remarkable stories of divers, as well as the contributions of PADI Dive Centers, Resorts, and Professionals in empowering all divers, fostering inclusivity, and expanding access to the life-changing experience of diving.

The PADI Ocean Torchbearer community is a growing global movement of everyday individuals—divers, PADI® Professionals, conservation allies, and advocates—dedicated to protecting the places they love. United by a belief in the power of individual actions to drive meaningful change, this passionate network of ocean champions has made significant strides in 2024 toward a healthier, more resilient ocean. Guided by the PADI Pillars of Change, the Ocean Torchbearer community represents what’s possible when committed people unite to protect what matters. 

If you’re considering taking the next step in your diving career and becoming a PADI Divemaster, Koh Tao should be at the top of your list. Known for its vibrant diving community and exceptional dive training, this small island off Thailand’s eastern coast has earned a global reputation as one of the best places to learn and grow as a dive professional. 

Divemaster Internship – You can do this in Switzerland?

If you had to choose the most iconic residents of a coral reef, angelfish would make the top of the list. With eye-catching colors and graceful movements, they’re a favorite among scuba divers and photographers alike. But how much do you know about these beautiful creatures? Let’s take a look at some angelfish facts.

Learning to dive transcends borders and languages. If you’re diving into the PADI Open Water Diver course on your next vacation, then knowing some basic scuba diving translations can help you connect with the local dive community and fellow travelers – whichever language they speak.

Brazil has 7400 km/4600 miles of coastline, which means there are great places to scuba dive in Brazil and a lot of beautiful places that are at risk due to pollution. About 26% of Brazil’s territorial waters are protected, and the dive centers below are doing their part to protect the rest. Whether you’re planning a dive trip to Brazil or you live there already, there are ongoing ocean conservation projects in Brazil that need your support.

“The oceans are too big for one single hand to protect and care for. However, if many small hands work together, our oceans will definitely get better.”  – Mr. Chatsakul Kaewpanao, PADI Course Director and General Manager of Big Bubble Dive Resort, a multi-year grantee recipient from Thailand 

Many of us take a moment to reflect on the past and remember those who served during the World Wars. For scuba divers, that usually means honoring history through wreck diving. Wreck diving offers a unique opportunity for divers to connect with the past by exploring what rests beneath the surface. These wreck diving sites in the United Kingdom, once active ships and submarines, now serve as underwater memorials, each with its own story to tell. For those passionate about both history and the underwater world, wreck diving provides an unforgettable experience.

Often referred to as the real-life Godzilla, marine iguanas are a true marvel of evolution. Found in the Galápagos Islands, marine iguanas have adapted uniquely to a life both on land and in the ocean. Divers and wildlife enthusiasts are captivated by the reptiles’ impressive swimming abilities and their striking appearance. In this blog, we’ll dive into some fun facts about the marine iguana and show you why they might just be the reason you’ll want to grab a mask and snorkel or become a certified scuba diver!

Restoring reefs and removing marine debris are just a few of the ongoing ocean conservation projects in Jamaica. These critical efforts support the Caribbean reef system, which protects both humans and marine life.

You never should have fallen in love with a scuba diver. They’re so kind, attentive, compassionate, and caring. They’re basically marriage material.

Boasting more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers unique underwater experiences, from the famous Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the mesmerizing macro diving in Dauin. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, this country is worthy of a place on every scuba diving bucket list. There’s something for every type of diver here, whether you like wreck diving, muck diving or are even new to diving.

Do you love capturing the magic of the underwater world? Is your camera always by your side, ready to snap those breathtaking moments beneath the surface? If you’re passionate about both diving and photography, there’s an exciting opportunity waiting for you! 

As one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean, it seems the average tourist already knows Jamaica has plenty to offer. The Caribbean’s third largest island boasts white, sandy beaches, eye-catching topography and a lively culture that you can’t help but fall in love with. What a lot of people don’t know is that the marine life of Jamaica makes it a not-to-be-missed scuba diving destination, too.

“Is PADI Club worth it?” is often the first question potential members have – and it’s a fair one. If you’re going to sign up for something, you want to know that your money is well spent. In the case of joining PADI Club, it certainly is worth the membership fee.

“Is PADI Club worth it?” is often the first question potential members have – and it’s a fair one. If you’re going to sign up for something, you want to know that your money is well spent. In the case of joining PADI Club, it certainly is worth the membership fee.

Honing rich biodiversity among warm tropical waters, Jamaica is much-loved across the global dive community. Shallow reefs attract those looking to learn to dive, while adventurous wrecks await seasoned ocean lovers. The best time of year to dive in Jamaica lightly depends on your climate preferences, with variable conditions and marine life abundant in certain seasons.

The beautiful island of Koh Tao forms part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. This idyllic island is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, rugged cliffs, and stunning sunsets. Koh Tao’s underwater scenery is just as spectacular with coral encrusted rock pinnacles, vibrant reefs, and some great shipwrecks. Koh Tao offers the opportunity to see passing pelagics including whale sharks, leopard sharks, and manta rays. When you’re not looking out to the blue you’ll be mesmerized by the plethora of colourful reef fish all around you.

Over the last 20 years, Mallorca in Spain has protected its coastline and established marine protected areas to safeguard the island’s marine life. Notably, the El Toro Marine Reserve, situated between Magaluf and Port Andratx, has significantly increased the abundance and diversity of underwater species since its establishment in 2004. With over 60,000 hectares protected, Mallorca is one of the European leaders in developing Marine Protected Areas.

Some of the appeals of diving are unique travel opportunities, committing ourselves to projects that can make a difference and learning new capabilities. Among other things, these separate diving from other adventure activities, but these tend to have medium to long time commitments, which implies – incorrectly – that diving is always a multi-day experience, taking several days to as much as two weeks or more. While big adventures, like liveaboard trips, are absolutely great and part of diving’s appeal, sometimes we overlook the short end of the time scale.

Some of the appeals of diving are unique travel opportunities, committing ourselves to projects that can make a difference and learning new capabilities. Among other things, these separate diving from other adventure activities, but these tend to have medium to long time commitments, which implies – incorrectly – that diving is always a multi-day experience, taking several days to as much as two weeks or more. While big adventures, like liveaboard trips, are absolutely great and part of diving’s appeal, sometimes we overlook the short end of the time scale.

If you’re looking for gifts for a child who likes marine life and aquariums, you’re in the right place! Kids are like sponges (or sponge coral!), soaking up information and love for the things around them. What better thing to immerse them in than marine life and the underwater world? Our gift guide below includes options for all ages and interests, from recycled plastic toys to bath-time aquarium fun!

What if your Omega-3 supplement could protect the oceans? That’s the inspiring idea behind Freshfield, a British Columbia-based company producing plant-based Omega-3 supplements from algae. Their Ocean Saving Omega, provides essential nutrients without depleting fish stocks, offering a sustainable solution that helps restore ocean balance. 

On the picturesque island of Malapascua in the Philippines, an ambitious and transformative project is underway, led by the non-profit organization People and the Sea. Through the support of the PADI AWARE Foundation® Mission Hub Community Grant Program and its partnership with Blancpain, this initiative—titled “Coral, Climate, Communities”—is working to redefine marine conservation in the region by promoting Marine Protected Area (MPA) recognition and empowering local stakeholders to protect their vital marine ecosystems. 

When people think of Cancun, they usually think of white sand beaches, massive, all-inclusive hotels, and maybe even Spring Break getaways. But did you know that Cancun is also a world-class diving destination? Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, just north of the stunning Rivera Maya, Cancun offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. It’s home to fascinating freshwater cenotes and a crystal-clear turquoise sea with an abundance of marine life. Here’s what you need to know about scuba diving in Cancun.

A couple of passionate divers, along with their baby, are undertaking a unique and significant project to promote ocean conservation. Traveling thousands of kilometers in a 100% electric car, they share their message about the importance of sustainable mobility, renewable energy, and reducing our carbon footprint to protect our seas.

From the cenotes in Mexico to the reefs of Raja Ampat, divers hold a passport to explore some of the most wild, pristine, and beautiful places on Earth. As the quintessential underwater eyes of the ocean, divers have also borne witness to the massive changes to this beloved underwater wilderness. Over the past several decades, ocean health has significantly deteriorated due to climate change, with rising sea temperatures leading to widespread coral bleaching and the decline of marine biodiversity. But there is hope in the growing community of underwater explorers who can apply their skills learned as divers to protecting the marine ecosystems vital to supporting life on this planet.  The collective efforts of PADI’s community of 6,600 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, 126,000 PADI Professional Members worldwide, and more than 29 million divers can have a monumental impact on creating ocean change.  

Several years ago now, I wrote about an unacceptable incident in which divers were videoed riding a whale shark. The video went viral, sparking thousands of other angry diver comments besides mine. Obviously, most divers (maybe 99%+) know that such outrageous behavior is not only deplorable, but casts divers in a bad light – as Ocean Torchbearers, what we say and do must role model our attitudes as the seas’ ambassadors.

With an estimated 14 million tons of plastics entering the ocean every year, the necessity of closing the tap on plastic has never been greater. The Global Plastics Treaty currently in development represents a unique and crucial opportunity for a worldwide coordinated initiative to effectively resolve the ongoing plastic pollution crisis at all stages of the life span of plastics. As we come together as a community of divers and Ocean Torchbearers™ to close the tap on plastics, let’s explore the root of the issue. 

Are you diving with too much weight? Many divers are.

What makes someone an experienced diver? The number of logged dives they have? The number of certifications? How many years have they been diving?

Since the launch of PADI AWARE Foundation’s Dive Against Debris® program in 2011, more than 90,000 divers have aided over 35,000 entangled marine animals and reported 2.5 million pieces of marine debris to inform groundbreaking research and public policy that is helping to create healthier oceans. 

Putting on a wetsuit can be a real hassle. In many years of teaching and diving, I have seen people use a wide variety of techniques to make it easier. Some wear plastic bags around their feet, while others don their wetsuits in the sea. I have even seen freedivers put baby shampoo inside their wetsuits to help them glide on. I think it’s safe to say that many divers would choose to scuba dive without a wetsuit whenever possible, just to save the trouble of putting one on. Plus, not wearing a wetsuit provides the fantastic freedom to dive in simply a bathing suit and a rashguard. It also means there is one less thing to rinse and maintain after a dive.

Every year, we appoint a select group of passionate ocean lovers and protectors to join the PADI AmbassaDiver team. These individuals are chosen because of their dedication to marine conservation and their ability to inspire others to care about our oceans. Today, we want to introduce one of our 2024 AmbassaDivers, Captain Jason Chambers. 

Joining an online diving membership like PADI Club is an excellent way for those new to scuba diving to immerse themselves in the underwater world, even before taking their first plunge. PADI Club offers a range of benefits that can help non-divers ease into the sport, connect with like-minded individuals, and stay informed about the latest in diving.

In my May blog, I discussed how Ocean Torchbearer citizen scientists involved in the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris® program are likely to be pivotal to the success of an international treaty addressing plastic pollution.

Jamaica has more than 100 dive sites. The best ones will depend on your diving experience and interests. Below is a list of the best dive sites in Jamaica for divers of different skill levels and what you can expect to see on a dive. 

Our next PADI ClubTM member dive trip will be in La Paz, Mexico from 12 to 19 October, 2024. Dive in with sea lions, explore sunken ships and get up close and personal with sea turtles. La Paz is one of the hottest scuba diving destinations of the year, and PADI Club members are invited to explore the wonders of the Baja California Sur locale on this epic PADI Club trip.

Our turboprop plane banks sharply towards the runway, and Kona’s aquamarine waters and black lava coastline come into view. This is Hawaii, the BIG Island, PADI Club™ trip destination for the next 8 days.

Sharks. Just saying the word can stir up dramatic images and emotions. Maybe you hear the Jaws theme or that infectious “Baby Shark” song. But how much do we really know about these majestic creatures?

Do you want to try out the latest dive gear by SCUBAPRO? Do you want to see a four-meter-high Kevin the Minion underwater? Do you want to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver or learn more about underwater photo and film? Then join us at the PADI and SCUBAPRO test event at the Boschmolenplas on Saturday the 31st of August and Sunday the 1st of September.

Have you always wanted to dive but never got around to it? Now, you’re a senior and worried it might be too late. Actually, retirees and seniors make great scuba diving students, and scuba diving can offer amazing adventures at almost any age. This article will address the most frequently asked questions regarding scuba diving for seniors.

Are you planning your next vacation and thinking of trying scuba diving for the first time? If so, you probably have one question: “Where are the best places to try diving?”

When you think of diving, you might think of coral reefs, diving off faraway islands in your bikini or board shorts, and drinking coconuts during a surface interval. Indeed, for many people, that’s the only diving they will ever do. But they’re missing out on a world of incredible dive sites, vibrant ecosystems, and abundant marine life only accessible by diving in colder waters. If you’re ready to take a scuba cold plunge and to dip your face in ice water, here are some of the benefits of cold water diving and how to grow to love it.

From the moment I arrived at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, I knew I was in for an extraordinary experience. Nestled in one of the most remote atolls in the world, the Huvadhoo Atoll, the resort immediately impressed me with its untouched natural beauty and exceptional attention to detail. The resort has 51 villas that are nicely spaced out on the small, oval-shaped island. It has an intimate and spacious feel altogether, perfect for couples and families alike. If water is your element, you have found the perfect holiday destination in the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Here’s my review of the resort as a scuba diver.

Diving and exploring underwater is an activity we all get very excited about and enjoy. Exposure suits, one of the basic pieces of scuba diving equipment, play a critical role in providing us comfort, warmth, and safety while diving. Although wetsuits are very comfortable in tropical or temperate waters, dry suits are more comfortable for diving in colder environments. In this article, we will discuss the types of dry suits as well as some of their advantages and disadvantages.

Are you ready to take your scuba diving skills to the next level? The Master Scuba DiverTM Challenge is here to ignite your passion for diving and reward you for your dedication. Running from July 1 to December 31, 2024, this contest offers an incredible opportunity for divers to earn the prestigious PADI Master Scuba Diver (MSD) rating and win amazing prizes, including a dream dive trip to the stunning Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives!

The INC Plastic Treaty is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to close the tap on ocean plastic pollution. Whether you’re a scuba diver, freediver, surfer or other ocean enthusiast, you know our oceans are suffering.

The diving community is a powerful advocate for the most vulnerable species on the planet – sharks. For over 30 years, divers have enabled PADI AWARE Foundation to have a seat at the international table to advocate for protecting sharks. Due to our collective efforts, we have helped secure protection measures for over a hundred shark and ray species. And we aren’t stopping there.

Egypt may be most famous for its ancient civilization and their gorgeous pyramids, but as divers, we know its world-class diving is worthy of equal billing. From sunken wrecks and colorful coral to streamlined sharks and gorging dugongs, Egypt is home to some of the best diving in the world. 

“Why would you do a liveaboard in Lembeh?” Mr. Know-It-All Diver said, incredulous. “That’s stupid.”

PADI Club costs USD $49.95 per year. That’s the very simple answer to the topic of this blog post – how much does PADI Club cost? However, when we dive further into the specifics of whether PADI Club is worth the cost, the answer becomes more complicated. In fact, for most divers, PADI Club is essentially free.

Are you ready to take your love for scuba diving to the next level? PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa has just launched an exciting new opportunity for aspiring professional divers in the form of a PADI Divemaster Internship program. By participating in a Divemaster Internship, you can kick-start a career in scuba diving at some of the most beautiful dive locations.

There are many reasons why PADI AWARE Foundation® certification cards are popular and the most sustainable PADI card you can order.

As a diver, you probably get a lot of the same questions from nondivers, like “How deep can you go?”, “Aren’t you afraid of sharks?”, “How long does your tank last?” and so on. Even though we hear these often, passionate divers like us usually welcome this curosity because it’s a chance to share why we love diving and invite someone to enjoy diving’s transformative superpowers, and join us as an Ocean Torchbearer.

This Earth Day, we were thrilled to collaborate with Xiaomi, a global leader in technology, to promote environmental sustainability and marine conservation. Recognizing the urgent need for collective action to address climate change and protect our oceans, PADI and Xiaomi joined forces to make a meaningful impact.

Nitrox, formally known as enriched air nitrox (EANx), is a breathing gas with a higher percentage of oxygen than standard air. For this article, we will refer to enriched air nitrox (EANx) as simply nitrox, which is the most common term adopted by scuba divers in place of the more technically correct yet longer name for the breathing gas.

When you think of diving vacations, you probably first think of an idyllic bungalow by a blue lagoon or a comfortable boat for a diving safari. But there is an interesting alternative to this classic diving vacation – a combination of camping and diving. It is becoming increasingly popular among PADI divers, as you can combine two wonderful nature experiences at the same time.

When you think of diving vacations, you probably first think of an idyllic bungalow by a blue lagoon or a comfortable boat for a diving safari. But there is an interesting alternative to this classic diving vacation – a combination of camping and diving. It is becoming increasingly popular among PADI divers, as you can combine two wonderful nature experiences at the same time.

In 2022, the PADI AWARE Foundation launched the Adopt the Blue initiative with a vision to create a nimble, active network of underwater sites ready for action across conservation issues and geographies. PADI AWARE Foundation, in partnership with Title Sponsor Blancpain and our generous donors, called upon PADI Dive Centers and Resorts (also called PADI Mission Hubs) around the world to adopt their local sites – and they enthusiastically delivered. In less than two years, a staggering 2,106 sites in 85 countries were ready to tackle conservation challenges.

A scuba diving internship is an excellent way to:

The PADI Divemaster course is a globally recognized certification that can open the door to a variety of different careers if you want to work in the ocean. This certification is your passport to travel the globe, sharing your passion for diving and marine life with others.

Whether you’re a muck diver at heart or not, you’ve likely heard about Lembeh, the best place in the world for spotting the ocean’s weirdest critters. Just off the coast of North Sulawesi in Indonesia, the Lembeh Strait first became popular in the mid-1990s when Larry Smith pioneered diving in the area. Today, it’s a popular diving destination, full of dive resorts and home to dozens of dive sites. Luckily for you, it’s also easier than ever to access.

In 2021, PADI AWARE Foundation committed to reaching conservation targets outlined in the Blueprint for Ocean Action by 2030. 

Want to swap work suits for wetsuits? Become a scuba diving instructor through the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Instructor Examination (IE). The IDC prepares you to be a role model for future divers and gives you the skill set to teach a whole generation the beauty and value of the ocean.

In 2022, the PADI AWARE Foundation launched the Adopt the Blue initiative with a vision to create a nimble, active network of underwater sites ready for action across conservation issues and geographies. PADI AWARE Foundation, in partnership with Title Sponsor Blancpain and our generous donors, called upon PADI Dive Centers and Resorts (also called PADI Mission Hubs) around the world to adopt their local sites – and they enthusiastically delivered. In less than two years, a staggering 2,106 sites in 85 countries were ready to tackle conservation challenges.

In 2022, the PADI AWARE Foundation launched the Adopt the Blue initiative with a vision to create a nimble, active network of underwater sites ready for action across conservation issues and geographies. PADI AWARE Foundation, in partnership with Title Sponsor Blancpain and our generous donors, called upon PADI Dive Centers and Resorts (also called PADI Mission Hubs) around the world to adopt their local sites – and they enthusiastically delivered. In less than two years, a staggering 2,106 sites in 85 countries were ready to tackle conservation challenges.

Strong currents? The open ocean? Large marine life? As a beginner, it’s easy to feel intimidated by or anxious about more challenging dives, especially if you’re surrounded by seasoned divers who know what they’re doing.

29 April in Ottawa, Canada, the UN International Negotiating Committee (INC) finished its fourth session to develop an international treaty addressing plastic pollution. More than 2500 delegates from 170 member nations and 480+ organizations – including PADI AWARE Foundation – took part, setting the stage for the next session this November in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Wow, I can’t believe I did that! That was so hard. I am so proud of myself. I remember thinking this (and telling my friends and family) after completing my PADI Rescue Diver course. I’d been anxious about this certification because it seemed so “pro” – and I was elated and exhausted to pass. 

The word “etiquette” can bring to mind a fussy person who cares more about appearances than enjoying the moment. But for the love of fan coral can we please set aside whatever feelings we have about the word etiquette and agree that being a safe, responsible diver is more important than getting the perfect shot.

The dive community is teeming with passionate Ocean Torchbearers working to create a healthier future for marine ecosystems through ocean conservation, and the PADI AWARE Foundation is dedicated to accelerating their local actions to drive global change. In 2022, PADI AWARE launched its Community Grant Program, a nonprofit grant program, to help fund the important work of these ocean projects. Since the grant program’s inception, PADI AWARE has awarded more than USD $575,000 in grants to directly support 73 projects run by PADI dive shops and community-based non-profits. These project address key ocean threats, like climate change, marine debris, marine habitat loss, and marine species protection. 

Space and scuba diving may seem like worlds apart. In reality, scuba diving offers the perfect platform for training for life in space. Both challenge human endurance, take place in hostile environments and push technological boundaries. PADI Professionals are combining their scuba diving skills with advancing humanity’s exploration of the final frontier. Here’s exactly how scuba divers are having an impact on space exploration and the space industry.

Scuba diving gives us unique skills that take us to places we’d never imagine. This could mean underwater caves, unexplored reefs, or even Antarctica. Sometimes, however, scuba diving can also lead us to different careers. Just ask these PADI Pros and scuba divers: they’ve gone with the flow and found themselves with some of the most unusual and weird jobs on the planet.

Whether you are diving, surfing, paddle boarding or just heading to the beach, our 2024 Summer Dive Playlist will get you in the mood for an awesome summer adventure. Perhaps this is the year you’ll complete your PADI Open Water Diver certification, or maybe you’re looking to expand your knowledge with a new PADI Speciality course. Whatever your plans are, we have the perfect soundtrack for you.

Sea slugs and nudibranchs are some of the most popular animals among divers. Their colorful appearance and shapes that look like their straight out of a Pokemon game make spotting different species around the world a bucketlist item for many. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about sea slugs and nudibranchs. Once you know more about them, you’ll love sea slugs even more and look closer to spot one on your next dive.

In a world where we often discuss the beauty of our surroundings in visual terms, it is easy to forget the richness other senses bring to our experiences. For us divers, the visual splendor beneath the ocean usually draws us in the most. But have you ever wondered what scuba diving would be like if you can’t see? What other senses come alive when visual cues are taken out of the equation? This question brings us to the remarkable tale of PADI AmbassaDiver Jessica Pita, a legally blind diver, who sees the underwater world without sight but with a heart full of adventurous spirit.

On Earth Day 2023, we launched our newest accreditation, PADI Eco Center, to recognize the most sustainable dive operators around the world. A year later, we have awarded approximately 100 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts worldwide with the PADI Eco Center designation, giving divers plenty of options to choose ecotourism in their destination of choice or when diving locally.

Did you know that members of PADI Club™ get exclusive access to multiple dive trips around the world each year? PADI Club dive trips are perfect for scuba divers who want to:

Planning a trip to the Middle East? You’re in luck! For scuba divers, there are many epic diving destinations to explore in this region. And, each of the best diving destinations in the Middle East opens a door to an underwater world filled with beautiful landscapes and diverse marine life.

South America’s repertoire of magical and bizarre dive sites set the stage for some of the best diving in the world — and that’s not an exaggeration.

Europe is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, but there’s an entire hidden world beneath its waters. Many great shipwrecks, ancient artifacts, crystal-clear lakes, and lively reefs await discovery by scuba divers. Whether you’re already a seasoned diver or just dreaming about your Open Water Diver course, Europe’s magical waters are calling. Below, in no particular order, we explore the top ten diving destinations in Europe you must see for yourself.

Researchers have developed a waterproof e-glove capable of translating underwater hand gestures to improve scuba diving communication.

Scuba diving has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to give back to the environment and to show others the magic of everything found under the surface. Recently, I took this journey a step further by diving with Ceningan Divers in Indonesia, a renowned PADI Eco Center and one of the top two most eco-friendly dive centers on Earth, according to their Green Fins environmental impact score. This experience opened my eyes to how sustainable the dive industry and dive centers around the world can be by not only making as little impact as possible on the marine environment but also regenerating degraded habitats.

Diving offers an unrivaled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of underwater ecosystems. Yet, as the popularity of this sport grows alongside its impact on the marine environment, so does the need for a responsible approach to scuba diving operations. This is why Green Fins was initially developed and where the Green Fins assessment comes into play, serving as a crucial tool in promoting sustainable diving practices globally.

In a previous blog, I talked about how diving makes the fantasy of “superpowers” real, giving us abilities that not only let us breathe and “fly” underwater, but enable us to help others and be part of saving the ocean. But, having these powers comes with a price – you have to use them.

Every diver wants to preserve the marine worlds they explore. It’s the natural result of seeing so much threatened beauty underwater. This collective passion for conservation has paved the way for ecotourism to take root in the diving community. In fact, a 2022 Reef-World survey revealed that divers want more environmental education and are willing to pay more for sustainable dive adventures that give back to the ocean. 

Many scuba divers start out with a passion for thrills – thrills that come from breathing underwater, exploring the ocean’s depths and meeting fascinating marine life. This initial passion for thrills often grows into a love for and dedication to the marine environment, which today, more than ever, goes hand-in-hand with ocean conservation. As divers witness the degradation of ocean habitats and learn about methods to save them, they become more aware of their responsibility to make sustainable travel choices.

Above the surface, Australia and New Zealand offer the chance for some truly memorable encounters with wildlife, from koalas to kangaroos – and it’s just the same in the water. For starters, arguably the most dreamed about dive destination worldwide is in Australia – the Great Barrier Reef. However, beyond this, both Australia and New Zealand are home to numerous additional dive destinations worthy of your vacation time.

Whether you’re learning to dive or a scuba aficionado, there’s no shortage of the best diving destinations in Southeast Asia to discover on your next vacation.