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.

PADI has recently been spotlighted on Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies list. This accolade is no small feat; it places PADI alongside giants and pioneers across various industries, all recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to business, culture, the environment, and innovation strategy.

Scuba diving holds a unique place in my heart. In 2009, a spinal cord injury left me paralyzed from the waist down. I spent the initial years after the accident grappling with the situation. Accepting my new normal and embracing new hobbies, as well as reviving old ones, played a significant role in my mental, physical, and emotional recovery. In 2013, scuba diving caught my interest and prompted me to ask my best friend and future business partner to give it a try. The rest is history.

In an extraordinary leap forward for the scuba diving world, we are thrilled to announce the development of a groundbreaking dive mask attachment that promises to transform the underwater experience for divers worldwide. Dubbed the Marine Life Identifier Mask Attachment, this cutting-edge technology integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with the diving experience to deliver real-time information about the marine life you spot underwater, including the name of the species and other key facts. Imagine diving into the ocean and instantly knowing everything about the vibrant marine life surrounding you – this mask attachment makes it possible!

Unsure if you want to take the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW or AOWD) course? Read on to learn everything you need to know including:

For adventure seekers, the underwater world and scuba diving holds a captivating allure. The weightlessness, the vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, the feeling of being in another world – it’s unparalleled. But what if there was another way divers could descend beneath the surface in addition to scuba diving adventures? Imagine a fine-dining experience that seamlessly blends with an incredible underwater panorama, a place where there are no decompression limits to worry about. Buckle up, because underwater restaurants are a reality, ready to take your love for the ocean to spectacular new depths.

In the world of scuba diving, few accessories are as iconic as the dive watch. But what exactly sets these timepieces apart from their land-loving counterparts? In this article, we dive deep into the intricacies of dive watches, exploring their construction, functionality, and why they remain a staple for both recreational and professional divers alike. Let’s plunge into the fascinating world of dive watches.

Embarking on the PADI Rescue Diver course is a journey that transforms an ordinary scuba diver into a diver who sees through their bubbles to care for their buddies. Thinking about taking the next step as a diver and enrolling in this fun and functional course? This comprehensive guide explores the four parts of the Rescue Diver course, starting with the ease and convenience of PADI eLearning, then discussing the skills you’ll learn and demonstrate during the in-water portion, including the 10 Rescue Diver Exercises.

Mastering scuba diving isn’t just for adults – the PADI Junior Divemaster course offers an exciting opportunity for young divers aged 15 to 17 to become leaders in the underwater world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what sets the Junior Divemaster certification apart from its adult counterpart, detailing the unique training experiences and responsibilities these young enthusiasts undertake. From honing leadership skills to mastering dive theory, discover how Junior Divemasters are shaping the future of scuba diving while gaining invaluable experience for their journey beneath the waves.

Scientists are reporting spikes in ocean temperatures. Divers are experiencing it.

Before I dive into this vital topic, it is important to say that you should not scuba dive when pregnant. Being in or around water is enormously relaxing, but you should absolutely stay at the surface while you’re still pregnant. As a woman pregnant for the third time, I can reassure you that if you love the water and crave it as much as I do, then you should, can and will return to it in time.

Although the definition of the word sport references competition, there are now plenty of non-competitive sports which allow adults to get out there and get active. Sport isn’t just about beating your opponent any longer as we continue to look for ways to challenge ourselves. For many adults, recreational sports are a release and a healthy way to stay active.

New to PADI or scuba diving in general? If so, you’ll likely want to create your very own PADI account to get started enjoying the many benefits of being a PADI Diver.

Unlike clothes, electronics, or other items that will one day end up in a bin, scuba diving is an experience your recipient will never forget. Give the gift of adventure for a loved one’s birthday, wedding, graduation, retirement or other meaningful event — PADI gift certificates make it easy.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly known as CPR, is a technique designed for use on patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Implemented correctly, this easy-to-learn procedure can play a key role in saving a person’s (or even a pet’s) life.

Whether you’re new to scuba diving or a certified diver, you’ve probably heard of “the bends” – more formally called decompression sickness (DCS). So, what are the bends in scuba diving?

Kids have a natural attraction to the blue. From the youngest age, any body of water seems to call to them, whether it’s a pool, lake, or ocean. They love to splash around, play, and explore as they swim. It’s no surprise that many kids get curious about scuba diving. But how old do you have to be to scuba dive? 

In a nutshell: PADI is short for “Professional Association of Diving Instructors”, the largest diving certification agency in the world. In fact, PADI issues more than one million certifications every year, and the organization helps the world to seek adventure and save the ocean through underwater education, life-changing experiences and travel.

Humanity has uncovered so much about the world that sometimes it seems like everything significant must have already been discovered. This is why, regarding questions like whether Bigfoot exists, skeptics argue that large animals are too conspicuous to slip under our radar. If Bigfoot were real, they say, by now there’d be no doubt, especially with so many people looking for it.

Are you driven by the call of adventure, fueled by the thrill of spontaneity? Do you believe that the most remarkable experiences often emerge when least expected? If so, you’re in good company. Our love for adventure has taken us on a five-year overland journey across the globe, through more than 40 countries spanning five continents. But amidst the dusty trails, wild terrain, and vast landscapes, something was missing – my deep-seated connection to the ocean.

When you discover the thrill of scuba diving, it’s natural to want to share your passion with your family. It’s a hobby that can grow as your family grows. No matter where life takes you, you can always share the experience of exploring underwater worlds together. So, if you’re planning a family vacation and want to get some diving in, here are some of the best scuba destinations for families.

We’re thrilled to unveil the GoPro PADI Distinctive Specialty Course, a new GoPro-specific distinctive specialty certification for certified scuba divers, providing training on how to use GoPro cameras, accessories and the Quik video editing app to become the ultimate storyteller and content creator. This collaboration aims to equip divers with the skills to unleash their creativity, capture breathtaking moments, and share their underwater adventures with the world.

Being a certified PADI diver likely means you’re aware of PADI Club™ – one of the best ways to stay connected to your favorite hobby and get discounts at the same time. This annual subscription not only grants you access to a wealth of perks, such as savings on courses, a Scuba Diving magazine subscription, and also offers the standout benefit of discounted scuba attire through PADI Gear™.

In a groundbreaking collaboration with the Colombian government, PADI staff and local Members have showcased the scuba diving industry’s unwavering commitment to fostering safe and sustainable diving practices on a grand scale.

A great diving destination and a great diving experience means not only seeking adventure but also doing our part to save the ocean as well. As a certified diver, you have a passport to the last frontier, and you’ve learned the superhero skills that can help save one of the most important ecosystems in the world. 

We’ve begun the new year with optimism and hope for the future of our shared blue planet. With new credentials, courses and mindsets around scuba diving, the ocean has never been more accessible for people to explore and protect. Here are the top four trends in scuba diving that are empowering more people to become superheroes for the ocean in 2024.

How long does it take to get a scuba diving license? Short answer: It takes at least four days to become a certified diver and earn your scuba diving license. After successfully completing the Open Water Diver course, your digital certification card (PADI eCard™) may be downloaded within 24 hours — usually sooner. 

Starting a career under the sea might sound like a dream for some, and it’s entirely within reach for many. From sharing your love for the underwater world with others as a diving instructor to contributing to marine conservation efforts, a career in scuba diving presents boundless opportunities to merge passion with profession. In this article, we navigate the scuba job market to help you develop a fulfilling career, whether you’re dipping your toes into the waters for the first time or are already a seasoned diver looking to make a splash in your professional life.

Austria – you wouldn’t think that this landlocked country would have much scuba diving. And even when it comes to ranking the best outdoor activities in Austria, the country lives in the shadows of its flashier neighbor, Switzerland.

Jamaica, with its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is not only a paradise for those seeking relaxation and adventure above water but also a premier destination for anyone looking to embark on a scuba diving certification course. With its warm, crystal-clear waters, interesting marine life, and variety of dive sites, Jamaica offers an unparalleled setting for those who want to learn to dive in the Caribbean. Here are six reasons why Jamaica stands out as one of the best places to take the plunge into the PADI Open Water Diver course.

Ever wonder how photographers, videographers, and influencers capture amazing underwater content? Each time you enter the water, the conditions vary, so there’s no perfect setting for every situation. However, here are some basic tricks that can help you get the perfect underwater videos. A significant aspect of capturing stunning video involves spending time in the water, patiently waiting for ideal lighting, calm conditions, or cooperative wildlife. Regardless of the camera you’re using, here are some tried and true tips for shooting beautiful freediving videos.

Scuba diving has a special place in my heart. Imagine yourself submerged in a world where gravity seems to lose its grip, and vibrant marine life dances around you. This is the magic of scuba diving, a sport that not only offers unparalleled beauty but also remarkable accessibility.

If you see scuba lessons that cost only USD $99 US or even USD $199 — buyer beware. Typically, any beginner scuba course that costs less than USD $200:

Turning 30 is a milestone that often prompts reflection on life’s adventures and a desire to explore new horizons. I have been a traveller all my life, a land traveller. I was hopping from country to country, indulging in culture, food, hiking, surfing, and a little bit of snorkelling.

Interested in a unique opportunity to engage with ocean conservation, whether you’re an experienced diver or entirely new to the underwater world? The PADI AWARE Specialist course could be a great option for you. I took this newly updated course with zero experience in scuba diving. Allow me to share my personal experience, and how it reshaped my view of ocean conservation.

Jamaica is a paradise for both seasoned scuba divers and those new to the sport, offering crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and an array of dive sites that cater to every skill level. From coral reefs to the intriguing wrecks, diving in Jamaica is an experience not to be missed for those visiting the country. 

Scuba diving carries a certain amount of risk, especially without proper training. To ensure you don’t dive outside of your abilities, there are PADI diving restrictions for each certification level.

We all love to see underwater images of vibrant coral reefs in crystal clear water and visibility that stretches as far as the eye can see, but is it realistic to expect this? Yes, in certain areas, and at certain times, it’s absolutely realistic, but that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. In other world-famous diving areas, visibility is significantly lower, but it doesn’t distract from the incredible diving that’s still on offer. Once you understand how to dive in limited visibility situations, even more dive sites become available to you. You’ll also find that lower-than-average visibility will stop being a disappointment and become an opportunity to try out your skills!

Every activity we undertake has some inherent risk. Whether we are driving to work, out for a jog, or diving to great depths on a single breath, there is always risk involved. While freediving has been around for centuries, it only recently hit the mainstream and has garnered media coverage. Unfortunately, much of this coverage only happens when something has gone tragically wrong. So, let’s answer the question, “Is freediving dangerous?” and, let’s look at how we can reduce some of the associated risks.

The simple answer is absolutely not. You can dive as shallow or as deep as you chose in the UK, providing you have the right diving certification!  I’ve been a PADI Instructor for 22 years and have been lucky enough to dive all over the UK, enjoying the huge variety of dive sites we have around our shores, both deep and shallow.

Sharks are some of the coolest and well-known fish in the sea. Some sharks, like great white, tiger and bull sharks, seem formidable and even invincible. While sharks have lived on Earth for over 400 million years, they are facing many threats today. Recent studies show that one third of all chondrichthyans (sharks and their relatives) are endangered, shark and ray populations fell by 71.1% from 1970 to 2018, and sharks are missing from 19% of the world’s coral reefs. This begs the questions, are sharks endangered? Are all sharks endangered, or at risk of extinction?

Many news headlines about the state of the ocean, like “With Florida ocean temperatures topping 100, experts warn of damage to marine life” and “NASA clocks July 2023 as hottest month on record ever since 1880,” are simply discouraging. It’s difficult to watch something you love be impacted, especially if the issue (like climate change and plastic pollution) is global. How can one person cool down the ocean and air so that corals don’t bleach? How can one person clean the ocean?

Like a lot of us, as a young child I fantasized being a superhero. Inspired by comic books and television, I dreamed of having extraordinary abilities like flying (sans airplane), superhuman strength, seeing what others can’t see and so on. Beyond this, I pictured myself using these superpowers for good, swooping in to save the day. I’d bet most of us have had thoughts like these.

In celebration of World Whale Day, we have joined forces with the innovative wellness brand Neuro, embarking on a mission to spearhead ocean conservation and nurture a blue state of mind. This alliance is more than just a partnership; it’s a journey towards creating a positive ripple across our vast oceans.

In celebration of World Whale Day, we have joined forces with the innovative wellness brand Neuro, embarking on a mission to spearhead ocean conservation and nurture a blue state of mind. This alliance is more than just a partnership; it’s a journey towards creating a positive ripple across our vast oceans.

Before you book your next scuba diving adventure, take a virtual field trip there first. While virtual reality scuba diving will never be as good as the real thing, free VR videos offer a sneak preview of what diving is like in different locations. 

Before you book your next scuba diving adventure, take a virtual field trip there first. While virtual reality scuba diving will never be as good as the real thing, free VR videos offer a sneak preview of what diving is like in different locations. 

Let’s face it, sometimes there’s nothing better than an ocean-related joke to make your friends and family nod, grin and groan. We’ve compiled 40 ocean jokes that are so not funny, that they just are! Next time you’re in need of a fin-tastic pickup line, a dad joke, or a way to cheer up a diver friend, look no further than the ocean jokes below. Although we can’t promise that you’ll get a laugh in return, a groan is certainly guaranteed!

For those of you wondering, “I learned about buoyancy control when I got certified, do I really need to take another course?” Fair question. 

Put simply, there are few things as potentially valuable as undertaking a first aid course. In the most extreme emergency situations, the knowledge and skills learned in these classes may become the difference between someone you love living and dying. Sounds like something you would want to learn, right? Read on to determine which of the available Emergency First Response (EFR) courses is right for you.

If you’re passionate about diving but unsure how to turn it into a professional career, a summer scuba job could be a perfect entry point for you. Seasonal scuba gigs can be a fun way to earn some cash, or spark a deeper interest in a long-term diving career. You won’t know until you give it a try!

Being a dive instructor can be an incredibly rewarding job. Every day, we teach people about the wonders of the underwater world, help them develop skills to explore it safely, and create new Ocean Torchbearers who pledge to protect and preserve our blue planet. If you’ve ever wondered what spending a day as a PADI Instructor is like, let me take you through my typical day.

As divers, we’re unashamedly obsessed with the underwater world. We buy our pets critter costumes, then speak in hand signals, and even let scuba puns creep into our dating life. When it comes to choosing the perfect baby moniker, it’s no surprise that ocean names are top of the list for scuba parents who want to share their love for the big blue.

Do you know the number one rule of scuba diving? Never hold your breath! This isn’t a PADI certification rule; it’s a safety guideline every diver should follow.

Can you fart while diving? Perhaps surprisingly, this is a very popular scuba diving question. Whenever the topic of farting surfaces, someone inevitably starts laughing. The best way to “clear the air” is with a song. “Beans, beans, the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot, the more you toot, the better you feel, so, eat your beans with every meal.”. But what if we’re going underwater, should we still eat those beans? On the bright side, no one will smell it, but is it dangerous or impossible to fart while scuba diving? Keep reading to find out.

To be properly weighted while diving, freedivers first need to understand the forces a diver must overcome and how to use them to their advantage. Being over-weighted increases the amount of effort used to stay at the surface in-between dives and when returning to the surface. Being under-weighted can also negatively impact your performance while diving. Let’s take a look at some proper weighting techniques for freediving.

When professional surfer Pacha Light, known for her prowess on the waves, decided to explore the depths of the ocean, she opened a new chapter in her already impressive career. This Ecuadorian-born, Australian-raised GoPro athlete and environmental activist took a leap into the world of scuba diving, achieving her PADI Open Water Diver certification. Her journey began off the picturesque Catalina Island, California, a place famed for its vibrant marine life and kelp forests, with the help of PADI Master Instructor, Zac Araneta, also known as Scuba Zac.

Scuba diving is a global sport, welcoming participants from all over the world. When comparing scuba diving in different countries, we need to take into consideration that some aspects change along the way, and one of the main things that changes from country to country is units of measurement. For example, when traveling, we have to convert miles to kilometers, pounds to kilograms, and Celsius to Fahrenheit. The numbers change but the physical measurements are the same. Bar or PSI is one additional measurement change scuba divers sometimes encounter. Below, we’ll explore how these units of measurement compare. 

When we talk about PADI certification levels, we often mention PADI’s core courses. But what’s considered a “core” course?

Have you ever wondered why being in and around water has such a calming effect on our brains? The sound of crashing waves, the gentle rhythm of the tide, and the whisper of bubbles as we explore underwater worlds profoundly impact our well-being. Let’s dive deep into the science and explore why ocean sounds are so soothing.

Italy is one of the most romanticized and popular travel destinations in the world, and it is easy to see why. Beautiful coastal cities are dotted with colorful architecture, rich history, and the lingering aromas of the local cuisine. Cities like Florence, Naples or Rome or the villages along the Amalfi Coast invoke day dreams of slow mornings in the cafe watching the world pass by in complete bliss.

Concerns about performing CPR incorrectly, injuring the victim, and a reluctance to provide mouth-to-mouth ventilations are a few of the reasons people don’t learn how to perform CPR. But, if you were on the ground and you needed assistance, wouldn’t you want someone around you trained in CPR?

As a little girl, I was captivated by the tales of the underwater world. I dreamed of becoming a diver, living in a water house and befriending dolphins and seals. Diving was an aspiration, similar to becoming a paleontologist or an astronaut. At 19, while studying finance in college, I took up diving as a summer activity, having long forgotten about my childhood dreams. Yet, three years later, I found myself as a PADI Instructor.

For centuries, countless ships have found their resting place in the vast depths of the ocean, becoming time capsules of history and an unexpected home to a variety of marine life. Wreck diving gives you the unique opportunity to step back in time and explore these submerged pieces of history. It also presents a new set of challenges and opens the door to new experiences. Wreck travel destinations are bound to thrill any diver, which is why you should make the PADI Wreck Diver certification your next specialty course.

If you’re already a PADI diver, you’ve likely heard about PADI Club™ – the best way to maintain your diver status. This annual subscription gives you access to all kinds of benefits, like course savings, a magazine subscription and, best of all, free or discounted PADI certification cards. 

Many people do a Discover Scuba Diving experience on vacation as a fun, one-off activity with friends or family. If this is something you’ve done in the past, perhaps you’re curious about the next level of diving but feel hesitant about the time commitment required.

This article will describe how to log a dive and explain why you should maintain a record of your diving experience. When logging a dive, you can include a lot of information or just a few basic details. Read on to learn which sections I always fill in, which ones I usually skip and why.

Imagine turning your passion into a profession…how many people can say that? Embarking on my PADI Divemaster Internship was doing exactly that. Stepping into a world where the ocean became my office, I swapped work suits for wetsuits, and I haven’t looked back! It was a passport to a life less ordinary.

Underwater photography is a truly powerful tool. It has the ability to captivate audiences by offering a glimpse into a world and moments in time that not everyone is lucky enough to see for themselves. Not to mention that it’s a fun, never-ending hobby which also provides an ideal way to capture the moments you never want to forget.

You know that person that’s always cold? That’s me. I wear a 5 mm wetsuit with a beanie, even in the tropics. Before I learned how to dive in a dry suit, I often cut my dives short. Even if I had plenty of air in my tank, I’d end the dive early. 

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of celebrities Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal as PADI AmbassaDivers™. This initiative marks a collaborative effort to promote environmental stewardship of the world’s oceans.

If you’re a PADI Divemaster reading this, chances are you already know what an important role you play as a conservation torchbearer for our planet’s oceans and waterways. What many don’t realize is that Divemasters, too, can be qualified to certify students in “fins off” conservation-based courses to lift that torch a little higher. 

An eye-catching video has emerged from Newport Beach in California, showcasing a mesmerizing encounter between a pod of dolphins and bioluminescent waters. The video, captured by photographer Mark Girardeau, offers a rare glimpse of marine life interacting with bioluminescence and beautifully showcases the natural wonder that occurs in the ocean. The mesmerizing footage shows the dolphins gracefully swimming through glowing waters, leaving a trail of shimmering blue and green light in their wake.

On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became a household name after playing the central role in one of the most remarkable emergency landings in aviation history. US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, struck a flock of Canada geese shortly after taking off from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport. This caused both of the plane’s engines to fail.

“I am Janne, an underwater videographer who spends a lot of my time on dive safaris, and I am single.” On my recent liveaboard trip, this sentence marked the beginning of my acquaintance with Janne. Each diver on the boat was briefly sharing their diving stories before we embarked on our grand journey – a diving liveaboard from Hurghada to Safaga with PADI 5 Star IDC Arctic Divers Dive Center.

The Great Sea Reef (GSR) in Fiji is the world’s third largest barrier reef, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Mesoamerican Reef in Central America. It’s also called “Bainivualiku” or “Cakaulevu”, which means protector of the north or big reef in the local language. The GSR extends for over 450 kilometers (280 miles) in length, from the western coast of Viti Levu (at the tip of the Yasawa Islands) to the northeast point of Vanua Levu (Udu Point). Although it is not well known to many, this reef is a significant part of Fiji’s ecosystem but it’s currently in need of preservation and protection.

They say, “Age is just a number,” but when you’re trying to become PADI Junior Master Scuba Divers (MSD), those numbers matter. We caught up with three young diving rock stars to hear about the stories behind their accomplishment of this rating and their dive experiences. 

Just finished a PADI program and want to know how to download your PADI eCard™ ? Want to buy an eCard as a gift for someone else? Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about PADI eCards.

In a stunning display of creativity amidst the winter landscape, Carlos Maldonado, an artist in Iowa City, Iowa in the USA, has crafted a remarkable snow sculpture that’s capturing the attention of locals and art enthusiasts alike.

It seems like it’s always difficult to determine when you should see a doctor. With flu season right around the corner, it is wise to be reminded of when we should seek medical attention. Although we try to be mindful of not putting unnecessary strain on healthcare services, it’s important to get the right help when it’s needed.

Having a diver license, also known as a certification card, is a pass to underwater adventure. It’s proof that an individual has undertaken a course to learn crucial skills, knowledge development, and practical experience in diving. A scuba license allows dive centers, resorts and liveaboards to quickly identify the skill level of a diver and allows the diver to prove the courses they have accomplished. Certification cards distinguish beginners from advanced divers, and recreational divers from PADI Pros.

Have you heard about PADI Club? PADI Club is the perfect place for scuba divers to come together and share their love of exploration. It’s a great way to make new friends who share your passion, learn new skills, sharpen existing ones, and get sweet discounts on PADI Gear, courses, and trips to discover new dive sites around the world. Read on to hear from some of our Club members and find out why divers love PADI Club. 

The first step in any dive plan is the location. It can also be one of the most difficult tasks. If you’re a new diver searching for where to start, or you’re an experienced diver looking for new locations, we’ve got you covered. The best ways to find the answer to your Google search for “scuba diving near me” are below.

It’s the time of year when many people traditionally think ahead. Whether setting career goals, deciding on some home renovations or starting a new diet and exercise program, it’s all about what we plan to accomplish in 2024. For us divers, of course, it includes planning our dive adventures: where we want to go, what we want to learn and what we want to do.

With its long coastlines, hitting both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Mexico is truly a diver’s paradise. Boasting warm waters, stunning underwater landscapes ranging from spectacular reefs to the otherworldly beauty of the cenotes, and an abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder that Mexico is home to some of the best dive resorts in the world. If you also pair this with the Mexican people’s warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food, you have a truly unforgettable diving holiday. We’ve narrowed down the top picks for five of the top dive resorts in Mexico, according to PADI Travel reviews.

PADI Course Director (CD) is the highest level of certification among PADI Professionals. It is a title that only a few hundred professional divers worldwide hold. In a nutshell, these top-level trainers are the people who teach others how to teach diving.

Have you heard about PADI Club yet? PADI Club is a community of divers, like you, who stay up to date and connected to diving thanks to a variety of benefits designed to help you maintain your diver status.

After I finished my final Open Water Diver certification dive, I thought, “I’m never doing this again.” Even though I loved being immersed in the ocean and seeing sea creatures in their natural habitat. I Just. Didn’t. Like. Scuba. Diving…or so I thought.

Beneath the ocean’s surface lies a mysterious animal kingdom, from the tiniest zooplankton to the planet’s colossal giants. There are beautiful ocean animals, cute ocean animals, not to mention a few creepy ocean animals. Still, we know less about the ocean than we do the Moon.

Becoming a PADI Professional isn’t just about teaching people to scuba dive or guiding fun dives. It can also be an incredible addition to your resume and make you stand out in the job market. As PADI Pros, we gain unique skills and experiences that can be applied to and utilized in many industries, not just the diving industry. In this article, we’ll explore five reasons how being a PADI Pro can boost your resume and marketability for any job. We’ve even thrown in a bonus reason you may not have thought of.

Landlocked. That’s probably the last word we’d associate with scuba diving. And yet, within the PADI community, there are PADI Pros from landlocked countries who are diving, thriving and proving this seeming juxtaposition false. 

In this article, we meet Paul Gregory Neilson and learn about his influence in the technical diving industry. Mesley was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on February 8, 2013.

In this article, we meet Chris Heitkemper and learn more about her influence in the technical diving industry. Heitkemper was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on January 31, 2013.

For some, it may seem impossible to keep up with the costs of scuba diving as a hobby. Fear not! Tightening your wallet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your immersions. In fact, with all its health benefits, there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t give up scuba diving on a budget. Check out our list of budget-friendly tips and tricks below to help you explore the underwater wonders without breaking the bank.

According to The Lancet, more than 350,000 people die each year in the United States due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The Lancet also estimates more than 100,000 lives would be saved if more people learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – beginning with school children. So, why should children learn CPR? In countries where CPR education is mandatory in schools, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is done in 60–75% of cases, compared to 20-40% elsewhere.