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.

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.