I’ve become a bit of a scuba nerd but for good reasons! Diving energizes me and continues to leave me in awe. The abundance of adventure – in new places and new things to see – is never-ending! This hobby didn’t come naturally to me but now that I’m closer to 100 dives than zero, I hope to convince everyone to try it. I’ve got 10 reasons why, so keep reading!
Why You Should Dive When You Travel
1. Discover an incredible underwater world.
Did you know 71% of the earth is covered by ocean, and 12,100 feet is the AVERAGE depth of the ocean? Did you know only 5% of the ocean floor has been mapped? A little scary but also INCREDIBLE! From what is mapped, we’ve found beautiful and lively coral reefs and had close encounters with sea creatures. Under the sea it’s so foreign and mysterious, which gives it so much wonder.
2. Meet new people.
Chances are divers are world travelers. They’re from all over the world and are focused on traveling the world to dive. I’ve loved meeting dive masters and dive enthusiasts, all eager to talk about travels, dive stories, and what they saw that day.
3. Learn to breathe.
There’s an enchanting peace that comes with scuba diving. As I marvel the expanse of the ocean, the vibrancy of a reef, or the presence of a nearby shark, it dwindles down to what is happening at that moment. The ocean seems to make the surroundings fade and all you can hear is your breathing. In the moments when something scary or exciting happens, I have to remember my breath, in and out, so I can stay safe.
4. Pick up and practice a new hobby.
Research has shown that learning something new makes you happier and sparks creativity. Once you start diving more, you’ll be interested in learning about the technology tools involved, getting new certifications, and diving in a new place. It’s a continuous adventure to nurture your new passion.
5. It’s a workout for your body and mind.
Research has also shown that learning something new is good for your brain! When you’re diving, there are procedures to remember to stay safe, and the ocean is sure to spark your creativity with the colors and the wildlife. Physically, carrying a tank, walking up a ladder back on the boat, and controlling your movement underwater are some of the actions you’ll achieve. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and athletic ability dive!
6. Discover beautiful places all over the world.
Beach vacations forever! Places like the Caribbean, Thailand, and Indonesia are diving destinations, so the beauty underwater rivals the beauty above water. There is cold water diving in places like Canada, but even then you’re enjoying the beauty of the underwater world and beautiful above water views. Diving destinations have tourism built up around them, so you can typically plan a trip easily.
7. Challenge yourself to try something new and get out of your comfort zone.
If you’ve read my scuba diving stories post, you know I did not enjoy diving at first. I would have mini panic attacks and need to count my breathing to calm down. At the same time, I was captivated by the wonder of the underwater world and wanted to be a part of it. So, little by little, with every dive, I learned more and got more comfortable with diving. I continue to push through fear and find that the experience is worth it!
8. Make planning trips easier.
My vacations now revolve around diving, and as I mentioned above, it has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in the world! Diving makes trip planning a bit easier because it narrows down the choices of where to go. Booking a dive resort or liveaboard makes it easier because they are a one-stop-shop for eating, sleeping, and diving in one place.
9. Connect with your partner and/or travel mates.
10. Learn why we need to protect the marine life.
Once I started scuba diving, I become a stronger advocate for the ocean. I was introduced to this incredible underwater world and I see how it is being impacted by pollution and climate change. The coral reefs are dying because of the water temperature rising and the wildlife that lives in those reefs are disappearing along with them. We respectfully uphold ethical practices when we dive, like not touching anything or leaving anything behind. On land, we do our best so that our actions don’t affect the oceans. When you’ve been there and seen the beauty, you’re more motivated to protect it, especially if you want to continue diving and
Diving has enriched my life and its something I look forward to when I travel. I love looking back on my dive logs or watching my videos and remembering the creatures and landscapes we saw. It’s a humbling experience to always be learning and I love
Have you tried scuba diving? If you have, what’s your favorite place you’ve dived? Do you have any other hobbies you enjoy pursuing?
P.S. I’ve dived in Thailand, Honduras, Belize, the Cayman Islands, and Egypt! Click those links to see more. 🙂
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.