Introduction:
Anyone who knows me knows that travel is my jam. And dive travel is my ultimate jam! Planning a trip is one of the actual most exciting things I can think about. And when I travel, I just want to go….right now.
If any of you are the same then, believe me, I get it. The nitty gritty stuff that it takes to make sure your trip goes smoothly is not my favourite part. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 11 years of
constant travelling (mostly dive travel) it’s that this pre-planning phase pays off. So today I’m going to share with you what I think are the most important things to think about so you don’t have to waste your time with the stuff that doesn’t matter. More diving, less planning if you know what I mean. So without further ado, welcome to our Dive Travel Mastery guide, where we’ll not only lead you through the steps but also infuse your adventure with style and precision.
Step 1: Define Your Dive Dreams
Before you dive into your travel planning, articulate the essence of your underwater dreams. Whether it’s dancing with dolphins, marveling at coral tapestries, or conquering challenging underwater landscapes, crystallize your goals to guide your destination choice. There are SO many great things to do and places to go. Each place will offer something slightly different, some you might even be able to tick a couple of sights off your list in the same trip. Philippines is loaded with great coral, macro, thresher sharks, whale sharks and more. Sipidan (Malaysia) has the epic barracuda tornado and even a cave called the Turtle Tomb for the really adventurous. You might be looking for shipwrecks and history! The Yongala in Australia is the perfect place for that. Maybe manta rays is your jam! Indonesia has some great manta dives. So much to choose from. If you can really narrow down what you’re looking for then you can narrow down your travel options.
Step 2: Dive into Destination Delights
With your dreams as your compass, embark on a research odyssey of potential dive destinations. Delve into the nuances of water conditions, marine biodiversity, and the seasonality of each location. From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the mystical Galápagos Islands, discover the perfect stage for your underwater performance. Once you’ve narrowed down what you want to see, it’s time to start thinking about what time if year you’re likely to see those things in which places. if you have flexibility on when you can travel this leaves options pretty open still. If not, you may need to be more specific on the place you go a that time of year. And, of course, conditions is a big one! This can include things like water temperature, how much current you might expect, how long you may have to travel on the boat and what surface conditions might be like in comparison to your comfort and training level.
Step 3: Decode Dive Certification Demands
Unveil the mysteries of dive certification requirements for your chosen destination. Some locales demand specific certifications or expertise in particular conditions. Ensure your underwater passport aligns seamlessly with the demands of your chosen dive stage. If not, maybe explore the option of upgrading your certification level if you have have the time and funds before your travel date…or even while you’re on your trip!
Step 4: Craft Your Budget Ballet
Scuba adventures can be as diverse as the marine life you’ll encounter. Artfully construct a budget that harmonizes with your financial symphony, covering travel, accommodation, diving fees, and even the finer notes of equipment rental. Strike the right balance between affordability and the sublime.
Step 5: Choreograph Your Itinerary
Compose a symphony of detailed plans, orchestrating travel dates, dive schedules, and interludes for rest and reflection. If you want some land based activities or other non-diving water based activities then this is the time to consider! Flexibility is your choreographic signature, especially when navigating the ebb and flow of weather-dependent activities.
Step 6: Choose Accommodations Fit for Diving Royalty
Select accommodations that don’t just host but pamper divers. Seek sanctuaries with secure gear storage, rinse areas, and a regal proximity to dive sites. Many dive resorts offer packages that blend luxury with the thrill of underwater exploration. We’ve spent many a trip downgrading on accommodation “luxury” because the diving that was offered was next level – and that’s what we came for! That being said, the points listed above are non-negotiables, even when downgrading on a fancy place to sleep. The safety of my dive gear and how easy it is to dive is a big deal!
Step 7: Arrange Transportation Grandeur
Coordinate the grand entrance of your adventure with meticulous transportation planning. Confirm the availability of your flight symphony, arrange your entourage of airport transfers, and explore local transportation options that resonate with your journey. Some of the very best dive sites can take a LONG time to travel to. It can feel like a pain but it normally means there are less divers cloudy up the sites and the coral is in better, more untouched, condition. It’s important to work how how you’ll get to and from your accommodation before you get there so you’re not left stranded or paying extra for something that could have easily been affordable. In our experience, the accommodation associated with your diving will often organise this for you – just ask!
Step 8: Pack with Panache
Prepare a wardrobe that befits a diving maestro—comprehensive and stylish. From dive gear to personal trinkets, create a collection that mirrors your underwater persona. Remember the essentials: underwater cameras, dive logs, and spare parts for your gear. Often dive centres will have bits and pieces to help you if your gear needs an extra oring or if your mask strap breaks. But it doesn’t hurt to bring some spare along. These can be hard to come by for some dive shops in remote areas and you don’t want that to be a reason you miss out on diving! It’s not just packing; it’s curating your scuba signature.
Step 9: Dive into Health and Safety Assurance
Conduct a health and safety overture for your adventure, researching required vaccinations and local medical movements. Let travel insurance become the crescendo that safeguards your underwater odyssey. DAN is an awesome travel and dive insurance that we absolutely recommend to everyone on a dive trip! You just never know when something might change your plans unexpectedly and you don’t want it to be a reason your trip is less enjoyable. DAN insurance is affordable and easy to get – don’t dive without it! Be well-versed in local diving regulations, ensuring a performance without discord. Some places require you to wear gloves, some don’t allow photography, some you can only dive with a local guide – there’s lots to be aware of depending on your chosen location!
Step 10: Connect with Dive Divinities
Reach out to local dive deities ahead of time, establishing a prelude of communication. Confirm dive schedules, verify the availability of divine equipment, and harmonise with any additional requirements. By connecting with the underwater pantheon, you’re ensuring a seamless orchestration upon your arrival. Speaking from someone who has worked in the industry for about 12 years so far, we always love a prepared diver and no question is silly! So ask away and get prepared!
Conclusion:
As you follow this Dive Travel Mastery guide, you’re not just planning a trip; you’re orchestrating a symphony of underwater wonders. From crystallizing dreams to ensuring safety and logistical finesse, your journey will be a crescendo of experiences, leaving you with a symphony of deep-sea memories. Dive boldly, explore passionately, and let the underwater stage be your canvas of magic. Safe travels, and may your every dive be a standing ovation to the ocean’s enchantment!