Share The LOVE Plan Your Next Dive Vacation (2023) Are you dreaming of exploring vibrant coral reefs and swimming alongside magnificent marine creatures? Dive into this comprehensive guide for all and learn how to plan your next scuba diving trip easily. Planning a trip can get hectic, from choosing the perfect destination to enjoying a safe and unforgettable underwater adventure. This guide has laid out all the steps for you to follow to get the most out of your next dive trip. Step 1: Choose your destination The first step to planning a scuba diving vacation is deciding where you want to go. There are many popular destinations for scuba divers, so it’s important to research the best options based on your preferences (budget and travel season). Other factors, such as marine life, water visibility, and dive site variety, are also essential. Popular destinations include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, The Red Sea off Egypt, The Caribbean Sea, and Southeast Asia. Step 2: Determine your budget Now that you’ve decided to go, it’s time to start planning your scuba diving trip. The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you want to spend on the vacation. This will help determine where and when you go and what accommodations and activities are available in that area. Many factors influence how much money a person will spend on their vacation: age, marital status, and family size all play a role in determining what budget is right for them (and whether or not they can afford any extras). It’s also important to consider how many times, who, and how often you will dive during the trip. If someone isn’t going to dive, choosing another location this time could be more cost-effective. Step 3: Verify your scuba diving certification If you’re a beginner, verifying that your scuba diving certification is up-to-date and valid for the country or region where you plan to dive is essential. If not, consider completing an Open Water Diver course before traveling so that all the paperwork is ready when you arrive at your destination. For more advanced divers who want more than just a basic first course into scuba diving (and who aren’t afraid of getting wet!) you may want additional certifications. The Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver are great courses and may be required by some destinations before operators allow you to dive. Step 4: Research and book your dive center Once you’ve decided on a destination and date, it’s time to start researching the best dive centers in your area. You’ll want to find one with experienced instructors and guides who follow safety standards and environmental best practices. You can find reviews online by searching for “dive center” + location (e.g., “dive center Bali” actually for that you can just message me). You can also ask friends who have been on similar trips in the past for recommendations or check out TripAdvisor/ Google reviews before making your decision. Once you’ve booked your package, ensure all equipment is included in the price so there are no surprises when it comes time for check-in at the dive center! Step 5: Arrange travel and accommodation Once you have chosen a destination and dive center, book flights, the best time to book flights is six months in advance to get the best airfare prices. You should also consider booking accommodations close to the dive center or with easy access to dive sites. This is not always the easiest thing to do way ahead of time, but the earlier, the better, as lots of dive areas fill up during the high seasons. Step 6: Obtain travel insurance If you’re planning to travel overseas, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is important. This will cover medical emergencies and trip cancellations in case something happens while you’re away from home. It also could provide coverage for lost or damaged gear, so if your mask gets scratched or your fins are lost at the airport, they’ll be replaced without charge. You should read the policy carefully before buying it and make sure that it covers scuba diving! Some policies may exclude diving-related injuries because they consider scuba diving an “extreme sport.” If this is true for your policy, find out if there’s another option available that includes scuba diving coverage (many companies offer both). But we recommend Diveassure, and you can read more about it here. Step 7: Plan your diving schedule Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to plan your diving schedule. When creating your schedule, keep in mind: Your skill level (beginner or advanced) The dive sites available at your destination Consult with your dive center about the best times to dive and local conditions. Step 8: Prepare your gear If you own your gear, check it’s in good working condition and pack it carefully for travel. If you’re renting gear, confirm the availability and costs with your dive center. Pack essentials like a dive mask, snorkel, and fins even if you plan to rent other equipment. If you are starting out, read here to learn more about what gear you should get first and what is and isn’t essential. Step 9: Complete any necessary paperwork The last step before you can leave is to complete any necessary paperwork. Fill out any required forms or waivers from your dive center and ensure you have a valid passport, visa, and other necessary travel documentation. This is important as you don’t want to get to the airport and be unable to board. Step 10: Familiarize yourself with local customs and regulations Once you’ve decided on a destination, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the local customs and regulations. You should research etiquette and any specific rules about interacting with marine life. For example, many dive sites have restrictions on spearfishing or collecting shells from the ocean floor. Some countries also have strict laws about bringing alcohol into their borders, so if you plan on drinking before your trip (like I always do), make sure you know where it’s okay to drink it! Step 11: Stay healthy and fit Ensure you’re in good physical condition for your scuba diving vacation. If you haven’t been exercising regularly or following a balanced diet, now is the time to start! Exercise regularly and eat well before your trip so that when it comes time to dive, all systems go. Visit your doctor for a check-up if necessary–and make sure they know about any medications or supplements that might impact their recommendations (for example some antibiotics may cause problems). Avoid flying within 24 hours of your last dive as this can increase the risk of decompression sickness on future flights by increasing nitrogen levels in the bloodstream due to pressure changes during flight. Step 12: Enjoy your scuba diving vacation Arrive at your destination. Meet your dive instructors and fellow divers. Have an unforgettable scuba diving experience! Remember to dive safely, respect the marine environment, and have fun exploring the underwater world. As you return home from your scuba diving vacation, you’ll have unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the underwater world. With proper planning and preparation, you can experience the magic of scuba diving and embark on a life-changing adventure. So go ahead, confidently book your next scuba diving vacation, and dive into the breathtaking world beneath the waves! Written By: Teagan Kane (Teagan the Vegan) PADI Master scuba diving instructor and Molchanov’s Wave 3 instructor. Ultra runner, and vegan lifestyle advocate. See author's posts
