Dive travel tips: how to choose a destination

We are all thinking about where are we going to go for that last-minute winter getaway. What is on my bucket list and which fantastic destination do I want to go to.

Careful and concise planning is important, after all you are spending that hard-earned dollar on what you hope will be your trip of a lifetime.
One of the first rules of diving is plan your dive – and follow your plan! Your dive holiday planning should be part of this same concept.

1. Choose a location that is right for you. Some locations cater to novice divers, others to the more advanced and many accommodate all levels. Don’t get caught on the wrong end of the spectrum.

2. What do you want out of your dive vacation? Do you want to spend as much time as possible underwater? Do you want to take in some topside attractions? Or maybe you are seeking a happy medium. You should consider these questions when planning.

3. Will you be doing any training on vacation? If you are planning to complete your open water training, or to take an advanced or specialty course, you should check on the agency affiliations and availability with the operator you are going to use.

4. What accommodations are available? Are you looking for a campsite or the Taj Mahal? Or do you just want a place that is cozy and comfortable? Do your homework and get what you want.

5. Are you on a budget? Plan carefully and intelligently and you can stay within your means.

Dive holidays fall into two major categories, land-based resorts and live-aboard dive boats.

Liveaboards

This is perfect for people who want to dive, dive, dive and spend their vacation on a ‘floating hotel’. This can be a true dive-dedicated trip, which usually visits remote locations where there may be little else to do. Three to four dives a day over several days can become exhausting and feel more like work than fun for a novice.

Diving at a liveaboard pace for a novice could result in a loss of perspective of what diving is all about; critters, colors and the thrill of the adventure. Instead, you could find yourself struggling just trying to keep up with the crowd. The remoteness of liveaboards can also mean long ocean crossings and rough seas. Of course, there are exceptions to all of the above situations so if you are thinking of a liveaboard holiday, talk to a dive travel specialist to find the boat and programme that’s right for you.

Land-based

Resorts offer day-boat diving, usually two dives a day is the standard routine. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes in a variety of geographical locales. You can choose from a quaint, 10-room inn surrounded by lush mountainous jungle to a sprawling high-rise hotel with colour satellite TV situated along a wide stretch of sparkling white-sand beach.

Once you have chosen your destination, research it and get recommendations. Check out all the requirements from vaccinations, to visas, to what clothing you need to wear.

Once decided then it’s time to decide on what equipment you are going to take with you and what you will hire. Check that all your personal equipment is serviced and ready to go. That includes your camera gear. Once all the balances and checks have been made you are ready to go.

Editor's Note: Dive Pacific and the NZUA are supported by two important businesses in the dive travel space.

The Diver's Alert Network (DAN)
Divers Alert Network (DAN), is a nonprofit organisation, that helps travelling divers in need of medical emergency assistance and promotes dive safety through research, education, products, and services.
Join DAN

Wakatobi Resort
Wakatobi is a dive resort in southeastern Sulawesi, Indonesia. In a tranquil island setting far from crowds and cities, with no other divers for at least 100 miles, Wakatobi seamlessly blends five-star amenities and civilized comforts with a pristine natural environment; a pairing that has secured its reputation as one of the world’s finest diving and snorkeling destinations.
Check out Wakatobi