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5 Solo Travel Tips for Scuba Divers

5 Solo Travel Tips for Scuba Divers

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on October 18, 2015

Scuba diving is not a solo sport. Safe diving means never going it alone, plus it’s more fun to share your experiences with a friend or loved one. But just because your usual dive buddy can’t jet off with you to your next exotic adventure doesn’t mean you’re grounded as well. Here are five solo travel tips for scuba divers that like to hit the road alone.

  1. Traveling alone also means you can have more flexibility. Last minute airline deals or hotel discounts are a great way to save money. Traveling in the off-season can be budget friendly as well. Check ahead to see if they discount solo travelers, or consider a boarding house over a traditional hotel.
  2. Don’t pre-plan too many activities for yourself. Keeping your schedule somewhat open might offer up unexpected chances to partake in some spontaneous adventures with the people you meet along the way. Take your meals at the local bars or restaurants. You’ll meet other single travelers this way, plus bartenders are a great sources of information about local color.
  3. Liveaboards are an excellent option for the solo traveler. Once you board the boat, everything you need is right there: meals, dives, and beds. Room sharing for lone divers is commonplace and if you want a room to yourself you’ll likely be charged a supplemental fee for that empty bed. Why no pair up and make a new friend?
  4. Hopping aboard a chartered day-dive boat is also something to consider. For either a day trip or a live aboard, always talk to the Dive Master ahead of time about your skill level and what your interests are. This will help them when choosing a like-minded dive buddy for you, and help eliminate last minute surprises.
  5. Consider volunteering. REEF field surveys (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) or coastal cleanups rely on certified divers to help with their work. You get to dive, forge new friendships, and do something good for the ocean all at the same time!

Keep safety in mind, too. Make sure family and friends back home know your itinerary, and check in with them periodically. While meeting new people is one of the perks of traveling alone, be wary of sharing too much information with strangers. Consider getting your rescue diver certification before venturing off alone. With this additional training, you’ll have the skills to handle underwater emergencies to keep yourself and your fellow divers safer no matter what their skill level.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro