These enigmatic and graceful giants are more often seen close to the surface, making that elusive encounter possible for divers and snorkellers alike. Despite their elusive nature and endangered species status, we're delighted to report that whale shark awareness is on the increase, and we have confirmed sightings from Regaldive divers holidaying in Egypt, Oman, Maldives, Philippines, Galapagos, Azores, Indonesia and other destinations around the world.

We've put together a couple of options for those looking to maximise their chances of an underwater encounter with these gentle giants on a range of whale shark tours. Just don't forget your camera!

Where to dive with whale sharks?

Maldives

In the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, there are several dive sites where you can reliability swim with whale sharks alongside other large marine life in warm tropical waters. Throughout the year plankton rich waters attract the world’s biggest fish, meaning diving with whale sharks has a very high success rate.

Dhigurah Island, located in the South Ari Atoll is on the edge of a marine protected area, a famous whale shark region where these beautiful creatures can be seen all year round. Visitors to Boutique Beach Hotel can enjoy warm tropical waters and palm trees while going out on dives and whale shark snorkelling tours to encounter these amazing creatures.

Further north in Baa Atoll, seasonal plankton blooms from July to October attract manta rays in their hundreds. The nutrient rich water attracts other pelagics, such as whale sharks, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hanifaru Bay. Here, only snorkelling trips are allowed in the bay itself, in an effort to help ocean conservation. Those staying at Reethi Beach Resort have an excellent likelihood to dive with whale sharks and manta rays.

Galapagos

For more experienced divers, the Galapagos Islands are recognised as one of the world's best locations to encounter adult whale sharks in large numbers, specifically between May and November. Galapagos liveaboard trips journey around the archipelago and dives at Wolf and Darwin Islands, where seasonal sightings of whale sharks and other pelagic species are common. Declared a marine protected area in 1998, the Galapagos Island Marine Reserve covers almost 200,000 km² and is on many scuba divers bucket list, by travelling during the plankton blooms in the summer months you’ll have a good likelihood of diving with whale sharks.

In this area it’s also possible to see hammerheads sharks, silky sharks, and Galapagos sharks around Darwin Island and on the main archipelago marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and a variety of endemic bird species.

Mexico

Mexico has multiple options for whale shark encounters. With Baja California bordering the Pacific coastline and the Caribbean Sea encircling the Yucatan Peninsula, there's plenty of ocean to uncover.

Starting on the western coast is Baja California, there are two options for whale shark sightings. The Sea of Cortez is a haven for pelagic species and larger sea creatures. The nutrient rich waters fluctuate throughout the year, so if you want to witness whale sharks gather, the best time is from late November through to March. Liveaboard trips to Socorro Islands for more advanced divers, and those with their sea legs, from May-July diver can see oceanic manta ray and bait ball, and it’s also the best time for whale shark encounters.

On the Yucatan Peninsula the best time to spot whale sharks is from June to September, around Isla Mujeres. During the summer months snorkelling tours depart daily with almost guaranteed success rates of spotting the whale shark aggregation. It's not uncommon to have manta rays, turtles, and dolphins show up too! Isla Mujeres is park of a 85km2 marine park, and is arguably one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks.

Indonesia

In Southeast Asia, the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle deliver again. Not only whale sharks are seasonally spotted around the archipelago, but also large marine life such as manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and reef sharks can be seen while scuba diving.

The best chance of spotting whale sharks in Indonesia is by liveaboard. Sailings are able to reach further afield and into the whale sharks natural habitat, Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay are reporting regular sightings in summer and winter respectively. For hundreds of year 'jukung' - traditional fishing vessels - have been shark’s main focus, as local believe the majestic creatures to be sacred and split their catch. This ancient relationship has also aided conservation efforts, as scuba divers and snorkellers alike are keen to see this beautiful friendship.

Whale sharks can also been seen close to national park of Komodo. The Mermaid I and Mermaid II vessels are swinging by Saleh Bay on their way back to port to offer snorkelling and diving with whale sharks. The nutrient rich waters of the bay attract whale sharks and have an excellent success rates.

Tanzania

On the Indian Ocean side of Africa, off the coast of Tanzania, lays Mafia Island. The waters around this island are a marine protected area, with seasonal plankton blooms occurring from late December through to March, attracting whale sharks as they feed. Successful snorkelling tours throughout this time, providing opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks. More common in this area are juvenile whale sharks, but for the largest fish in the ocean, they still measure 3–10 metres in length.

The scuba diving is also wonderful in this area, with strong tidal currents Mafia Islands waters are rich with marine life. Off the beaten track, this destination offers culture, peace and quiet, and whale shark sightings.

To organise your whale shark diving holiday, or for more information, please contact our friendly, specialist team on 01353 659999.

Read the full list below, or scroll down to see the recommended dive resorts, liveaboards and dive centres.

Dive Resorts

Siladen Resort & Spa

Image by Maximillian Schwarz

Based on the tranquil Indonesian island of Palau Siladen in the heart of Bunaken National Park, Siladen Resort & Spa offers an ideal retreat for divers and snorkellers seeking a peaceful getaway. 

Diving in the region is world-renowned, with Bunaken National Marine Park offering wall and drift dives across 22 dive sites, whilst the nearby Lembeh Strait is one of the finest destinations in the world for macro and photography enthusiasts. 

With its exceptional food, welcoming atmosphere and stunning location it’s no wonder this resort is a favourite amongst our clients. 

“Siladen was excellent, very comfortable and of a high standard. The food options were really good and we never got bored of trying new things and eating the local cuisine and delicacies. Of course, what really makes these places is the people and all of them were so friendly and helpful. They really couldn’t do enough for you!” – Allan F.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort

Image by A.Shuau

Nestled on the idyllic island of Vilamendhoo in the Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa offers guests an incredible tropical escape. As the island’s only resort, it boasts long stretches of white sandy beach, creating the perfect setting for both relaxation and adventure.

The resort’s house reef is excellent with several shallow caves and overhangs, and twice a day three to four boats operate to a variety of the 40+ dive sites within a 60-minute trip of Vilamendhoo. Snorkelling off the island is also some of the best in the Maldives, and the dive centre has won awards for its service, making this a diver’s paradise. 

“Vilamendhoo was great. We especially loved the spa and the house reef.” – Alison W. 

Dive into Lembeh

Designed with divers in mind, Dive into Lembeh Resort is located at the northern end of the Lembeh Strait and provides guests with a personal and intimate experience. With just nine private bungalows, each with a sea view, and three budget longhouse rooms, the resort has been likened to a comfortable ‘land-based liveaboard’ —combining the best of both worlds in a tranquil setting.

Famous for its muck diving on the black volcanic sand reefs of the Strait, Dive into Lembeh Resort provides opportunities to spot some weird and wonderful underwater critters. The surrounding waters are home to two of the most famous dive sites in Lembeh, ‘hairball’ and ‘aw shucks’, offering fantastic diving on the resort’s house reef. 

“We chose a sea view bungalow which was very quiet and comfortable and we enjoyed having hot tubs on the balcony and air conditioning inside.” – Ian D.

Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa

Combining the best of Balinese and Western design, Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort situated directly on the beach in the small village of Kubu. The atmosphere at the resort is informal and relaxed - ideal for those seeking an authentic escape to relax and rejuvenate.

This fantastic dive resort has access to an impressive house reef and dive centre on-site, plus guests can explore over 30 diverse dive sites that can be reached from the island. These range from the current-swept sites off Menjangan island where sightings of Napoleon wrasse, greater barracuda and sharks are common, through to the calm waters of Secret Bay, where macro enthusiasts can encounter seahorses, ghost pipefish, dragonet and many more. The USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben which is beautifully colonised with marine life is another must-see dive spot nearby. 

Camel Dive Hotel

Camel Dive Club & Hotel is an award-winning divers’ hotel in the heart of the picturesque Naama Bay, offering a blend of comfort, sustainability and adventure. As a proud Green Fins member, the hotel is committed to being environmentally friendly with the initiative focused on educating and empowering tourists to reduce pressures on coral reefs. 

The hotel has a well-known dive centre on-site, and Sharm El Sheikh offers a spectacular range of dive sites that are amongst the best in the world. From the famous Ras Mohammed Marine Park which attracts legions of experienced divers each year, to many easily accessible coral gardens that offer safe, shallow waters and excellent visibility perfect for beginners, the region caters to all diving levels and abilities. 

“We really enjoyed the breakfast, great roof bar and central location in Sharm” – Ian K. 

Breakers Divers & Surfers Lodge

The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge is Egypt’s first ‘water sports lifestyle’ hotel, perfectly situated just steps away from the water’s edge. The hotel is directly opposite the magnificent Soma Bay house reef and adjacent to the well-equipped Orca Dive Centre, making it ideally located for diving enthusiasts.

Soma Bay gives access to some of the best dive sites in the Red Sea, and the diverse marine life and vibrant corals are a delight for all experience levels. The sheltered lagoon at the front provides waters ideal for training, while more qualified divers can venture to the nearby Panorama Reef, a real highlight of the area.

Having won numerous prestigious awards including the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2024, the Breakers Divers & Surfers Lodge offers an unbeatable blend of world-class diving and exceptional service.

“The room was very quiet and comfortable with good air-conditioning, and the shower was excellent!” – Maria J.

Papua ParadisE Eco Resort

Papua Paradise Eco Resort truly lives up to its name. Built with locally sourced, traditional materials, the resort has stilted overwater bungalows which appear to float above the sparkling waters of the island’s vibrant house reef. Guests can unwind on their private balconies and enjoy endless ocean views until the sun sets. 

The resort’s house reef offers fantastic snorkelling opportunities within the stunning archipelago of Raja Ampat, with the area famed for its rich diversity of reefs which are among Indonesia’s best. Suitable for more qualified and experienced divers, the area is a photographer’s dream where you can expect manta rays, wobbegong sharks, turtles, mackerel, a variety of colourful nudibranchs and more. 

Magic Island Dive Resort

With a prime location in the scenic coastal town of Moalboal, a stay at the Magic Island Resort provides exceptional diving experiences like no other and beckons scuba diving enthusiasts wishing to immerse themselves in the vibrant marine life of Moalboal. 

A scuba divers’ paradise, Moalboal has at least 25 stunning dive sites offering an array of thrilling underwater adventures. One of the main highlights is the remarkable coral reefs, and divers can explore the renowned Pescador Island—a marine sanctuary bursting with colourful coral formations and an impressive variety of marine species. The on-site dive centre also caters to divers of all levels, providing scuba diving courses and packages with diving starting at the house reef.

Liveaboards

Blue Melody Liveaboard

Accommodating up to 26 divers in a 38-metre, luxury custom-built liveaboard, Blue Melody is a spacious vessel offering ample room to relax in between dives on a variety of Red Sea itineraries. 

Choose from exciting options such as ‘Northern Wrecks & Reefs’, ideal for those new to the Red Sea to experience its world-famous wrecks and pristine reefs. Or for a slightly more challenging dive, the ‘Deep South’ route allows divers to experience a more ‘untouched’ Red Sea. Additionally, Blue Melody offers a variety of other Red Sea itineraries to suit your diving goals.

On board the ship, all cabins are en suite and the well-equipped dive deck boasts two Bauer Mariner compressors and Nitrox membrane systems to help optimise your dive. After a day exploring the underwater world, relax on one of the two large sun decks and soak up some sun in the peaceful surroundings.

“Blue Melody was very clean and the cabin was a lovely size. We really enjoyed the diving and it was all fantastic.” – Lisa C.

Carpe Vita Liveaboard

Based in the Maldives, M/V Carpe Vita offers another beautiful and spacious liveaboard experience for up to 20 guests, ensuring plenty of space to relax while you take in the beautiful colours of the Indian Ocean.

Operating a variety of itineraries in both South and North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll, Vaavu and more, trips on Carpe Vita typically provide divers with a mix of reef, wreck, channel and drift dives. You can expect warm waters, with the chance to see colourful corals as well as encounters with sharks and manta rays. 

Dives are carried out from the yacht’s dhoni and the well-equipped dive deck includes fresh water showers, a toilet and complimentary nitrox for qualified divers.

“The staff, food and accommodation were excellent. We definitely had no complaints about the accommodation.” – Peter S.

Seascape Liveaboard

Recently launched in 2023, Seascape is a state-of-the-art Maldives liveaboard that redefines luxury and sustainability. The vessel has high-end amenities including a hot tub and serene lounging area, and each cabin is designed for maximum comfort with air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms and breathtaking ocean vistas. 

The crew on board Seascape are very experienced with the Maldivian waters and their knowledge will significantly enrich your trip. They run a variety of itineraries throughout the year, with ‘Central Atolls’ and ‘Best of Maldives’ offering picture-perfect routes full of rich, colourful reefs and a ‘Deep South’ itinerary delivering shark dives.

The ship focuses on eco-friendly practices and includes energy-efficient technologies to ensure minimal environmental impact. Combined with luxurious comfort, Seascape offers an indulgent yet sustainable diving experience in the Maldives.

Oman Explorer

The spacious Oman Explorer offers a liveaboard diving adventure far away from the crowds. Comfortably accommodating 22 divers in ten twin cabins and one master cabin, the vessel ensures a relaxed experience.

Liveaboard itineraries switch during the year to offer the best diving in each region of Oman, with Northern itineraries running between June and November to sites such as the Daymaniyat Islands, offering flourishing coral reefs when water temperatures are at their warmest, and Southern itineraries offered during the winter months to the Hallaniyat Islands, providing more adventurous diving opportunities.

Diving is done directly off the vessel’s dive deck or from a RIB (dive site dependant), and Nitrox is available. On board, there’s a spacious sun deck and a large comfortable fly deck, as well as a separate area for relaxing in front of the wheel house giving guests plenty of options to unwind. 

“The standard of the boat was very good and the quality of the diving was excellent. The general condition of the dive sites was fantastic and we enjoyed seeing octopus, squid and whale sharks.” – David S

Dive Centres

Maltaqua Dive Centre

Image by Pete Bullen

With over 40 years’ of experience as a dive centre in the charming village of St Paul’s Bay in Malta, the family-run Maltaqua Dive Centre has a variety of scuba diving courses on offer, backed up by skilled and committed instructors and dive guides.

Maltaqua pride themselves on their ability to match instructor to student in terms of language, age and outlook as closely as possible, offering a complete range of introductory dives, PADI and BSAC courses and daily diving excursions around the three islands of Malta.

Divers staying at the Doubletree by Hilton Malta will be diving with Maltaqua Dive Centre, and additionally the dive centre also manages Sands Apartments—studio apartments purpose-built for divers, and Villa Michael—a newly refurbished villa offering comfortable accommodation in the sought-after seafront location of Qawra. 

Aquanauts Dive Centre GrenaDA

Aquanauts Grenada is a family-owned PADI 5-star dive centre with a great team of dive masters and instructors who have years of experience exploring reefs and wrecks. 

The dive centre strives to ensure divers have a great dive every dive and can see the best of Grenada’s underwater world. From wrecks to reefs to sculptures, Grenada has it all and Aquanauts diving courses range from introductory scuba diving to advanced specialities like adaptive and technical diving so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver you can connect with the underwater world in a way that resonates with you. 

Aquanauts has two bases in Grenada: the beautifully designed and critically acclaimed True Blue Bay Boutique Resort and Spice Island Beach Resort which is considered to be one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean.

“Aquanauts Grenada were a joy to dive with. They were relaxed, professional and friendly even to the extent of being recognised from previous visits.” – Nicholas W.

Nautilus Diving Centre, Sardinia

Image by Apuzzo Vincenzo

Nautilus diving are Sardinia’s only PADI 5-star Gold Palm dive centre, and they’re also an accredited BSAC dive resort. The team at Nautilus pride themselves on catering for divers every need and ensuring they enjoy a truly relaxing diving holiday. 

Daily boat diving is offered to the 40 or so dive sites of this region from the dive centre’s two boats: a custom-built dive boat with dive platform, and a smaller Zodiac. For those looking to learn or improve their diving, a full range of courses are available from Open Water courses to PADI Tec diver training. 

Accommodation options close to the Nautilus Diving Centre include Hotel Piccada—a traditional Sardinian hotel located just a short walk from Palau port and marina, and La Vecchia Fonte Hotel—a 4-star contemporary hotel also situated close to Palau’s marina.

Orca Dive Club Coral Garden

Orca Dive Club, 22 kilometres south of Safaga, is based on-site at Coral Garden Resort, a simple divers’ lodge providing a relaxing stay with superb views over the bay and to the western mountains. 

The centre has its own compressor room and two drying rooms with fresh water rinse tanks, and both house reef and shore-based diving are offered. Additionally, the centre offers a range of dive courses and there’s a selection of rental equipment available to hire.

The serene coastal town of Safaga offers some exceptional diving and is still relatively undiscovered. It typically has a reputation for exciting wall diving, however, it’s also an ideal location for novice divers with its several sheltered spots. 

“The dive centre was run with precision and expertise. The guides were all very informative and accommodating and the vicinity of everything was so easy.” – Sally P.

To book your 2025 diving holiday, contact our expert dive team, browse our full range of resort and liveaboard holidays, or for more ideas, check out our holiday ideas and inspiration.

The Ideal Christmas Gift - Regaldive Holiday Christmas Gift Vouchers

You may also want to put a Regaldive Holiday gift voucher on your wish list to Santa, so that you can receive a useful contribution towards your next diving holiday. Just let Santa know how to contact us and we will do the rest!

You can shop for your Regaldive gift vouchers from the comfort of your home or office, with no need to brave the busy High Street shops! Just give us a call on 01353 659999 or send us an email and we would be pleased to arrange your gift vouchers.

Our Christmas gift vouchers are available in a variety of amounts and they are valid for 12 months, so that the lucky recipient can select the dive trip that suits them best.

Planning a diving holiday with others can be overwhelming – trying to find something to suit varying levels of dive experience - for apprehensive beginners to confident pro’s, and perhaps even some non-divers thrown into the mix too!

Whether you’re a newly certified diver wanting to build confidence, an intermediate diver wanting to gain experience in different types of diving, or an advanced diver wanting a challenge –  there are resorts that can offer it all! 

The team of experts at Regaldive has put together a list of resorts which offer great quality diving for all levels of experience. So now, all you need to think about is when you want to travel, what standard of accommodation you desire and what else you want from the resort in terms of entertainment and facilities for when you’re not diving … 

Camel Dive Hotel

This small, award-winning divers’ hotel is conveniently located at the centre of Naama Bay in Egypt's popular Sharm El Sheikh. The lively Camel Bar, one of the most popular in town, has a rooftop area overlooking Naama Bay. 

The Camel Dive Club offers free transfers to the main Naama Bay jetty with daily boat trips to the 30+ dive sites in the region, including the Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed National Park. The sheer number of sites means that there's something for all divers.  

Wadi Sabarah

This idyllic retreat at Marsa Alam, Egypt offers a unique blend of tranquillity and adventure. Guests can unwind in the infinity pool, indulge at the Tamarisk restaurant, enjoy a drink at the beach bar or simply enjoy 400 metres of natural beach. 

Emperor Divers on-site provides a wide range of diving experiences starting from the extensive house reef. With shore-based dives accessed by road jeep and boat trips to the outer sites, visitors have access to superb diving, including the Elphinstone Reef. 

Siladen Resort & Spa

This small resort, accessed by boat from the mainland, occupies a secluded location on a stunning tropical island in the heart of Indonesia's Bunaken National Marine Park. Facilities include a spa, saltwater swimming pool, volleyball, billiards and a library. 

The on-site PADI 5-star dive centre offers daily diving and snorkelling for all abilities in the Bunaken National Marine Park. The diving is operated from four traditional Indonesian style vessels, with a maximum of eight to 12 guests per boat. 

Magic Island Resort

Nestled in the coastal town of Moalboal, Philippines, this resort beckons scuba diving enthusiasts with its prime location and exceptional diving experiences. The resort has just 10 well-appointed rooms, each with a private verandah. 

This PADI 5-star resort caters for beginners to seasoned enthusiasts with at least 25 dive sites, most within five - 25 minutes’ boat ride. Enjoy wall dives or gentle drift dives and witness passing turtles, reef sharks, and even the occasional sardine bait ball. 

Doubletree by Hilton Malta

Ideal for a short break from the UK, this hotel sits on the water’s edge at Qawra in St. Paul’s Bay and features five swimming pools, many restaurants and bars, a spa and the Oracle Casino. Plus, there's a fitness centre, sauna and excellent facilities for children.  

The Maltaqua Dive Centre offers diving to suit all levels and abilities, including guided and unguided diving. Malta is famous for its numerous wrecks and exceptionally clear water. 

Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort

Located on the Caribbean island of St Eustatius (also known as Statia), this resort offers a blend of value and luxury. Facilities include a large pool area, a beautiful botanical garden for relaxation and a well-equipped fitness and wellness centre.

Statia Divers, located at the resort, has an experienced team offering diving tailored to your experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore in the marine park, you can expect vibrant marine life including sharks, turtles, and rays.

To find out more about any of our diving holidays, contact our expert team today. Alternatively, read more about our dive courses, including options to advance your training further.

Congratulations on becoming a certified diver! You now have access to an exciting underwater world. At Regaldive, we understand that it can seem a little daunting when you first qualify, and so we are here to offer you a helping hand and will continue to support you for as long as you need it. Remember, you're not alone, and on this page you will find guidance and a selection of common questions that other newly qualified divers have asked us. 

Click on the questions below to be taken straight to the answers and advice.

1. I have just passed my diving course and I want to go on a diving holiday - what is a diving holiday?

    

2. How do I know where to go? There is so much choice...

    

3. When I learnt to dive I was with a 'buddy' - now I am on my own. How can I go diving on my own?

    

4. I am qualified to dive in a buddy team, but I do not want to be on our own in the water yet. What do I do? 

    

5. What if I end up with a 'gung-ho' diver and I do not feel comfortable?

    

6. Everyone is so experienced...I find it a bit daunting.

    

7. Where can I find out more at my own pace, without any pressure around me?

    

8. During my course, I had all of my equipment given to me. At the moment, I do not own anything - what shall I do?

    

9. On the subject of dive shops, there is a club near me, but is it a different club to the one I did my diving with ( i.e. PADI / BSAC / SSAC ) - can I join them?

    

10. What if I do not manage to dive again for a while?

     

11. Why do I need to reserve my diving in advance? Surely I can just turn up?

     

12. What is the difference between shore diving and boat diving?

     

13. What is a liveaboard?

     

14. I've just qualified and want to do a liveaboard/dive some more 'challenging sites'

     

15. I have a few dives now, and have done a little more training and want to book a liveaboard, but I am on my own. Do I get the cabin to myself?

     

16. I'm concerned about my impact on the environment and want to be a 'green' diver? What can I do?
    

     

17. I want to do some more courses, but have not got time to do all the ones I think I need. Which one is the best one?

     

1. I have just passed my diving course and I want to go on a diving holiday - what is a diving holiday?

Regaldive has set up its trips based around the areas of the world that offer exciting places to dive, usually in fairly warm water, although cold water destinations also offer some amazing dive experiences. As a specialist dive tour operator, we can assist you in choosing where to go, arrange your flights, book you suitable accommodation, advise you on travel dive insurance, have someone meet you at the airport when you arrive, transport you to your place of stay and prebook your pleasure diving or dive course so that the dive resort is expecting you. All this with your money being safe under our ATOL bond and knowing you have someone to rely on should things go wrong.

You may decide to do a further course or book some pleasure dives (dives without any study). Each resort and place in the world works their diving differently for many reasons such as weather patterns, number of guests, type of diving offered or local sea conditions, so the dive packs that you are able to pre-book in each resort may be different.

2. How do I know where to go? There is so much choice...

Firstly, you may want to approach this as you would in choosing any other holiday, by asking yourself what do you like? Do you like busy resorts with a choice of night time activities as well? Do you like to be able to do other activities as well as diving? Do you like remote destinations that push your comfort zone or do you like to have all your mod cons around you? Do you like having lots of people or do you prefer more intimate resorts?

Once you have decided this, in tandem with your dive qualification and dive experience, plus a guide of how much you would like to spend, we will do our best to find a holiday that ticks as many of your boxes as we can.

3. When I learnt to dive I was with a 'buddy' - now I am on my own. How can I go diving on my own?

Many divers travel and go on holiday on their own; it is a great way to meet people. When you start your diving on holiday, the dive resort and your guide for the day will pair you with another diver, and as best they can with someone of similar qualification, experience and air consumption. If there are odd numbers, you may end up pairing with your dive guide.

4. I am qualified to dive in a buddy team, but I do not want to be on our own in the water yet. What do I do? 

For the majority of the dives that you ever do, unless you choose not to, you may follow the guide in the water to help you with navigation. You may not be right next to them, but in the water, on the same dive site, within view, so that you can easily locate them should you wish.

Circumstances according to each dive location will be different, but as a rule for divers without much experience, this is how the dive centres will want you to dive anyway, for your own safety. In many destinations you can hire a private guide at an additional cost.

However, please remember that you are responsible for you own dive and dive safety with your buddy when being guided and must not be afraid to speak up if you do not understand something or if something is unclear about the planned dive.

Also, accept that everyone at some point, no matter how experienced, will have 'bad' dives. For example, something as simple as ‘do not eat the garlic aubergine on Egyptian boats at lunchtime as I will pay for it for the rest of the day', to more serious problems. Usually an enormous amount is learnt from this one 'bad dive', than from 20 'good' dives.

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5. What if I end up with a 'gung-ho' diver and I do not feel comfortable?

In any circumstances where you have any concerns about your diving or dive buddy, it is best speak to your dive guide. Many people dive for many different reasons, and sometimes a buddy mismatch can occur. There is usually a way to resolve this which your guide will be in the best position to do so.

6. Everyone is so experienced... I find it a bit daunting.

Do not forget that everyone started somewhere. Many times the success to a great day's diving is going with like minded people who have a healthy, safe and fun attitude to their diving, regardless of how many dives they have, how many qualifications they have and what necessary tools and gadgets they have hanging on them! This is the majority of divers and most are there to relax and see some great things underwater, just as you are. Divers are generally quite a sociable bunch and one of the best ways to learn is to spend more time with them! 

7. Where can I find out more at my own pace, without any pressure around me?

A good idea is to pick up copies of diving magazines such as Scuba Diver and Scubaverse, available in most larger newsagents. These magazines offer something for everyone; you can learn more about equipment, what diving in the UK and abroad has to offer and many of your concerns and questions are covered in the advice and letters pages, plus many funny stories and a few sad ones too. You may also want to join an internet site such as Divernet; do remember however that the blogs offered on these sites may only offer opinions based on single personal experiences and do not always give the larger picture.

8. During my course, I had all of my equipment given to me but now I do not own anything - what shall I do?

All of the resorts we work with offer diving equipment for rent, which you may prefer until your have experience of a few more dives. You pay for your rental equipment in resort at the end of your diving. However, it may be a good idea to initially invest in a few key items such as mask, fins, wetsuit and dive computer which is more down to personal fit. Also, be prepared to make equipment 'mistakes', meaning that although a piece of equipment is perfectly good, it may just not suit your needs or body fit. People who have been diving for years still make the odd purchase which is not right for them.

If you go along to a local dive store near your home town, with a quality shop, there are people there to help you make your purchasing decisions. Try not to be overwhelmed and do not be afraid to say you are a new diver and may just be seeking some guidance at this stage.

9. There is a club near me, but is it a different club to the one I did my diving with (i.e. PADI / BSAC / SCOTSAC) - can I join them?

All of the diving agencies have reciprocal agreements, which recognise your dive qualification as full or part credit towards their dive qualifications. Diving in different places and different regions can vary greatly, so you should always build your experience under similar environments to that in which you learnt, or seek further training and advice. For example, diving in cold water in the UK (cold water counts as anything 21 degrees or less) can bring around different considerations to diving in hot environments, which also have their own considerations.

Most clubs will be more than happy to chat with you about what they can offer, how they run their diving and training and what you may get out of it, to see if it suitable for you. Chances are if you like the people, you'll like the club.

10. What if I do not manage to dive again for a while?

Depending on the length of time you have not dived, your qualification and experience, will depend slightly on your best option; it is best to ask. In most cases if you have not dived for 6 - 12 months, divers will need to do a form of refresher dive or Scuba Review / Skills Review, which involves a refresher on the theory, equipment, pool skills and an open water dive under the supervision of an instructor. This is generally completed in less than a day and as long as you ensure your instructor puts it in your log book and stamps it for you, this 'renews' your qualification. You may also choose to carry this out in the UK before you travel, so that you can maximise the time for pleasure dives while you are away.

If you are not overly confident in the water and have been out of the water for a while, even if it is not a necessity, you may choose to do such a review at the beginning of your holiday anyway.

11. Why do I need to reserve my diving in advance? Surely I can just turn up?

There are three main advantages to reserving your diving in advance.

Firstly, you can be confident that the dive centre you will be booked with is a safe and reputable dive centre in that destination.

Secondly, if you are travelling during a busy time (and remember that just because it is not a busy time in the UK to travel, does not apply to other nationalities from other countries), there is no guarantee that the dive centre will be able to offer you what you would like in the timescale you have in mind. This particularly applies to courses, where divers to instructor ratios change according to the type of course, the age of people participating, prevailing local conditions etc.

Thirdly, in the majority of cases, you will pay slightly less for your dive package when reserving in advance, due to the agreements we have in place with our longstanding suppliers. Sometimes, one forgets to take into account local taxes, bank charges, fixed local exchange rates and local credit card charges before calculating the true cost of what you are booking direct.

In short, it should give you more peace of mind.

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12. What is the difference between shore diving and boat diving?

Shore diving is any dive that takes place with you entering the water from land, rather than a boat. It may, for example, be from a fixed or floating jetty or from a sandy or rocky beach.

Boat diving means that dives are carried out from a boat. There are many different types of boats and the type of boat used will depend very much on the type of operation the dive centre runs, in conjunction with local dive sites and sea conditions. 

Some boat examples are:

Day boat: A boat that you may go out all day from and not return to shore in between dives. These boats typically have a toilet, are larger and have some form of cold, wet or sunny weather protection and there may be areas inside and outside which are designated dry areas, where you may not enter in your dive kit or immediately after swimming. You will also likely have your drinks and lunch served on board. This is a very common type of boat found operating in the Egyptian Red Sea and they can frequently be quite spacious.

RIB - Rigid Inflatable Boat: This is a boat with a hard bottom and inflatable 'sides', similar to the smaller RNLI boats you may be familiar with. This boat will generally be used for single dives, going back to shore before you complete a second dive, though not always. It may be used in circumstances where the dive sites are not far away, or where the boat is launched through rough surf. It can be used in many different circumstances.

A 'Tender': This is a boat that will operate from a larger boat, such as a liveaboard boat. It is used to get you to the sites that the larger boat you are on may not be able to access due to the shallowness of the sites, or more bumpy conditions. A tender can be any style boat, and will often be in the local style of a particular country, or a small RIB.

Hard wet boat: The boat will have a rigid frame, such as fibreglass, but be 'open' to the seas, so there will be no dry areas and often no toilet, but usually some type of partial sun protection. It is unlikely you will spend all day on the boat, but rather do single or 2-tank dives in a long morning or afternoon.

13. What is a liveaboard?

A liveaboard is a holiday where your accommodation is on the boat. The boat moves from dive site to dive site and you sleep moored up 'at sea', or sometimes sleep when the boat is motoring overnight.

14. I have just qualified and want to do a liveaboard / dive some more 'challenging sites'

It is highly recommended, and in some cases local law, that divers have a minimum qualification and minimum number of dives to undertake some liveaboards or certain dive sites and itineraries. We liken it to passing your driving test; you can drive and you have learnt to drive safely, but would you spend the first 5 days going around the M25 without high risk of damaging yourself and someone else?

On a liveaboard, the diving atmosphere can at first be overwhelming, particularly if you are on board with a large group of experienced divers. You may also not have had adequate chance to test your 'sea legs', an important part of enjoyment of this type of holiday.

There are some dive boats that operate simple, yet nicely varied itineraries, in the northern Red Sea where Open Water divers, or equivalent, may join once they have a minimum of 15 logged dives. Otherwise, to get the most from this type of holiday or locations where the sites are more challenging: to keep you safe and to not inadvertently affect the holiday of others, a good general guideline is to have your PADI Advanced Open water qualification or equivalent and to aim for at least 30 dives, if not a few more, before throwing yourself in at the deep end!

15. I have a few dives now, and have done a little more training and want to book a liveaboard, but I am on my own. Do I get the cabin to myself?

Boat owner’s work out their costs based on 2 passengers in a twin/double cabin; this means you will need to pay for the other bed if you would like to guarantee the cabin to yourself. Otherwise, the cabin will be sold to 'strangers' on male/male share or female/female share. You may be lucky and end up as the odd number and get the cabin to yourself anyway, but unfortunately we have no influence over this! Many divers travel and go on holiday on their own; it is a great way to meet people. Your boat guide will pair you with another diver, and as best they can with someone of similar qualification, age or experience.

16. I am concerned about the environment and want to be a 'green' diver? What can I do?

The best way to achieve this is through education of the environment you are diving in and to improve your skills through further training and experience. All the diving agencies, such as BSAC and PADI, offer some excellent courses specifically for this.

Also, speak to the dive guides working in the places you visit. If they have been there a while or are from the area, they will be able to tell you about concerns specific to their areas and help you avoid making the problem inadvertently worse or showing you how you can help.

Another thing you can actively do to reduce your individual impact on the environment is to take part in our carbon offsetting scheme. 

17. I want to do some more courses, but have not got time to do all the ones I think I need. Which one is the best one?

This will depend very much on what you would like to gain from your course, and where you will be doing it. For example, it may not be the best idea to carry out 'Boat Diver' speciality, in a resort where the majority of diving is shore based.

If you had to ask me to name one, that a newly qualified diver should aim for out of all the choices, I would say 'Peak Performance Buoyancy'; this course will pay dividends in ANY other course or diving that you do.

If you would like to talk over your diving holiday requirements then give us a call and we will be happy to offer advice and assist you in choosing the right holiday for your level of experience and requirements.

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You recently enjoyed a big dive trip to the Maldives. Where did your adventure take you? 

My Maldives diving itinerary included three islands and three Euro Divers dive centres over 14 days. Taking travelling and deco no-fly times into consideration, this gave me roughly three full days of diving at each resort. 

Euro-Divers suggested spending a few days at their flagship dive centre based on Vilamendhoo and then visiting Meeru, which is located much closer to the capital, Malé. I had also heard from a well-known dive travel expert that Eriyadu is very popular with the British market, so I thought this would also make a good choice. 

Most of the islands offer a house reef where divers can come and go as they please. The other choice is day boat diving. The standard schedule for day boats is two morning and one afternoon dive, and night dives upon request. There are also full-day excursions to see manta rays or whale sharks, which include three dives with lunch served onboard. 

Tell us about your journey to the Maldives

There are various flight options from the UK. Only one or two airlines fly direct; most require a connection. Flights are roughly 11 hours long, but this doesn’t account for any time spent waiting at airports.  

All international flights land at the capital, Malé. Then there's either a speed boat or seaplane transfer. For my choice of islands, Vilamendhoo was located in the South Ari Atoll and required a seaplane, but Meeru and Eriyadu were both in North Malé, so I only needed a speedboat transfer.   

Your first port of call was Vilamendhoo Island Resort. What were your first impressions? 

Vilamendhoo, one of the Maldives’ flagship divers’ islands, is located in the South Ari Atoll. Seaplane transfer is the most convenient option, although boat transfers are also available. The 4-star resort offers 194 rooms and a variety of restaurants and pools.  

I requested a room close to the dive centre, but then again, nowhere on the island is far away from it. The dive boat leaves at 8am on most days and the restaurant opens at 7.30am for breakfast, so there’s plenty of time for a feed before departure.  

The boat crew are really friendly and attentive, always ready to help out with equipment preparation, offering tea, coffee, water etc. After a hard day’s diving, the best place to be is at the sunset bar sipping cocktails. And repeat! 

What are the main attractions for divers at Vilamendhoo? 

The house reef is such a big attraction that some divers spend their entire stay exploring it and don’t even go boat diving. The excellent shore diving here is a convenient option for families or diver pairs, who can either go on their own or be guided at no extra charge.  

That said, there are also 50-plus boat dive sites, of which Kuda Rah is the most popular. The whale shark and manta boat trips tend to get booked up, so I recommend divers request these in advance. May to October is the low season, but June and July are popular months with families.   

Which dive sites did you most enjoy at Vilamendhoo? 

Our first dive site was Kuda Rah and Dive centre manager Mathias Hook paired me up with instructor Sarah Beelte. The current was absolutely ripping. Thousands upon thousands of yellow snappers swirled around the submerged pinnacle. I watched the reef sharks and whitetip sharks patrolling in the distance. That day, there were a few too many divers about for the ‘bubble-free’ shot I wanted, so we returned several days later. The current was just as ferocious, but I managed to crawl my way back to the yellow snappers and get a reasonable picture. 

At Miyaru Thila, we encountered a small hawksbill turtle that was totally disinterested in us and carried on munching on coral while raising its bottom in disgust! After five minutes, the turtle poked its head out and ambled over to another coral head, allowing me to get a close-up shot. 

The Kudimaa wreck was a welcome change after all those beautiful walls and reefs. The propeller is a good spot for photographs. I went inside the bridge, but there was no sign of the giant green moray which is often seen there. 

South Ari is well known for whale shark and manta ray encounters. There were no manta sightings at the cleaning stations when I arrived, but my visit had coincided with the change in monsoons, so this probably had an impact. I didn’t go on the full-day whale shark trip, but those who did had an exciting encounter with a whale shark and I was able to see the video later. This was a popular area for liveaboards. 

You then moved on to Meeru Island, how does this resort differ in character from Vilamendhoo? 

Meeru is one of the biggest islands in the Maldives. The 4-star resort, Meeru Island, offers 284 rooms, including an adults-only section, making this a good all-rounder for both couples and families. It's located a 45-minute speedboat transfer from the International Airport on Malé.  

My hot tub beach villa was ideally located just a 2-minute walk from the dive centre and a 3-minute walk from the boat jetty. The room was furnished to a high standard and I loved the open-air bathroom. This is a big island offering plenty of activities including golf, tennis and football. There are also multiple pools and restaurants to choose from. The quality and choice of food was excellent.   

Tell us about diving with ‘Dora the Explorer’ from Meeru

Meeru’s dive centre manager, Jeanine Van der Voort, paired me up with dive instructor Dorota Szadkowska aka ‘Dora the Explorer’. We had over 50 dive sites to choose from at Meeru, each with boat journey times between 15 minutes and an hour and three quarters.  

Before leaving for our first dive, Jeanine asked me if I could cope with some current while taking pictures, and I said yes, but at HP Reef it was absolutely ripping. Green and hawksbill turtles were ducking behind rocks and even the fish were reluctant to move when I got close. What a fantastic dive site, but on the day, just too much current to contend with.  

In Meeru, the main manta season falls between July and November, while the best underwater visibility is between January to April.   

The top dive site, Aquarium, was absolutely on fire! There was quite a strong current, but I still managed to get into position for photos. Throughout the dive, I had plenty of marine life encounters, including hawksbill and green turtles, whitetip sharks, puffers, shoals of snappers, butterflies, sweetlips and much more. Definitely Meeru’s best site for photographers. 

The wreck at West Rock was a big hit with me and it’s only a 15-minute boat journey from Meeru. Jeanine said this site is as often used for night dives. The wreck sits upright and intact. I began my tour at the bow, entering a doorway which opens out onto the stairway. The room to the left was full of glassfish. It’s possible to go up the stairs and enter the bridge. This is a big open space. I didn’t see any lionfish lurking, but I’m sure they were around somewhere. It’s also possible to explore the cargo hold and the engine room. Dora posed on one of the toilets!  

I hardly saw another liveaboard during my stay at Meeru, and in most cases, we were the only boat at the dive sites.  

Eriyadu Island Resort is a perennial favourite with Regaldivers. What did you think of it?  

Eriyadu is a 45-minute speedboat transfer from the International Airport on Malé. During my visit, around one-third of the resort’s clientele were British. I think this 4-star resort is a good choice for both divers and snorkellers. It only takes about 10 minutes to walk around the entire island.  

I stayed in one of the rooms located in a block. It was a reasonable standard, but not luxury, and I had direct access to the beach from the rear sliding doors. The resort has a swimming pool, decked bar overlooking the jetty, and a cosy little beach bar. I particularly enjoyed drinking cocktails at the decked bar in the evenings while watching juvenile blacktip sharks patrolling the shallows and herons flying overhead. During my stay, I had a look inside the deluxe villas which seem to offer more comfort and seclusion for those willing to pay a bit extra. 

What were your most memorable diving experiences at Eriyadu? 

Dive manager Lisa De Jong agreed to ‘chaperone’ me during my brief stay. Lisa said Eriyadu offers 30-46 different dive sites, with boat journey times from 15 minutes to an hour.  

The most memorable dives for me were Lucky Rock and Finger Point. Lucky Rock was full of batfish. They can be quite intimidating. Wherever I went, there were multiple batfish following me. Dive guide, Raihan, found a leaf fish, but it was too small for my wide-angle lens. At Finger Point, there was plenty of marine activity throughout the whole dive, including white tip sharks, pufferfish, lionfish and a huge jellyfish. This was definitely one of my favourite dive sites. 

At Kagi Kuda Kandu we encountered a squadron of eagle rays, but they were a little skittish, so I couldn’t get close enough for a good picture. At the end of the dive, we found a huge nurse shark underneath a ledge. 

Lisa said they had recently seen four mantas at Bodu Hithi, about an hour’s boat ride away. There are two cleaning stations positioned a few hundred metres apart, one at around 30m and another at around 10m. Although we went to both, we weren’t lucky enough to see mantas this time.   

How was Eriyadu’s house reef? 

The island is really geared up for house reef diving. Lisa said: ‘The whole island is a shore diving site’. There are five entry points around the island where cylinders are dropped off for the divers and the local currents are minimal.

I didn’t get a chance to check it out myself, but Lisa assured me that sharks, rays, turtles and anemone fish are commonly sighted. Night snorkelling in the house reef was a big seller. I used to sit and watch the torch beams from the comfort of the bar every night. 

What were your overall impressions of Euro Divers?

Euro-Divers are one of the biggest and best dive operators in the Maldives, and you can book a holiday with them through Regaldive. They've funnelled more than 50 years of diving experience into making the whole diving process as enjoyable as possible, from checking in and equipment hire to the quality of the dive guides and the boat crew. It doesn’t matter which centre you visit, they all pretty much offer the same standards and procedures. The Euro-Divers green and yellow rash vests sold in the shops also looked very stylish! 

It was great to see the boat crew helping guests with their BCDs and changing cylinders over, and this wasn’t done just for my benefit. There were always comprehensive dive briefings explaining the sites, along with possible marine life encounters, current direction and safety precautions. Even though I wasn’t a ‘normal’ customer they would still wait for me to climb the ladder first before leaving the water at the end of a dive. Very professional indeed.

Who would you say resort diving in the Maldives is suitable for?

These days I think resort diving is a good option for everybody. Families can all dive together on the house reef or parents can use the in-house creche, taking it in turns to do two morning dives and spending the afternoon relaxing by the pool. Couples and singles have the option of doing two morning dives and an afternoon dive as well as a night dive if they want to, or they can book onto a full-day manta or whale shark excursion, which offer three dives. There was usually only one dive boat at each dive site, and it wasn’t always full to capacity. 

Most dive centres offer between 30 – 50 sites with a number of manta cleaning stations included. Being land-based is a good option for those who wish to enjoy other activities, including tennis, golf and football, as well as a choice of bars, restaurants and swimming pools. 

Summary  

The three resorts I visited were very different in many ways. Vilamendhoo, at South Ari, is the place to be for whale sharks and mantas. The island also has a superb house reef, which is popular with divers and snorkellers, and the food and accommodation were of a high standard.  

Meeru is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé. It’s a bigger island but offers more facilities, including an adults-only bar and restaurant. Most of the time we were the only boat at the dive sites and there were fewer divers onboard, but of course, this is season-dependent. I managed to get some great shots of Meeru’s marine life, including a leopard shark, and at the resort the choice and quality of food was excellent.  

Eriyadu, the smallest of the three, was more intimate and rustic. We were also the only dive boat at most of the dive sites and there weren’t too many other divers to worry about. The house reef was totally geared up for snorkellers and divers, offering multiple entry/exit points and cylinders delivered ready for use. The night snorkelling was also very popular.  

Yes, I do have a favourite resort but that would be telling! 

To find out more about our diving holidays to the Maldives you can speak to our friendly, expert dive team.

Malta, and its little neighbours, Gozo & Comino, have been ‘go to’ scuba destinations since the early 90s and had an active diving community long before that. Malta is the shore diving location of Europe, if not globally, and the passionate diving industry experts who serve these islands are the ones to thank for the facilities it has today. During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to experience both the incredible dive sites and the amazing people behind getting divers in the water. 

Before we get cracking, I want to cover local pronunciation to save anyone else the embarrassment of ordering a Cisk beer and pronouncing it ‘Sisk’. In Maltese, ‘c’ is ‘ch’ and ‘x’ is ‘sh’. You can now walk into any Maltese bar and proudly order a pint of Cisk and tell them you’re staying in Xlendi with full confidence.  

Flying into Malta is simple from the UK; there are options with both charter and scheduled airlines. On landing, my first stop was St Paul's Bay, on the north-western side of the island, which offers spectacular sunsets. There I would be diving with our long-time partners Maltaqua. St Paul's Bay is a bustling town with restaurants, cafés, and bars, and the National Aquarium, which is housed in the Bugibba. I know I sound mad, recommending this to divers, but the food and ambience are lovely, so it's well worth a visit.  Sands self-catering apartments are situated around the corner from the dive centre, about a 10-minute walk from the seafront. The Doubletree is wonderful for those who want a catered option, whereas Villa Michael is ideal for small groups and families who want a seafront location and to be in the midst of the action. 

Now back to the diving, one of the main diving areas in Malta is the Cirkewwa (Chir-kehwa) Marine Park. This is right on the northern tip, tucked away around the corner from the ferry terminal. This area was Malta’s first marine park and has been heavily advocated for by the Maltese diving industry. In return, facilities have been provided by the government to not only make diving more accessible, but also safer, cleaner, and less environmentally impactful. Malta’s rocky landscapes can be tricky underfoot, but here steps have been discreetly cut into the entry/exit points, railings and hand-support points have been added, there are wide concrete benches to assist in kitting up, there are dive maps to help with briefings, and there are even toilets, showers, and an excellent snack van.  

Housing the wrecks of the P29 and the Rozi tugboat, the training area of Susie’s Pool and the beautiful geological feature of the Cirkewwa Arch, this area alone has enough sites for a few days of diving and the facilities make diving here a vastly more enjoyable experience. The Maltaqua team were incredibly knowledgeable and patient with me, guiding me through not only the dive but entry and exit techniques too.  

During our dives, we spotted schools of silver jacks, a sting ray, and black damsels, and hit both wrecks and the arch. At the start of June, the water was a fresh 20°C but I (who gets cold in the bath) was comfortable in my trilaminate drysuit, and my buddy was good with a 5mm and hood vest on. The visibility was great, allowing endless views of the panda grass dancing under the sun’s rays.  

Many say that Gozo is what Malta was 20 or 30 years ago; small towns predominantly surrounded by stone-walled agricultural land and hidden gems of seaside bays. Although less visited, Gozo has over 40 dive sites and has been supported in a similar fashion. In the stunning bay of Xlendi (you’ve got this!) is Gozo Dive St Andrews. This operation has been in the industry for over three decades and has played a big role in diving tourism development along the way, alongside others.  

While diving with them, I covered the renowned Blue Hole and collapsed arch, as well as the Inland Sea. These sites are only dive-able when then conditions are right, so we were lucky the wind changed direction on our last diving day.  

Now, we know the beautiful, azure-kissed Blue Hole, encircled by limestone that looks like it was baked in God’s own Mediterranean kitchen, but what people don’t talk about is the entry/exit point. It’s tough! But again, facilities have been put in place to make it easier and safer. This includes two railed staircases and a path with steps which have been cut into the boulders for you have to cross - even with equipment on, it’s a possible route for the vast majority of people.  

Gozo Dive St Andrews were incredibly supportive and thorough in our brief, talking about different techniques and options. I felt I was in very safe hands. For those who can’t cross the boulders, there are tourist boats which pass through the Azure Window, for a small supplement you can rent one of these and access the site via boat instead ... easy! The site of the collapsed arch is breathtaking: gigantic boulders tower in the crystal-clear water and are truly humbling. As you return to the Blue Hole its beauty shines, sunbeams enter the pool-sized opening at the surface and cascade through the water and the submerged arch sitting at 8-15m. The geological architecture is astounding. We were even treated to a visit from an octopus, which is always a win. 

 Xlendi is an idyllic bay, and everything is within a few minutes' walk (although some of it is up a steep hill). There are a variety of restaurant options, and there are generous designated swimming bays, in addition to good public transport links. The St Patrick's and San Andrea Hotels offer comfortable and modest accommodation on the waterfront, just a few steps from Gozo Dive St Andrews.  

Malta and Gozo continue to improve their diving facilities year-on-year, creating sites to suit divers of all levels. The friendly islands have a rich cultural history and numerous attractions which are well worth exploring when out of the water.  

For me, Malta and Gozo are the top diving destinations in Europe, and I can’t thank the dive centres enough!  

Find out more about diving holidays in Malta and Gozo, or get in touch with our dive team. 

One of Regaldive's most popular holiday destinations, the Maldives is a picture-postcard paradise. Above water, stunningly beautiful white sand beaches which epitomise relaxation contrast with the exhilirating underwater realm that offers some of the finest diving to be found anywhere in the world. Adrenaline-charged drifts, amazing quantities of colourful fish and chance encounters with pelagics - mantas, whale sharks and shark species - are the order of the day here; and with the island nation of the Maldives covering some 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean, what better way to explore than by liveaboard.

Joining a liveaboard safari really does give you the flexibility to experience Maldives diving at its best if you can abandon the island castaway dream. Maldives diving is completely defined by currents and liveaboard itineraries are designed to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations to take in the sites that offer the best diving at that moment in time. Add to this the fact that you can visit a number of different atolls on a single itinerary, some with little or no tourism development, and you can see why a liveaboard option is a great choice for divers who are mostly interested in diving... and diving only.

Regaldive offer a choice of liveaboard vessels in the Maldives catering to a diverse range of budgets and diving needs. If you're thinking of a luxury boat with plenty of space and all mod-cons, take a look at MV Carpe Diem. This beautiful 35m boat has its own fully equipped diving dhoni and caters to just 20 guests on each trip. Carpe Diem offers a choice of seven or 10 night itineraries throughout the year that are uniquely designed around the prevailing currents, seasons and pelagic migration patterns.

During the winter season (November - May) most of the trips start and end in Male and concentrate on Ari Atoll with either an extension to the South or to the North. The Southern extensions to Felidhu and Meemu atolls or further are mostly known for their channel dives to see lots of sharks and are best chosen by experienced divers. The Northern extension to Baa, Lhaviyani and Noonu atolls concentrate more on a large variety of fish and good coral life.

During the summer season (July - October) Carpe Diem continues with its usual trips to Ari Atoll and also follows special 7 and 10 night dive trips to Baa and Raa atoll. The main focus on visiting Baa atoll during this period is to observe the famous manta rays while feeding in the marine protected Hanifaru Bay. This unihabited island has become one of the hottest places on the planet to witness manta rays in their hundreds, who are attracted to feed by the mass plankton blooming between the months of May and November. It is due to this phenomenon that Hanifaru Bay has become known as the world’s largest manta ray feeding destination.

Want to find out more? Watch this incredible video of Carpe Diem in action in the Maldives and call Regaldive on 01353 659999 to book your place!

The journey to Marsa Alam

I flew to Marsa Alam on a direct flight from London Gatwick - the first available since the pandemic! After just five hours, I landed at the airport and was quickly picked up by an Emperor Divers representative and driven to my hotel. Everything was smooth as silk.

The reinstatement of direct flights to this region between November and April really helps to make this wonderful area accessible once again.

First impressions

I had a friendly welcome from the staff on my arrival at Wadi Sabarah Lodge. It is a beautiful resort, with rooms constructed on different levels along a slope which descends to the beach. The resort aims to accommodate guests aged 12 and older, so the pool area is a relaxing place to unwind. Overall, the atmosphere is so calm and chilled, you can forget the hubbub of the outside world entirely. 

Wadi Sabarah’s architecture is simple but well-designed, with the resort calling on time-honoured Bedouin techniques to ensure a naturally cool and pleasant environment. I felt as though I was walking into a Luxor temple. The interior design, pottery, art and Egyptian artefacts evoke a sense of the exotic, setting this resort apart; particularly in the library and lobby.

My room was located on the beach level and had a private terrace. Despite being a standard room, it was very spacious and conveniently located. The interior had wooden furniture in a natural style, and I was provided with a refillable glass bottle. 

A Unique Offering 

Wadi Sabarah is designed to be in harmony with nature and is built by local masons from repurposed fossilised coral limestone. A solar grid powers the lodge, and they use reverse osmosis, and filter water from desalinated seawater.

The coffee was the best I have ever tried at a resort and the local cuisine was delicious. 

There’s plenty to do beyond diving, such as day trips to Luxor and sunset jeep safaris (which I loved!) I especially enjoyed being out in nature as the sun set and the colour of the rock changed before my eyes. 

I also explored the botanical garden at the heart of the resort - it is like a green oasis in the desert. The gardens house over 2000 plants, including over 40 local species, and guests can take a free tour with Dr Irina Springuel. Irina shared a wealth of knowledge about desert plants and traditional medicine. Guests can even scan QR codes to learn more about the plants during a self-guided walk. 

But of course, I was there for the diving, which brings me to the incredible brand-new onsite dive centre, run by Emperor Divers.

Emperor Divers were so fun and professional 

During my stay at Wadi Sabarah, I enjoyed many dives with the PADI 5-star dive centre. The highly professional team has extensive local diving experience and guided all the dives very well. They were well-organised, delivered good briefings and were very committed to diver safety.

However, what really impressed me was the programme of marine talks. At 6.30pm every evening, the Emperor Divers team hosts a 30-minute educational presentation at Wadi Sabarah. The talks were informative and fun, giving an insight into the marine life you are likely to encounter when diving in the Red Sea, such as oceanic whitetip sharks, dugongs, and moray eels. You won’t want to miss them!

My most memorable dives in Marsa Alam

One of my highlights was definitely enjoying my first-ever dugong encounter at Marsa Mubarak! Emperor operates daily boat tours to this shallow dive site. I followed my dive master as we searched for dugong in the seagrass meadows. We were very lucky and quickly caught sight of one chowing down on some seagrass. We also had spectacular turtle sightings while we were diving there.

Another highlight came after taking a 20-minute speedboat ride out to the famed Elphinstone Reef. Elphinstone is a 375-metre-long reef with sheer drop-offs and steep walls. That morning there was a gentle current so I enjoyed a relaxing dive. Although we didn’t see any of the famous oceanic whitetip or scalloped hammerhead sharks on this occasion, we had some amazing sightings - huge schools of barracudas, travellies and tuna, along with Napoleon fish and lionfish. The visibility was so good I could have been diving in the Maldives!  

So, is Marsa Alam suitable for divers of all levels?

I’d say anyone can dive here. There is a beautiful shallow reef at Abu Dabbab beach for children and beginners. Wadi Sabarah’s coastline has a pristine fringe reef, so you can have a fantastic experience without even leaving the resort.

Experienced divers can head over to Oasis Dive Resort and explore the waters there with or without a guide. I also highly recommend the wreck dives and a drift dive at Elphinstone for seasoned divers.

Why stay in Marsa Alam?

Marsa Alam is less touristy than Hurghada. With lovely resorts away from the crowds, you can enjoy the sun and sea by yourself. 

Between November and April, you can take a direct flight from the UK to Marsa Alam. Staying in Marsa Alam you spend less time travelling to and from your resort, which means more time underwater. I enjoyed daily boat trips to a wide range of beautiful dive sites.

For me, the best parts of my trip were the incredible dugong encounter and my fabulous stay at Wadi Sabarah. 

Please get in touch to find out more about staying at Wadi Sabarah Lodge or booking any of our Red Sea diving holidays.

How does it work?

Family or Learn to Dive weeks allow divers and non-divers to spend time together while focusing on the activities they enjoy and developing diving skills.

Many itineraries feature affordable diving certification training, so your travel companions can learn to dive and prepare to join you on diving adventures. As these liveaboard departures are designed to be inclusive, they offer a range of snorkelling and fun dive activities for those who don’t wish to certify.

These holidays are an excellent way for beginner divers to try out a Maldivian liveaboard experience or develop their diving skills by taking courses. Socialising with others who share similar interests is just a bonus.

If you prefer to be resort-based, you can opt for Family Weeks at one of the spectacular Atlantis Resorts in the Philippines and take advantage of their excellent family deals. 

Summer travel options in 2024 & 2025

The Maldives

AMBA

Liveaboard Diving Beginner’s Tour: Family fun between Male and Vaavu Atoll

Take advantage of a variety of affordable courses and family rates on this week-long Beginners Tour itinerary. Having completed diving theory in advance, learners can train under perfect conditions and complete up to four courses including their Open Water certification. Once certified, divers can explore Vaavu Atoll which has the thrilling possibility of shark encounters, along with other highlights. More experienced divers can hop aboard the dhoni (a traditional boat) to access some of the area’s more challenging dive sites, while newer divers can go on their first dive safari with expert supervision from an experienced dive team.

Departs 13 Aug 2024, 7 nights from £1239 (boat only)

MV Keana

Family Week: Perfect for snorkellers, beginners and children

Spend 10 nights in a Maldivian paradise exploring warm turquoise waters for exciting marine life and beautiful corals with a highly experienced diving team at your disposal. Beginning at Hulhumalé Lagoon in the North Malé Atoll, Keana takes you on an ocean adventure around the remote atolls during which you may enjoy encounters with manta rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins and friendly whale sharks. The vessel accommodates up to 18 guests in comfortable upper-deck cabins and features an outdoor bar and dining area, along with a lovely sundeck with spectacular views of the sparkling ocean and the pristine white sand beaches of the tropical islands. Both divers and snorkellers will have opportunities to discover incredible reefs teeming with colourful fish. 

Departs 8 Aug 2024, 10 nights from £1774 (boat only)

Seascape

Family Tour: Child and eco-friendly adventures

Seascape is a trailblazer for responsible diving practices. From its award-winning reef protection measures to its sustainability focus onboard, this is the perfect choice for eco-conscious travellers. The luxurious 41-metre-long vessel can host up to 28 guests in spacious and well-appointed cabins, and it's possible to dive up to three times per day. They operate programmes aimed at children and family groups, focusing on beginner-friendly sites that are also excellent for snorkelling. More experienced divers will be interested to know that Seascape is renowned for thrilling dive safaris.

Departs 28 Jul 2024, 27 Jul & 3 Aug 2025, 7 nights from £1975 (boat only)

The Philippines

Atlantis Puerto Galera & Atlantis Dumaguete: Family Weeks

Atlantis Dive Resorts are offering a range of exceptional deals for family groups this summer. The Family Week special offers include free stays, free meals, and free diving places for kids (one free child per paying adult), plus further discounts for young adults aged 18-30 when travelling with parents. Non-divers can also enjoy a ‘Try Scuba’ session for free!

You and your family can explore the diverse dive sites in the famed Coral Triangle, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wrecks, black volcanic sands and critter hotspots. Puerto Galera is a beautiful Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO with accessible diving, diverse coral reefs and exotic marine life. Dumaguete, in the Visayas region, hosts a diverse range of macro species, including ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and various seahorses and octopuses. It also grants easy access to the Dauin Marine Sanctuaries and Apo Island - one of the finest diving destinations in the Philippines. 

Both of the resorts are situated in stunning beach-front locations. Atlantis Puerto Galera is famed for its unique ‘Flintstones’ resort design, while Atlantis Dumaguete has tropical landscaped gardens, thatched-roof bungalows and a stunning waterfront restaurant. 

Atlantis Puerto Galera: 7 nights from £2895 (flight inclusive)

Atlantis Dumaguete: 7 nights from £2995 (flight inclusive)

Family Week deals at the Atlantis Dive Resorts are available on selected dates in July, August, November and December 2024, and July, August & September 2025.

Please contact our dive team for more details about Atlantis resorts, liveaboard adventures in the Maldives or the full range of Family Weeks available.