The solo traveller guide to scuba diving

Whether you consider yourself a solo or a single diver, there are many good reasons that make us embrace scuba diving on our own. While the buddy system is the general way to practice our favourite underwater sport safely, I can assure you that it won’t be a problem to explore the most exciting parts of the ocean even on your own. Here is a complete guide to scuba diving as an independent solo traveller, from where to find dive buddies to the best budget destinations.

How to travel as a solo scuba diver?

Florine World Adventure Divers at Utila Dive Center

My diving blog is all about my experiences as a solo traveller exploring the world’s best diving spots. In this regard, I gathered information and feedback about the best way to make the most of this experience and meet like-minded friends at the same time:

Where to go scuba diving?

scuba diving bag - fast boat from Sanur Beach to Nusa Lembongan Bali

There are so many scuba diving destinations to choose from! Depending on your experience, you might consider aspects of budget, safety or distance from home to make the best choice for you. But first, it’s good to have a general understanding of where the best diving in the world is:

If you haven’t been travelling solo yet and are concerned about feeling homesick, you may consider travelling close to home and/or going for local diving.

In Europe, the best local destinations are:

Spain, especially diving in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the Costa Brava
Malta, especially Gozo Island
France, especially Marseille and the French Riviera
Scotland, especially diving in Scapa Flow

In America, the best local destinations are:

Hawaii, especially Maui and Kona islands
Florida, especially the Florida Keys and the Northern Springs

If you have already tried solo travel before but still need to take experience, why not try these exotic long-haul destinations amongst the safest in the world?

Japan, especially diving in Okinawa and the Izu Peninsula
French Polynesia, especially Tahiti and the atoll of Fakarava
The Galapagos Islands (note, however, safety can be an issue in the rest of Ecuador)

If you feel more adventurous and are looking to travel on a budget to dive as much as possible while being in a country where it is relatively easy to travel to, South-East Asia is almost unbeatable as one of the cheapest diving destinations:

Indonesia, especially diving in Bali
Thailand, especially diving in Koh Tao
The Philippines, especially diving in Malapascua

The best diving destinations for solo travellers

Preparing a scuba diving trip to Bali

The island of Bali in Indonesia remains my favourite place to go on a scuba diving holiday thanks to the beauty of its nature, its fascinating culture and incredible diving, without mentioning it’s one of the most affordable scuba diving destinations.

Before booking a trip to Bali, here are the basics you need to check:

Regarding diving in Bali, I wrote in-depth articles with plenty of pictures to let you understand what to expect:

Finally, if you wonder what to do after diving in Bali, you’ll find detailed guides to find inspiration about the best things to do as a scuba diver in Bali:

Preparing a scuba diving trip to French Polynesia

Shark Diving in Fakarava Tuamotu French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a dream come true for all pelagic species lovers. It’s remote in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and it’s an expensive destination but the promise to swim with hundreds of sharks or whales while enjoying being away from any mass tourism is priceless.

Before booking a trip to French Polynesia, here are the basics you need to check:

Regarding diving in French Polynesia, I wrote in-depth articles with plenty of pictures to let you understand what to expect:

Finally, if you wonder what to do after diving in Polynesia, you’ll find detailed guides to find inspiration about the best things to do as a scuba diver in Tahiti, Moorea, Fakarava and the Marquesas Islands:

Preparing a scuba diving trip to Hawaii

Hawaii, and especially the island of Maui, was one of my most memorable dive trips, even if it wasn’t my cheapest one. I scuba dived inside the submerged crater of a volcano, inside lava tubes and even at night with a ballet of manta rays.

Before booking a trip to Hawaii, here are the basics you need to check:

Regarding diving in Hawaii, I wrote in-depth articles with plenty of pictures to let you understand what to expect:

Finally, if you wonder what to do after diving in Hawaii, you’ll find detailed guides to find inspiration about the best things to do as a scuba diver in Hawaii:

Come back for more, I will soon add dive travel planning guides for Okinawa and Malta!