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 standard way to practice our favourite underwater sport safely, I can assure you it won’t be a problem to explore the most exciting parts of the ocean 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 factors such as 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.

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?

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:

The best diving destinations for solo travellers

You will find below my in-depth guide for the best scuba diving destinations I got to explore around the world:

Preparing for 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 before or after diving in Bali, you’ll find detailed guides to find inspiration about the best things to do as a scuba diver in Sanur, Ubud, Amed and Pemuteran:

Preparing for a scuba diving trip to Thailand

Thailand is one of the easiest countries in the world to start your journey as an independent dive traveller. From Koh Tao to Koh Lanta, there are dive sites for all levels and travelling across Thailand is hassle-free, affordable and rather safe.

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

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

Finally, if you wonder what to do before or after diving in Thailand, you’ll find detailed guides to find inspiration about the best things to do as a scuba diver in Bangkok, Phuket and Khao Lak:

Preparing for a scuba diving trip to French Polynesia

Snorkelling Fakarava Tuamotu French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a dream come true for all lovers of pelagic species. It’s remote in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s an expensive destination, but the promise of swimming with hundreds of sharks or whales while enjoying being away from 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 before or 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 for a scuba diving trip to Hawaii

Diving in Maui

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 before or after diving in Hawaii, you’ll find detailed guides to find inspiration about the best things to do as a scuba diver in Maui and Big Island:

Preparing for a scuba diving trip to Okinawa

Scuba diving Manza Dream Hole Okinawa Japan

Okinawa, the southern province and archipelago of Japan, is still a newcomer among international diving destinations. With the high interest in travelling to Japan, it wasn’t long before scuba divers wanted to know more. From coral reefs to manta rays and hammerhead sharks, Okinawa definitely has its place among the world’s best tropical diving destinations.

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

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

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

Preparing for a scuba diving trip to Malta

Diving in Malta - P29 shipwreck

Malta is a little bit of an outsider from this list of dream diving destinations, but do not underestimate it. In the south of the Mediterranean Sea, the smallest country in the EU is a treasure trove of shipwrecks and sea caverns in crystal-clear water.

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

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

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

Come back for more – I will soon add more dive travel planning guides!