News
12 steps to being an eco diver
For most divers, I think we feel pretty privileged to get to see and enjoy the amazing underwater world. As the plight of our oceans and coral reefs becomes more prominent in the news and on social media, often divers find ourselves probably a bit more aware of the value of the life beneath the waves and the issues affecting it. Therefore, it can be quite distressing when we learn that not all of the negative impacts on coral reefs are from large scale human impacts like climate change and overfishing, but that in some areas, lots of damage comes directly from divers and diving tourism, particularly in those areas that experience a high density of divers year round.
So, how do we divers, who love our sport and the underwater world, overcome the negative impacts and turn our actions into positives?
Here’s a list of 12 easy things we can do to minimise our impact:
1. Be choosy about your dive centre
There are lots of dive centres out there going above and beyond to be green, teaching and supporting good dive practices and minimise their environmental impact. A little research before hand and you can find centres that give marine biology talks, do beach cleans and work on an environmentally-friendly basis. Generally I find I have a better time and get more from holidays like this. The Green Fins website is pretty helpful.
2. Buoyancy
Buoyancy is massively important for both enjoying the dive, improving air consumption and also not trashing the environment you are diving in. Practice makes perfect, so you are never too good to try and improve; skills get rusty after a break even for experienced divers. There are lots of places offering courses specifically designed to improve buoyancy, so it’s a great excuse for more diving!
3. Do not touch anything
There may be an odd occasion you need to hold onto a rock if you’ve just run into a strong current or use a finger to stabilise yourself for a moment in an emergency. If you can pick a bit of rock without growth or a bit of dead coral to hold onto, this is best.
However if you are regularly holding onto stuff or bouncing off the bottom, then it’s time to go back to basics and get your buoyancy under control. If not for the sake of the environment, but yourself, particularly when you realise you just grabbed hold of a stonefish…
4. Reef safe sun screen
On a tropical dive holiday, chances are you will be using sunscreen to avoid sunburn and the associated health risks and pain that come with it. Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which is very bad news for reefs, as it kills coral. Since we know we will be in the water and some of the sunscreen will be washed off, by using a reef safe sunscreen, we ensure our diving activity doesn’t pollute the water for the corals we are there to see! For a list of Reef Safe Sunscreens click here! You could even forego the sunscreen entirely and wear a sun hat and UV-protective clothing instead.
5. Reusable water bottle
Keeping hydrated is a must in diving as hydrated divers are less likely to get the bends or suffer heat related issues in hot climates. By using a reusable water bottle, you can reduce the amount of single-use plastic entering the environment. Having your dive centre refill your own bottle it also often works our cheaper than buying bottled water from the shops.
6. Do not tip bad guiding
If your dive guide moved that frogfish/seahorse for you to get a photo, ask them not to touch or move anything. A photo is never worth killing something by stressing it out. If they guided you deeper than the original dive plan to show you something, or deeper than you are qualified/ comfortable going, ask to stick to the dive plan next time. Plan the dive, dive the plan. Ultimately you are responsible for your dive and your safety. Guides do what they think will make customers happy because happy divers tip. If your guide is acting like a cowboy, it’s probably because previous divers have rewarded this behaviour.
7. If you are a photographer, remember your surroundings
Never move anything, try not to touch coral or lie on the bottom. If you need to hold onto something to get your photo, then it’s back to work on your buoyancy before going in the water with a camera! Often taking a few well planned shots is best. Many creatures, such as seahorses are sensitive to light, so taking a few good photos and moving on ensures they are not permanently blinded by multiple strobe flashes. Also spare a thought for others in the dive group, by sharing the view of a nice critter, it reduces the likelihood of lots of divers crowding one spot and inevitably someone kicking something, causing damage and kicking up sand and silt.
8. Use spit, rather than washing up liquid or shampoo
There are a few biodegradable defog options out there for anyone who’s spit is not very effective at keeping their mask fog free, but for the majority of people spit works really well! It’s free, it doesn’t need time to break down to do no harm to the environment and you always have it with you!
9. Get involved in reef surveys or clean-ups
One of the absolute best ways to be sure you are having a positive impact is to give up some of your time to help clean up an area. Many dive centres and organisations will very gladly accept your help on a local beach clean or dive clean up. If you know your fish and coral you can also help by taking part in reef surveys, such as Seasearch, REEF, Reef Check or Coral Watch. Many eco dive centres teach these courses if you would like to hone your underwater ID skills and help gather data for science and conservation.
10. Think about your impact on land
Even though many of us wish we could live underwater sometimes, we do spend the majority of time on land and here we can make a huge difference that will help all environments and our oceans. We can reduce our dependence on single – use plastics that may end up in the ocean, by using reusable water bottles, coffee cups, straws and bags made from recyclable plastics or even better, alternatives like bamboo. Also, have a think about where you stay when on dive holidays, does the hotel try to avoid single use plastics? Do they recycle? What happens to the waste water? Again, with a little research good, affordable eco options can be found for accommodation. It’s always good to know you won’t be diving in water that your waste is going into!
11. Support initiatives to clean up the oceans
There are many great organisations out there attempting to make a difference. We can join charities like Marine Conservation Society, or buy products from clean up programmes. Fourth Element have a new swimwear range made from ghost netting and there are some very good looking flip flops made from recycled ocean plastics. New things are coming on the market all the time, they look good and are a great example of reusing and recycling. Have a search for what is going on near you and how you can support the movement.
12. Try not to eat the seafood you have just been diving with! (The invasive Caribbean lionfish aside).
If you were wondering why there weren’t as many fish as the last time you dived here, and you then go and order a reef fish for lunch at the hotel…you may have found your answer! For a guide on what is sustainable on most menu’s and what to avoid click here. For recipes for cooking the delicious and invasive Caribbean Lionfish, click here!
News
Dive Worldwide introduces a pair of snorkelling-only liveaboards for 2025
In response to a growing trend amongst its customers for snorkelling-specific itineraries, specialist operator Dive Worldwide is introducing two new snorkelling trips for 2025. The new liveaboard holidays, to the Coral Triangle and Maldives, offer the same exceptional marine encounters and adventurous spirit as a traditional diving holiday, but with greater accessibility for those that are unable to dive.
Commenting, Phil North, Dive Worldwide’s Brand Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these two fabulous adventures aimed solely at snorkelling enthusiasts. From iconic animals like whale sharks and manta rays to vibrant coral reefs, much of the magic in our oceans happens in the shallows, and these wonderful experiences are now as accessible to snorkellers as well as divers.”
Dive Worldwide has the largest programme in the UK of tailor-made and small group liveaboard and resort-based diving holidays. It features over 200 destinations worldwide, catering for beginners and experienced divers alike.
NEW SNORKELLING TRIPS FOR 2025
Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure
This small group cruise on Indonesia’s Coral Sea is aboard the new and environmentally-friendly Bugis, which sleeps just eight guests. Made from reclaimed teak and serving locally-sourced meals, the boat aims to have the lowest environmental impact as possible, with no single-use plastic on board, and run by a synthetic fuel made from plastic waste. The Bugis offers different itineraries throughout the year, timed for the best wildlife encounters. From May through to September, the focus is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo. Here, enjoy the kaleidoscopic beauty of shallow tropical reefs, swim with manta rays, and take on land expeditions to see Komodo dragons and Pink Beach. Between November and late March, the vessel is in Raja Ampat, the marine biodiversity capital which is also culturally rich on land. Highlights include colourful reefs bustling with hard and soft corals, and interaction with pelagic species.
Price: from £3,495pp based on 2 sharing, including 8 nights’ accommodation (1n Jakatra, 7n liveaboard), all meals, transfers and return flights from the UK. Departures from March 2025.
Maldives Snorkelling Conservation Cruise
These departures, exclusively for snorkellers, provide the ultimate marine life encounters with a focus on conservation and environmental awareness, all while sailing through the beautiful waters of the Maldives. The cruise’s dedicated itineraries focus on either manta rays or whale sharks, and are run in partnership with the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Program. This allows snorkellers to encounter these magical pelagics on an intimate, immersive level, slipping all but silently into the waters next to them, and nimbly following them. Alongside the wonders of the water, there’s the chance to experience the local culture and participate in data collection in Citizen Science projects too.
Price: from £2,545pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ liveaboard, all meals, activities, guiding, transfers and return flights from the UK. Depart: 2 February, 2 March, 23 March 18 August, 4 October or 21 December 2025.
For further information visit Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302087).
News
Exclusive Shark Diving Adventure in the Maldives – Last Female Space Available!
Oyster Diving is offering one final opportunity for an unforgettable shark diving experience in the Maldives. From February 9-16, 2025, this exclusive trip, led by renowned marine biologist Dr. Elke Bojanowski, will take place aboard the luxurious Horizon III liveaboard. As a special offer, the last remaining female space is available with a £300 discount.
An Unparalleled Diving Experience
Diving enthusiasts will have the chance to explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites while gaining insights into shark behavior and conservation from Dr. Bojanowski. Known for her expertise in shark research, Elke will guide divers through encounters with these magnificent creatures during the Maldives’ renowned ‘Shark Week.’
Luxury Aboard Horizon III
The Horizon III liveaboard is designed to provide the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure, featuring:
- 12 well-appointed cabins accommodating up to 22 divers
- A restaurant serving gourmet buffet meals
- A fully stocked bar
- A spa and sundecks for relaxation
- An open-air hot tub for post-dive unwinding
Top-Tier Dive Support
With a dedicated team of four experienced Divemasters, divers will benefit from an outstanding 1:6 ratio, ensuring personalized guidance and safety throughout the trip.
Limited Availability – Book Now!
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive alongside sharks under the mentorship of a leading marine biologist. With just one female space left, interested divers are encouraged to book quickly.
For more information and reservations, click here.
Oyster Diving
📧 info@oysterdiving.com
📞 +44 (0)1273 384971
🌍 www.oysterdiving.com
-
Gear Reviews3 weeks ago
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 4
-
News2 months ago
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 1
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 5
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 3