DIVING SOLO CAN BE SUPERB
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
There is nothing more relaxing, magical and captivating than a day of scuba diving. You become at one with the ocean and its many inhabitants. What can be even more exciting and magnetizing is being able to get away to a dive destination where you can take advantage of an ocean full of enchantment.
Diving has been called the buddy sport and it is much safer if the experience is shared with a friend or partner. However, going on a dive trip solo can be just as exhilarating if you follow the proper guidelines. This is a superlative way to meet new people with similar interests and make long-lasting friendships.
Here are some ways to give you the confidence to travel and dive solo:
* It is important to keep an eye out for last-minute airfare deals, accommodations or live-aboards giving exceptional deals so that you can take advantage of the best possible deals. Check out sites such as www.divetrip.com and www.diveprovo.com.
* Go for a more-inclusive way to travel and the perfect way to meet other similar divers. Try a live-aboard as they attract more single divers. Once you book your trip, the crew pairs you up with a bunkmate and a dive buddy. There are also PADI Diving Society events that you should keep an eye out for which give you the ability to meet new divers as well. Check out www.aggressor.com, www.dancerfleet.com, www.BVIDIVING.com and www.trukodyssey.com.
* Go for the more independent-friendly destinations like Bay Islands, Honduras which attract many solo divers and has been voted as one of the top diving destinations in the world. (http://www.honduras.com/bay-islands-scuba-diving/#!)
* Select the hotels and resorts with flexible rates. There are hotels that don’t penalize for one traveler. You can also experiment with budget hotels and local guest houses. Try to travel in the off-season for even better rates.
* It will be beneficial to speak with the DiveMaster at your chosen destination ahead of time so that you can discuss your skill level, interests while there and this way perhaps a complementary dive partner can be found prior to your arrival.
* With that said, try not to prearrange too much before you get there. Spontaneity is always good and as you meet new friends during your stay, you will want a bit of flexibility in order to share spur-of-the-moment dive adventures during your stay.
* Another option for solo-dive travel is the voluntourism trips. Participate in REEF Field surveys which offer a whole new rewarding way to scuba dive or take part in coastal cleanups which attract a diverse group of divers.
* Eat your meals at the bar of your hotel or at the local restaurant. This is an opportune way to run into other single travelers and get to know them. The bartender can also be an important source of advice on best local dive sites as well as places to see and things to do on the land.
The two final key thoughts are probably the most important. If you have the opportunity to get your PADI Rescue Diver Certification prior to your travels, it is highly recommended. This increases and perfects your self-rescue skills and gives you a higher level of confidence and safety and will come in handy for future dive trips.
Lastly, it is a good idea to give your itinerary to a friend or family member back home. Check in occasionally and be careful about giving out your room number to just met acquaintances.
If you apply all these pointers to your solo-diving vacation, you are sure to have a most memorable trip and be excited to fulfill the experience again and again.
Comments are closed.