We’re always reminded to never dive alone. But what about traveling solo? With the right tips, visiting your next diving destination without any friends and family can be an amazing way to meet new dive buddies, make new friends and have an epic time underwater. Find out for yourself by following these 10 tips for solo dive travel.
1. Pick a destination that’s great for solo dive travelers. Not every destination is designed for meeting people, so choose an independent-friendly destination, like Utila or Bali.
2. Consider a liveaboard. Because liveaboards are a relatively small, social place, they are a great method for meeting other like-minded divers. And, they attract many more solo travelers than you might think. Book a spot with PADI Travel, and the crew will pair you up with a bunkmate and dive buddy. Plus, the scuba experts at PADI Travel can help you find the best liveaboards for solo travelers and the best deals on your trip.
3. Solo travel can be extremely flexible, as you only have to worry about your own schedule. Sign up for last-minute deal alerts for airfare, accommodation and liveaboard trips to secure deep discounts on your diving excursions.
4. One of the things solo dive travelers worry about the most is finding a dive buddy. Make sure to talk to the Divemaster on your liveaboard or at the dive shop about your skill level and interests. This way, he or she can find you a complementary dive partner, if possible.
5. Being prepared underwater is the best thing you can do, whether you’re traveling with friends or diving with strangers. Consider getting your PADI Rescue Diver certification or a PADI Self-Reliant Diver certification to brush up on your self-rescue skills and to help you stay safe.
6. Choose the right hotel. While you’ll run into many accommodations that charge a single supplement, some have more flexible rates that won’t penalize you for traveling solo. Look for hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels. Alternatively, try to travel during the shoulder or off-seasons. Check out the best dive resorts for solo travelers, if you need some recommendations.
7. If you want to get social, look to the hotel bar or a local restaurant as an opportunity to meet other solo travelers doing the same. Plus, bartenders give the best advice on local attractions.
8. Join a voluntourism trip or excursion. Not only do these excursions make a positive impact on the environment, they also attract a diverse group of divers with whom you may want to socialize during your solo travels. Look for trips like field surveys or PADI AWARE coastal cleanups. Find a conservation activity in your destination here.
9. Don’t plan every single minute of your trip before departure. Making spur-of-the-moment plans with the divers and other people you meet on your vacation is one of the best parts of traveling alone.
10. Make sure you’re as safe above the water as you are below it. Give your itinerary to family or a friend back home, and send them a message from time-to-time with your whereabouts. Also, be cautious with revealing your room number or other identifying information to new acquaintances.
Ready to dive into traveling solo on your next dive holiday? Check out PADI Travel and speak to a Scuba Travel Expert who will be able to advise you on the best destinations, the best accommodations and the best excursions for solo dive travelers around the world.
