5 Tips for Planning a Solo Scuba Vacation

Scuba diving may require a buddy, but that doesn’t mean you have to bring one with you on every trip. In fact, going solo can be a great way to meet people who share your passions and gain a new appreciation for your surroundings. (Even if you’re not alone on your trip, you may be traveling with friends or family who have no interest in diving. With proper planning, you can go on a thrilling dive and get back to your group by lunch!)

While advanced divers have the option to get a certification to dive alone, this isn’t always the practical (or preferred) option. Luckily, there are many ways to plan a successful scuba trip on your own. Here’s how to make it happen.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Make sure you thoroughly research your destination before booking flights. You can use Search Scuba to search by destination and dive type, then get key info for each location in our detailed destination guides. You may even want to make a checklist of everything you need to remember for your trip, including passport information, currency, and timezones. By making sure you’re prepared, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth solo trip.

KEEP IT FLEXIBLE

One major benefit to planning a dive trip (or any trip) solo is that you have the ability to remain flexible. The fact that you don’t have to coordinate with someone else means you can book flights, hotels and excursions last minute, often saving money in the process.

Flexibility is also important when it comes to your diving plans. Many shops need a minimum number of divers per day in order to go out. If there isn’t a big enough group lined up, there’s a good chance you’ll get bumped to a different day. By maintaining a flexible itinerary, you’ll be sure to get your dive in regardless of the dive shop’s schedule.

FIND A DIVE BUDDY

Here’s a big one. Many divers feel they cannot take a diving trip alone due to the need for a diving buddy. In reality, you’ll often be paired with another couple or solo diver on the boat. But, if you don’t want to wait until then, there are plenty of options for finding someone to dive with, and you might just make a new friend in the process!

Facebook Groups

Believe it or not, there are plenty of chances to find a diving buddy on Facebook. Join scuba diving groups to spec out destinations, dive sites and possible diving buddies. Even if you don’t find a perfect match, you can often collect insider information that can make for a stellar diving experience later.

Liveaboards

A liveaboard is basically a mini cruise for divers. You’ll live onboard a boat for the duration of your trip alongside other divers, visiting multiple dive sites each day. This type of dive trip has gained popularity in recent years because it brings divers together and allows them to dive in remote locations they may not have otherwise visited.

It’s easy to meet a dive buddy on liveaboards, especially considering the mixed experience levels of guests. By sharing a boat, meals and stories with other divers, it’s easy to form bonds that often last a lifetime.

Even Pairing

No matter how you go about finding a buddy, be sure to talk to your divemaster about your skill level before jumping in. There’s nothing worse than getting mismatched and inhibiting your experience or that of your partner. By talking to the divemaster ahead of time and letting her know the types of sites you’ve dove before and how long you’ve been diving, you’ll avoid this common mistake.

STAY SAFE

Anytime you travel alone, it’s key to make sure the people back home have a copy of your itinerary. You should check in often and update them if plans change. It may seem overly cautious, but it can make all the difference, especially when visiting areas with a travel advisory.

GO FOR IT

Our last tip? If you’ve been considering a solo dive trip, just go for it. The dive community is like one big family, and lasting friendships are commonly found on the boat rides to and from dive sites. As long as you take the proper precautions and establish clear communication with your divemaster, you’ll have a great time. Your adventure awaits!