Diving on your own is a great way to see what’s down there at your own pace. The scuba community is big and international, so dive shops are rarely far away. The fun part is real, but so is staying safe when you travel alone. Here are our top safety tips, a few countries that work well for solo divers, and some specific advice for female and LGBTQ+ travelers.
8 Essential Tips for Traveling Alone
1. Plan, but stay flexible
Do your homework on where you’re going. Read up on local customs, culture, and anything that might be a risk. A good plan keeps stress down, but be ready to change it when things don’t go as expected.
2. Get travel insurance
Don’t skip travel insurance. Diving carries real risk, and good cover is what gets you help when you actually need it.
3. Stay connected
It’s tempting to switch off from everything back home, but keep someone in the loop. Share your itinerary and check in regularly so people know where you are.
4. Trust your gut
If something feels off, get yourself out of the situation. You don’t need a reason. Common sense will keep you safe more often than any rulebook.
5. Buddy up
Diving with other people is safer and more fun. On most trips you’ll be paired with a new buddy each dive, and that’s how a lot of diving friendships start.
6. Hang around dive schools
Dive schools are an easy place to meet other divers. The staff also know the local dive scene and where everyone hangs out after a dive, which is hard to find any other way.
7. Try a liveaboard or dive hostel
Spend a few days on a liveaboard and you get to know the other divers fast. You dive together, eat together, and the friendships kind of make themselves.
8. Join online diving groups
Diving groups on social media are full of useful info, local events, and meet-ups. Get involved and you’ll have people to dive with almost anywhere you go.
4 safe countries for solo diving
1. Iceland
Friendly locals, dramatic scenery above and below the surface, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever dive. Silfra Fissure and Strytan are the sites most people come for.
2. Canada
Canada is safe, beautiful, and the marine life varies a lot from spot to spot. You can dive the clear water at West Hawk Lake, the reefs off Bell Island, or head north for Arctic diving among icebergs.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand is built for adventure and it’s an easy place to explore on your own. Cathedral Cave and Milford Sound are worth the trip, and the locals and fellow travelers make it simple to find company.
4. Sri Lanka
Warm water and plenty of dive sites like Swami Rock and Navy Island make Sri Lanka an easy pick. It’s a calm, relaxed place, and the locals are welcoming.
Inclusive travel tips
For solo female travelers:
Connect with other solo female travelers for support and tips. Look into female-only accommodation, respect local customs, and stay aware without letting it hold you back.
For LGBTQ+ travelers:
Do your research, stick to LGBTQ+-friendly places, and read up on local laws before you go. Find allies within the community, who can usually point you to the safe spots.
Solo scuba diving is within reach for just about anyone. Put safety first, do your homework, and make an effort to meet people, and you’ll have great dives wherever you end up.
