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The Traveller’s Gift Guide: For the Diver Who Has Everything (Except These)
Divers are notoriously difficult to buy for. They either own everything, hold exacting opinions on what constitutes the 'right' gear, or prefer to risk it with a rental. Yet there is hope. A new wave of travel-ready, durable and sustainably minded equipment promises to satisfy even the most…
The Banda Sea aboard the Mermaid II
A dive adventure aboard the Mermaid II to the Banda Sea is the perfect diving experience. You can see marine life you might never have encountered before, from mobula rays and sea snakes to zebra urchin crabs and blue whales (yes, more than one). You could even spot hammerhead sharks gliding…
Cold Water Diving: All You Need to Know
With access to elusive marine life, lesser-explored dive sites and scenic underwater landscapes, there are many perks to dipping your flipper in colder waters. But preparation is key - whether it's choosing the right gear, staying warm between dives or navigating unpredictable visibility.…
Our Favourite Ocean Migrations
You've heard of epic land migrations (hello, wildebeests), but what about those that happen beneath the waves? Every year, marine species great and small undertake mighty migratory journeys across the ocean in search of food or a mate, or both. From wandering whales to cruising sea turtles,…
The Best Barrier Reefs in the World
What makes a barrier reef a barrier reef? We're here to tell you. Often referred to as 'rainforests of the sea,' barrier reefs are composed of billions of tiny coral polyps that form living walls, providing food and shelter for an array of underwater life and serving as hubs of buzzing…
Use it or Lose it
Do you still have some annual leave left? You're not alone. Nearly two-thirds of UK workers don't use their full annual holiday allowance, and we're here to change that. After all, time off is not a perk; it's what makes the work/life balance just that: balanced. Our short diving breaks are…
Top Five Strange Sea Creatures
While ocean giants like whales and sharks often steal the spotlight, let's not forget the strange sea creatures lurking below. From ancient crinoids and striking coral shrimpfish to vibrant peacock mantis shrimp and the downright bizarre hairy frogfish, the ocean is home to many weird and…
Top Ten Komodo Facts
Komodo is immensely beautiful both above and below water, boasting volcanoes and kaleidoscopic reefs to leathery dragons and brightly coloured frogfish. Sitting pretty in the middle of Komodo National Park, it stands as a jewel of Indonesia's archipelago. Whether you want to learn about its…
Benefits of Scuba Diving
Okay, okay - it's no secret that we're at our happiest when we're 10m under the water, surrounded by shimmering shoals and colourful coral. But did you know that scuba diving has plenty of other benefits, too? From mental and physical health to marine biodiversity, we're here to show you…
Top Ten Inspiring Indonesia Facts
When it comes to the best reef diving on the planet, Indonesia is always in the conversation. And rightly so. The world's largest archipelago straddles the Equator and stretches out along the base of the Coral Triangle. It lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is listed as one of…
Meet Mobula Yarae: A New Species of Manta Ray
Mad about mantas? You're in luck. Earlier this year, scientists officially identified the third species of manta ray: mobula yarae. This breakthrough confirms Dr Andrea Marshall's suspicion of their existence in 2009 (talk about being ahead of the curve) and reveals how evolution continues…
Where Do Our Experts Want to Dive Next?
Our experts may be seasoned travellers, but there are still a few dreamy corners of the sea calling their names - and who better to inspire your next adventure than our ocean-obsessed team? We asked our resident diving gurus, Jacqui, Emily and Rachel, for a peek at their bucket lists and, as…
Popular posts
Top Ten Sea Lion Facts
Whether you know them as sea lions or 'puppies of the sea', these charismatic and playful creatures share a lengthy history with humans. Sea lions were once worshipped by the ancient Moche civilisation of Peru, before later facing commercial hunting for their hides during the 1800s, so it's…
Top Ten Thresher Shark Facts
At sunrise, if the conditions are utterly perfect - deep water, plenty of cleaner fish and nutrient-rich currents - you might just spot a thresher shark. For many scuba divers, encountering these shy creatures is a bucket list experience - and for good reason. Seeing a thresher shark's long,…
Top Ten Manta Ray Facts
What diver doesn't dream of swimming alongside majestic manta rays? These charismatic and gentle fish, whose relatives include sharks, sawfish, electric rays and stingrays, certainly deserve a place on every diving bucket list.
Top Ten Pufferfish Facts
Picture yourself suddenly ballooning into a spiky sphere whenever you feel a mix of nervousness and curiosity. That's just a typical day in the life of a puffer fish. And while they may be the world's most poisonous fish (when eaten) they're romantics at heart. Ready to learn more about…
Top Ten Hammerhead Shark Facts
Hammerhead sharks are one of the most recognisable ocean creatures and perhaps the most distinctive of all shark species, largely thanks to their strangely-shaped heads - known as a cephalofoil. Found in the warm waters around Central America, Southern America, Africa, Asia, and Australia,…
The 14 Best Diving Films
When you're desperate to submerge, but currently landbound, sometimes a good diving film has to suffice. The ocean has appeared on the big screen for decades, captivating audiences with stunning seascapes, delightful marine characters and thrilling underwater adventures. Whether you want to…
Top Ten Bull Shark Facts
Brutish bull sharks get a bad rep. Despite joining great white and tiger sharks in the 'Big Three' for shark attacks, these formidable fish face far more danger from us than we do from them. As apex predators, bull sharks are pivotal to keeping marine ecosystems in balance. However, like…
Top Ten Mantis Shrimp Facts
Often spotted scurrying across the ocean floor or peering out from their carefully constructed burrows, alien-like mantis shrimp are always a joy to see. These intriguing, carnivorous crustaceans come in a wide range of sizes and colours, and although some live in temperate waters, most…
Top Ten Great White Shark Facts
The infamous great white barely needs an introduction. After skyrocketing to fame in 1975 thanks to Steven Spielberg's hit movie Jaws, these majestic, yet somewhat misunderstood, creatures are one of the most well-known shark species worldwide.
Top Ten Nudibranch Facts
From the bright red Spanish dancer to Hopkins's rose nudibranch, neon green leaf sheep nudibranch - otherwise known as 'Shawn the Sheep' -, and the orange-peel Doris nudibranch, fabulously coloured nudibranchs have amassed a cult-like following among divers. Hailed as the 'Jewels of the…
Six of the Best House Reefs
Coral reefs are some of the world's most colourful and diverse ecosystems, and a hidden treasure to feast the eyes upon for any scuba diver and snorkeller. But why should you wait for a boat trip from your hotel when you can access these underwater Edens straight from the shores of your…
Short Haul Winter Diving Destinations
As we (at least those of us based in Europe) are slowly stepping into the cold of winter and dusting off our winter clothing, here at Original Diving, we've compiled our list of some top short-haul winter-come-spring diving destinations. Here's a selection of places you can get to for a…