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Ocean Conservation Success Stories
We all know that the ocean's had its fair share of setbacks, from warming seas to overfishing, and it's easy to get swept up in the bad news when you scroll through the headlines. But who says we can't celebrate the wins too? The underwater world is home to more than 90% of the Earth's…
Our Guide on What Not to Do After Diving
As divers, we're often well-versed in what to do - or what not to do - before and during a dive. But what about after? When you're back on dry land with a head swimming (sorry) with memories of marine marvels, there are certain things it's best to avoid doing. However, these can be easy to…
Our Guide to Fish Spawning in Palau
What if you could anticipate the occurrence of a natural phenomenon? And no, we're not talking about clairvoyancy. Fish spawning (a mesmerising marine reproductive event) takes place in alignment with the lunar cycle, meaning they can be anticipated, and planned for, months in advance. This…
Five of the Strangest Deep Sea Creatures
We know the ocean is a fascinating place, but the deep sea is another dimension all together. Beyond depths of 200 metres, sunlight fades and the true deep sea begins. It is here that some seriously strange deep sea creatures survive. Given they roam hundreds of metres below the surface, you…
Five Amazing Fish Transformations: From Juveniles to Adults
Growing up is a time of change and uncertainty for most of us, but for certain fish, it also entails a complete physical transformation. From the classic elongation of bodies to the more peculiar donning of eye masks (only in pattern form, sadly), there's no shortage of weird and whacky ways…
Melanesian Ocean Reserve: The World's Largest Indigenous-Led Marine Reserve
June 2025 brought some long-awaited diving news: the launch of the world's first indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve protection initiative. Set across the waters and territories of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, the Melanesian Ocean Reserve is…
Scuba Diving Terms for Beginners
When you begin your scuba diving journey, you'll likely hear diving terms that sound like a completely different language. But don't worry, we have you covered. Some of this lingo is essential for safety, while other phrases refer to key skills every diver should know. One thing's for sure:…
Our Favourite Underrated Diving Destinations
From hidden coastlines to secret reefs, there are plenty of dive spots that fly under the radar. Whether you're visiting Indonesia's remote Halmahera Island - home to walking sharks and spider crabs - or diving into the unspoilt waters of Tanzania's Mafia Island, wonders await beneath the…
Our Guide to Coral Spawning
Coral might often be mistaken for a vibrant underwater plant, but most divers will know that corals are actually animals. And, while most divers will have done their fair share of swimming alongside vibrant coral reefs, many won't have witnessed one of their most interesting features: the…
Just Back: Andy’s Research Trip to the Cayman Islands
Our Original Diving expert, Andy, recently spent 11 days on a research trip in the Cayman Islands. From diving in crystal-clear waters to discovering dramatic swim-throughs, this was a proper detox destination. And when he wasn't exploring underwater, he was soaking up the sun on blissful…
The Best Dive and Snorkel Destinations in Indonesia
Indonesia is renowned for its diverse diving opportunities, so it might not surprise you to find out that the country sits at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle (the heart of marine biodiversity). With a whopping 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers both divers and snorkellers the opportunity…
Species of Manta Ray
Manta rays are some of the most charismatic and beautiful creatures that inhabit our oceans. Together with devil rays, manta rays are collectively known as mobulids, and are closely related to sharks and other rays. While cartilaginous like their cousins (meaning they have a skeleton made of…
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…