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Top Islands in Tanzania

While its safaris are superb, Tanzania has a whole world waiting beyond its shores. From the palm-lined Zanzibar to the mini Mnemba, islands in Tanzania promise beachside bliss and some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean (swimming with whale sharks, anyone?). If you can't decide where to…

Sea lion

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…

Fish swimming through coral in Egypt

The Best Dive Sites in Egypt

From enchanting caves and colourful coral to abandoned wrecks and silver-hued sharks, Egypt is one of our favourite places in the world for diving. Whether you're a skilled diver or you're just starting to dip your fins in, Egypt's Red Sea dive sites offer clear waters, incredible marine…

Humpback whale in French Polynesia

Snorkelling with Whales: the Facts

There's no experience quite like gliding through the open water alongside whales. While diving with these colossal creatures is generally not allowed - the bubbles produced can be interpreted as a sign of aggression or danger - snorkelling with whales is, and can be just as exhilarating.…

Coral underwater in French Polynesia

Inspired by Attenborough: Ocean Conservation

Our Co-Founder Tom Barber was at the premiere of Sir David's latest (and last) documentary, Ocean, and had this to say. 'As so often with Attenborough's wildlife and conservation films, Ocean can make for uncomfortable - and even at times distressing - viewing, but there is always an…

The Maldives atolls from above

Best Islands in the Maldives for Diving

With its tapestry of pearly white beaches surrounded by sun-dappled waters, a trip to the Maldives is all about island hopping. From the serene Northern Atolls to the pristine Southern Atolls, many of the best islands in the Maldives are just a speedboat or seaplane away from the capital.…

Octopus

Top Ten Octopus Facts

Octopus, with eight arms protruding from its head, is a master of camouflage and possesses the remarkable ability to regrow limbs. These slinky Cephalopods seem more alien than earthly, leading to a captivating notion: they might have extraterrestrial origins. Despite having thrived on Earth…

Beach in the Seychelles

Maldives vs. Seychelles

There are worse problems in the world than tossing up the Maldives vs. the Seychelles. Both countries define island idylls, boasting balmy seas exploding with otherworldly marine life. Above water, luxurious resorts and swoon-worthy weather attract honeymooners and sun seekers alike. So, how…

Top Yoga and Scuba Diving Destinations

It's no secret that yoga brings many benefits - but what if it could help you when scuba diving? Flexibility, strength and balance are not just useful in daily life; they're all crucial components of hoisting on a wetsuit and dive gear (trust us). Just like physical control, breathing drives…

Cuttlefish

Top Ten Cuttlefish Facts

Cuttlefish have been mesmerising divers for decades. Their bodies pulsate with vibrant waves of colour, their tentacles splay out like delicate fingers and their fringe-like fins flutter vigorously in the current. These cephalopods - alongside squid and octopus - might be best known for…

Two men looking out to sea in the Bahamas

The Best Caribbean Dive Resorts

Vast and varied both above and below the water, the Caribbean is the ultimate dive resort destination. With its laid-back beachfront bungalows to exclusive sea-view villas, you're sure to have a rejuvenating stay. They're also the perfect launchpad to dive into vibrant coral reefs, explore…

Snorkelling with Manta Rays: the Facts

Elegant and otherworldly, manta rays are some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. It comes as no surprise, then, that snorkelling alongside them sits at the top of most divers' bucket lists. But if you want to make the most out of snorkelling with manta rays, there are a few things you…

Popular posts

Sea lion

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,…

Manta ray

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.

close up image of the side of a pufferfish's face

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…

Hammerhead shark

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,…

A large camera sits on a rock on the shoreline of an ocean during sunset.

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…

Mantis Shrimp

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…

Great White Shark

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.

Nudibranch

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…

Angsana Ihuru aerial

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…

diving in egypt

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…