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underwater photo of a diver swimming below a manta ray looking up to it

Biophilia Hypothesis, it’s natural for us to connect to nature.

Ask yourself a simple question: do you feel better after spending time in nature? This could be in the form of a dive, a walk in the park, tending to your garden or simply sitting on the grass. Most likely, your answer will be yes, and this is the basis of the biophilia hypothesis - the idea…

underwater photo showing a manta ray swimming over a bright light resting on the seabed at night time.

Bonfire Diving

Everyone enjoys sitting around a camp fire roasting marshmallows right? Well how about floating around an underwater 'fire' after the sun sets, surrounded by marine creatures of the night? Bonfire diving is a chance to glide with the aliens that swim among us - it's like diving in an…

underwater photo of a wobbegong shark swimming in blue water over a sandy seafloor

Our Top Facts About Wobbegong Sharks

Broad and flat headed with upward facing eyes and a blotted skin tone - do you know who we're talking about? Wobbegong sharks are bottom dwelling, nocturnal creatures who enjoy living in the warm waters of the tropical and western Pacific oceans. With dappled skin and the ability to…

a goliath grouper resting under rocks

Top Ten Goliath Grouper Facts

Often found solo, except during the summer months full moons, the solitary goliath groupers live in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, typically in the shallows close to coral reefs, wrecks or ledges ranging from five to 50m in depth. Recognised as a 'critically…

aerial view of blacktip reef sharks swimming in shallow rocky waters

Shark Identification 101: Know the Species You’ll Encounter

While many divers love to spot sharks, let's be honest - many of us still get our silkies, nurses and lemon sharks mixed up. While certain sharks are easier to identify (obvious answers being the whale shark and the wobbegong) to a total newbie, a first encounter can still leave them perplexed.

underwater photo of a blue whale diving down from the water surface

Blue Whale Facts

Blue whales are the largest creatures on Earth; in fact, they're larger than the dinosaurs ever were. Found in all waters around the world, excluding the Arctic, these blue behemoths prefer to travel solo. But they never lose contact, choosing to communicate with other whales through…

Diving 'The Pit' in Mexico

Plunging fin first into 'The Pit', El Pit, might not sound like the most enticing offer when it comes to dive sites. But allow us to explain the beauty of diving in the cenote known as El Pit, and why it should be on every diver's bucket-list. El Pit is part of the longest underwater cave…

underwater macro photography of a pink pygym seahorse resting on pink coral with a black background

Best Underwater Photography Destinations

As divers, we love seeking out bucket-list creatures in the deep blue. The majority of us enjoy turning those memories into photos too (how else will our non-diving friends believe us?). Whether you're a novice looking for crystal clear waters and calm conditions, a history buff wanting to…

A group of sperm whales swimming close to the surface in deep blue water

Top Ten Sperm Whale Facts

Immortalised by Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick, sperm whales have delighted (and boggled) ocean lovers for centuries. Boasting the largest brain on Earth, along with an equally large block-shaped head, these social creatures live in pods, sleep vertically and enjoy diving to…

Underwater photo of a group of spotted rays gliding in clear water

Why Scuba Diving Makes You Happier

Have you ever heard of the biophilia hypothesis? It's a theory that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other life forms. As divers, this instinct resonates deeply with us. While we might at times appear over-enthusiastic about how much the ocean affects our…

Close view of a porcelain crab hiding among sea anemone

Top Ten Crab Facts

Crabs often get a bad rep (thanks to a certain medical issue). But we think, once you dig a little deeper, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the abilities and agility of these decapod crustaceans. From their sideways walk to their propensity to regrow limbs, when needed, crabs play a vital…

Top Starfish Facts

Starfish (also known as sea stars in the scientific world) are curious creatures spread out across rock pools, seagrass and coral reefs. Some are even found 9,000m deep on the sandy seabed. They come in various shapes, sizes and colours - there are over 1,600 species - most commonly with…

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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…

Mandarinfish

Over the Rainbow: The Most Colourful Sea Creatures

The ocean realm is home to sea creatures of many shapes and sizes, but it is the kaleidoscope of colour that resides within the oceans that is the most striking characteristic to remind us of its awe-inspiring beauty. Colour can be used as territorial warnings, for mating purposes or it can…

Diving lesson

The Top Five Places To Learn To Dive

Divers are really astronauts; gliding weightless through the ocean we observe alien worlds carpeted in vast fields of colourful corals with equally bizarre, enthralling inhabitants - from the foreign clicks of dolphins communicating to minute technicolour slugs (nudibranch). And best yet,…

Angsana Ihuru aerial

Five 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…

whale shark ningaloo reef

Top 6 Places to Dive and Snorkel with Whale Sharks

As the ocean's largest fish whale sharks are found in tropical seas around the planet, making for some pretty comfortable dive conditions - unusual when diving, or snorkelling, for some of the ocean's bigger beasts. Yet despite being one of the most recognisable marine creatures, these…

Blue shark

The Azores Best Dive Sites

Unique underwater topography characterised by big boulders, caverns and canyons; crystal clear visibility; mantas and mobulas; sharks and ship wrecks; macro life and much, much larger whales… and all in Europe. Yes, you heard right. Located a mere four hour flight from London, we think the…

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…