Drive and dive road trips are all about flexibility. Once you're on the road, with no set departures and no need to rush, you're free to be spontaneous. Driving straight from home? You can forget all about baggage restrictions. Not to mention you can make it your own and combine your road trip with a safari, a visit to volcanic islands or a detour into the mountains. Diving gear packed in the boot? Read on to discover some top tips from Emily, our resident marine biologist and dive expert...
Top Tips
Plan ahead
First things first: you need a plan. If you're combining a scuba diving road trip with a safari, for example, consider timing a trip between May and September. These months offer great game viewing in South Africa and clear waters for diving in Mozambique. And beyond timing, let's talk logistics. Is your vehicle road-trip ready? Do you know where the nearest dive shops are en route? Make note of any important contacts you may need along the way: think car hire companies, hotels and dive centres.
Map it out
Next up, your drive and dive adventure needs a clear route. Consider where you want to dive, the journey between each site and any exciting pit stops along the way. Take Gozo: while the iconic Blue Hole is a must-dive, there's plenty to explore on land, like the ancient citadel. And what will help plan all of this? A map, of course. Whether physical or digital (we love going old school), maps are a must when plotting your path or spotting the best detours. For island-hopping in the Azores, for example, noting down key driving routes will help make navigating much easier.
Choose your base
Keen to unpack for more than one night? We have you covered. Book a 'home-base' lodge and settle into one well-located spot you can drive and dive from (this setup works particularly well if you're staying on a smaller island). Buddy Dive Resort is a firm favourite on a scuba diving road trip in Bonaire, offering gorgeous shore dives. Or, if Gozo's calling, then Gozo Dive St Andrews is a popular base, complete with its own dive boat and just a stone's throw from the sea.
Pack smart
Finally, planning your dive gear is essential. While road-tripping straight from home allows you to pack extra gear, remember to factor in luggage allowances if you're flying to your destination (and keep vehicle size in mind). Drying your gear on the go can be a challenge, so a clothesline for drying your clothes at a campsite and dry bags to keep your wet kit separate are lifesavers.
Where to drive and dive
Baja California, Mexico
Head to Baja California for a sensational scuba diving road trip. Its remote, vast landscapes are made for driving, and the nutrient-rich waters are teeming with marine life - what more could you want? Oh, we forgot to mention you can dive alongside hammerhead sharks and sea lions, and if you time your visit between November and March, you might even catch a glimpse of migrating whales.
Australia
Add the land down under to your drive and dive bucket list. Visit wild Western Australia, where seriously stunning scenery awaits. Start in Perth and drive up the coast, stopping at Nambung National Park (home to the Pinnacles Desert), past the famous Pink Lake and Kalbarri National Park, and then north to Monkey Mia. From there, head to Coral Bay and Exmouth, gateways to the Ningaloo Reef. Approximately 800 miles north of Perth, the reef is a diver's paradise, renowned for its population of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and even humpback whales during their migration.
New Zealand and Fiji
Combine New Zealand's dramatic landscapes with Fiji's clear waters on the ultimate drive and dive adventure. Muscular mountains and pristine lakes await on the South Island, while the North Island boasts geothermal wonders like Rotorua and Taupo. After road-tripping around New Zealand, fly to Fiji for breathtaking diving. Explore Taveuni, Fiji's 'Garden Island', and delve into Rainbow Reef before hiking around Qamea Island's lush trails. To finish off, visit Beqa, the ideal island getaway for adventure-seekers, complete with thrilling shark diving.
Oman
Expect winding roads and pristine waters in Oman. Trek through the craggy Hajar Mountains, navigate the lofty dunes of Wahiba Sands in a 4x4 and enjoy a private tour of the bustling souqs in Muscat. With land covered, delve below the water's surface. Explore the vibrant reefs of Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal, both buzzing with marine life, before uncovering the sunken wreck of Al Munassir.
Iceland
Drive past volcanic terrain and dive between two tectonic plates on a road trip in Iceland. Start in Reykjavik, then cruise past unspoilt landscapes to reach Thingvellir National Park, home to the Silfra Fissure. One of the most distinctive dive sites in the world, the Silfra Fissure is a narrow chasm where you can dive between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After your (very) chilly dive, drive to the famous Blue Lagoon, tucked within a lava field, and warm up in its geothermal waters.
