There are few things better than a day spent diving. But after many blissful descents, there comes a moment when it's time to hang up your fins - temporarily at least - and let your body get to work off-gassing. Luckily, this surface interval is the perfect opportunity to explore a little more of your destination above the waves, from kayaking along the cliffs of Gozo to cooking traditional island dishes in the Maldives. Ready to make the most of your time between dives? Read on for a few of our favourite off-gas experiences…
Why do we need to off-gas?
When you dive, your body stores extra nitrogen from the air in your tank. Totally normal, but here's the kicker - once you surface, that nitrogen doesn't just vanish. It needs a bit of time to check out. If you rush things by hopping straight on a plane or diving right back down, pressure changes cause those gases to form bubbles in the body, which can trigger decompression sickness. That's why our dive trips include a buffer day before flying - the perfect amount of time to stretch your sea legs on the sand.
Blue lagoon kayaking in Gozo
Not quite ready to say goodbye to the sea? Swap your mask for a paddle and head out on a kayaking adventure in Gozo's famous Blue Lagoon. Drift along limestone cliffs, sneak into hidden caves and soak up the coastline from a whole new perspective. It's a slower pace than diving, but every bit as rewarding: expect plenty of swimming stops and the wonderful feeling of having well and truly earned that post-paddle gelato.
Birdwatching in Raja Ampat
A day out of the water in Raja Ampat doesn't mean the wildlife sightings have to stop. Lace up your walking boots and head into the jungle at first light in search of some of Indonesia's most famous residents: the dazzling Wilson's and Red birds-of-paradise, both featured in David Attenborough documentaries. Guided walks take you through dense rainforest to quiet clearings where these birds perform their elaborate courtship displays - and they really know how to put on a show, making for an unforgettable off-gas experience.
Snorkel with whale sharks in Tanzania
Look, we love scuba diving (it's sort of what we do), but snorkelling is also magical, especially when you're doing it alongside whale sharks in Mafia Island, Tanzania. From November to April, these gentle giants drift gracefully through clear waters, feeding on plankton and offering close encounters that don't require deep dives. If you're not quite ready to part ways with the ocean yet, snorkelling with these magnificent creatures makes for the perfect finale to your trip.
Soak in Furnas’ thermal pools
After several incredible days exploring the underwater world of the Azores in Portugal, your muscles might be feeling the effects of all that finning, twisting and gliding through the ocean. Some serious R&R is in order, so head to the thermal pools of Furnas, where mineral-rich waters, naturally heated by volcanic activity, are known to soothe aching muscles. After soaking, enjoy a full body massage or spa treatment - you've earned it.
Just be warned: don't start your hot-spring-pampering too soon after your last dive. Instead, give it between 15 and 30 minutes. Warm water increases blood flow, and if your body hasn't had time to adjust, nitrogen could form bubbles faster than you can say 'decompression sickness'. Think of this little pause as a mini off-gas session.
Learn how to cook like a local in the Maldives
Days of diving in the Maldives with reef sharks, turtles and manta rays are bound to work up a hefty appetite, and a local cooking class is the perfect way to satisfy it. Learn to prepare traditional island dishes alongside local chefs, starting with mas huni, a delicious mix of smoked tuna, grated coconut, onion, chilli and lime, typically served with warm roshi flatbread. You could also try your hand at making gulha, fish dumplings, or garudhiya, a fragrant fish broth.
Meals are often enjoyed on a holhuashi, a traditional raised platform where locals eat and chat (and a great spot to swap dive stories). By the time you've finished, you'll not only have filled your belly and met some new friends but also picked up a few recipes to bring a taste of the Maldives home with you.
Humpback whale watching in French Polynesia
Round things off in Moorea, French Polynesia, with a morning boat trip to watch migrating humpback whales passing through the South Pacific waters. Between July and October, the island becomes a seasonal stopover for these enormous travellers, so keep an eye out for that unmistakable plume of a blow on the horizon. You'll leave with enough ocean memories to last a lifetime… or until your next diving trip, of course.
