On the 19th July 2025, PADI will celebrate its 11th annual Women's Dive Day, an event that empowers female divers to explore the wonders of the ocean. And what better way to join the celebration than by honouring our very own all-women team here at Original Diving? Read on to discover why our experts love the big blue and meet the trailblazing women divers who inspire them...
Meet the team
Emily
'My passion for the ocean started at an early age, and I was lucky enough to learn to dive in 2008. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bangor University in 2015, and have lived and worked as a marine biologist in three different countries since.
With around 17 years of diving experience, I've witnessed marine spectacles from coral spawning and manta cleaning stations to whale sharks feeding. I continue to strive for conversation and increasing awareness of our oceans and the immense value they provide.'
Visit Emily's profile to learn more.
Rachel
'I've always loved being in the water and have been diving for over a decade. Becoming an instructor has opened my life up to so many different opportunities and experiences, such as travelling the world and meeting incredible people. Some of my most magical moments include seeing my first whale shark, hearing humpback whales singing underwater and witnessing a coral spawning event. I love that no dive is the same, and I can't wait to keep exploring the world, both above and below the water!'
Visit Rachel's profile to learn more.
Jacqui
'My favourite country for diving is Indonesia, due to its dazzling variety. Find world-class macro in Lembeh Straits, unbeatable biodiversity in Raja Ampat and mantas aplenty in Komodo.
'My favourite dive experience? Snorkelling with whale sharks just off the coast of Mafia was surreal - multiple whale sharks and minimal people! These gentle giants aggregate here from October to March, and a morning spent swimming alongside them makes for a truly magical and serene experience.'
Visit Jacqui's profile to learn more.
Inspirational female divers
Dr. Andrea Marshall - Queen of Mantas
Known as the Queen of Mantas, Andrea Marshall is a marine biologist recognised for her work with these majestic marine animals. Her nickname hails from a documentary of the same name, which was filmed after the BBC noticed her fascinating conservation work in Mozambique.
Like our team, her passion for diving started at a young age. She became the first person in the world to be awarded a PhD on manta ray ecology and has continued to be a pioneer for conservation ever since.
Madeline (Mads) St Clair - marine biologist
Mads St Clair is a (deep breath) tropical marine biologist, divemaster, conservation photographer-filmmaker and expedition leader. Her work strongly focuses on how humans affect the ocean, and she's also a passionate advocate for gender equality in the marine world.
Mads' research has taken her to the Bahamas, Baja California, Mozambique, Indonesia and beyond. Her expeditions are guided by a commitment to responsible wildlife encounters, respect for local communities and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Madison Stewart - founder of Project Hiu
Madison Stewart is obsessed with all things underwater, and especially sharks. Watching their numbers decline while diving inspired her to set up Project Hiu, an initiative that provides alternative income to shark fishermen in Indonesia. As Madison herself says, 'the goal of Project Hiu is to improve conditions above and below the surface, and enforce the idea that one person, and one shark fisherman, can make a difference.'
