Life is in the detail

Fiji is a magical and beautiful place above and below the water, from waterfalls to the rainbow reef, it is full of lovely welcoming people and enchanting landscape, with superb world-class diving thrown in!

Emily C - Original Diver

Emily Chappell

Original Travel Expert

I have extensive travel experience throughout Caribbean, Maldives, Fiji, Philippines, Tanzania and Indonesia.

My travels

Travel Things I Want To Do Before I Die

Cover more of Indonesia's remote regions including Triton Bay, Halmahera and Wakatobi
Dive Tubbataha Reef (Philippines)
Visit the National Parks of Madagascar to see the Lemurs
Undertake an expedition across the Pacific, covering Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Papa New Guinea, Palau and Yap

Best Moments

Witnessing coral spawning for the first time in Curacao. The explosion of life was inspiring and magical. It is not only the spectacle of the spawning that impresses in the complete darkness, but the explosion of activity and life that comes with it. Tarpons, sharks and all manner of predatory fish come to the scene when the corals spawn. The gametes rise in the water column in slow motion and it is a peaceful, but active spectacle to behold!
Having two mantas swim directly toward me on a dive in the North Male Atoll in the Maldives. We spent a drift dive observing all kinds of life; from schools of bannerfish in the blue, to tiny macro life like porcelain crabs, feeding in the current amongst anemones. Then, when the time was right, we hooked onto some boulders on the upper wall and there were two mantas circling a pinnacle cleaning station. We observed, hovering in the current for moments, before they decided cleaning time was over and then they both came soaring toward me, casting a large shadow over the top of my head as they went above me. I was tearing up in my mask - first time crying underwater!
Visiting Fiji in general was a highlight for me. Never in my years did I think I would have the opportunity to travel there, and the country is full of wonderful and glorious people. It is a little taste of old Blighty, but has a completely unique culture as well. Friendliness and kindness are a natural way of living there.
Getting to photograph pygmy seahorses in Raja Ampat, Lembeh and the Philippines. These tiny creatures are less than two centimetres tall, so getting to photograph them is a truly intimate and unique experience. They're exceptionally challenging to focus on, and it's very important not to disturb them too much as they're very fragile and timid in nature. Position yourself well and time the shot right, and you'll have a gem of a photo!
Being able to experience a guitar shark, frogfish, tiny nudibranchs and a sea spider all on one dive from Mafia Island Tanzania. I went to Tanzania with no expectations on the diving as I have dived very little of the east-African coastline, so just kept my mind open to being 'wowed' - and I sure was! The diversity and beauty of the marine life competes with parts of Asia. I'll never forget my last dive on Mafia when I was skimming the fish ID book and pointed out a guitar shark in there to my guide. 'I'd love to see one of those' I said, to which he replied, 'I'll find you one now'. I just chuckled and thought nothing of it, but then, 20 minutes into our next dive, he bangs on his tank, points, and low and behold... a guitar shark appears! Whether my guide Hamisi was a shark whisperer, I will never know, but it was a very special moment.

Toughest Travel Moment

Witnessing the coral bleaching from start to finish when in the Maldives. My earlier dives there were a sight to behold and by the time my 6 month position was over, many of the once bountiful sites were devoid of life and it was like seeing an underwater graveyard. This process does happen naturally and corals can recover from bleaching if temperatures return to their 'normal.'

Weirdest Travel Moment

Having a relaxing dinner in our beach hotel in Kenya. At around 9:30pm we heard African drumming and thought that a band was going to come and play. The waitress then came over to our table and asked us "Do you hear that music?" We reply "Yes, what is it? It is beautiful". The waitress then bluntly says "That sound means it's time to leave!".

Explore my blog posts

Snorkelling with Dolphins: The Facts

Few ocean experiences can beat the thrill of snorkelling with dolphins. These curious creatures are a joy to witness, and swimming with them tops the bucket list for many marine lovers. But this incredible opportunity also comes with responsibility. While there are no universal rules…

A group of barracuda swimming in the blue ocean together

Top Ten Barracuda Facts

The barracuda is a name that sends shivers down the spines of small fish everywhere. With their sleek, torpedo-like bodies, razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match, these fearsome predators are the undisputed speed demons of the sea. But there's much more to these fish than just their…

Our Favourite Coral Gardens

Keen to dive amid colourful corals and swaying seagrass? Your wish is our command. With the help of our diving experts, we've put together a list of our favourite coral gardens. From Little Cayman's underwater meadows to Fiji's cabbage-shaped corals, these complex ecosystems are brimming…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

Best Islands in the Philippines for Diving

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is known for its soft ivory sands and lush tropical landscapes. But beneath the water's surface, its dazzling dive sites steal the show. From thriving coral reefs and diverse marine life, to world-class muck diving and historic shipwrecks, there's…

Two stingrays swimming on the sand of the ocean floor

Top Ten Stingray Facts

Stingrays glide gracefully through the water, their smooth, flat bodies moving with effortless elegance. But there's much more to these fascinating creatures than meets the eye. From their unusual way of seeing the world to their enexpected relatives, here are our top ten interesting facts…

The Best Marine Mothers

There's no denying that mothers are remarkable. And in the ocean, some marine mothers go one step further than the rest. Dive below the surface of the ocean and you'll discover some wonderful - and downright whacky - maternal instincts. From sacrificial brooding periods to life-long mummy's…

Our Top Ten Scorpionfish Facts

With venomous spines and a permanent grumpy expression, the scorpionfish is a creepy creature of the ocean. In our top ten scorpionfish facts, we'll reveal intriguing secrets about these prickly reef dwellers, from camouflage skills that would make a chameleon jealous to a sting that even…

A group of yellow tangs swimming together over a coral reef

Our Top Ten Yellow Tang Facts

Yellow tangs are hard to miss on the reef with their sunny shade. In our top ten yellow tang facts, we'll uncover their secrets, from their algae-eating habits to their impressive survival skills and show that these fish are much more than just a splash of colour…

Meet the Team

When it comes to detailed knowledge and personal experience, our team of expert diving holiday specialists is second to none. From marine biologists and Conde Nast Top Travel Specialists, to a PADI instructor and an expert adventure traveller, we've sourced a team passionate about the…

Top Ten Goblin Shark Facts

The ocean is full of strange creatures, but few are as bizarre (or as nightmare-inducing) as the goblin shark. In our top ten goblin shark facts, we'll uncover the interesting, horrifying and fun secrets of these rarely seen deep sea predators, from their protruding snouts to their…

Blue whale gliding through the blue ocean

Our Top Ten Biggest Sea Creatures

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth and is home to some of the world's largest and most extraordinary sea creatures. From gentle ocean giants to colossal creatures of the deep, we'll explore the ocean's biggest sea creatures (think gigantic blue whales, colossal squid and ten-legged…

Olive ridley sea turtle swimming in the ocean

Our Top Ten Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Facts

In our list of top ten olive ridley sea turtle facts, we'll cover everything from their jellyfish-filled diets to their synchronised nesting habits. These small but mighty turtles are the most abundant sea turtle species, yet their lives remain full of mystery. Be it their unpredictable…

Our Top Ten Bobbit Worm Facts

The ocean is home to some truly weird and wonderful creatures, but few are as terrifying (or as fascinating) as the bobbit worm. You'll find this nocturnal predator lurking beneath the sand, waiting to ambush any prey that drifts too close. Eager to learn more about these curious creatures?…

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.

Our Top Ten Silky Shark Facts

Silky sharks may not have the world-wide fame of great white or hammerhead sharks, but with their super speed, shiny skin and bold behaviour, they're one of our personal favourite pelagic species. Intrigued? So are we. Read on to discover our favourite silky shark facts and find out what…

A group of dolphins swimming and playing together in a pod

Our Favourite Collective Nouns for Sea Creatures

Ever wondered what a group of your favourite sea creatures is called? From a shiver of sharks to a galaxy of starfish, these names are as fascinating as the species themselves. Read on to discover some of our favourite quirky collective nouns for sea creatures.

A leatherback turtle on a sand beach with the sunset behind

Our Top Ten Leatherback Turtle Facts

Leatherback turtles are massive, ancient sea creatures known for their distinctive shell. In our top ten facts about leatherback turtles, we'll delve into the secrets of their leathery shell, the astounding distances they travel during their global migrations and their surprising preference…

A green sea turtle in sea grass underwater

Our Top Ten Green Sea Turtle Facts

Green sea turtles are known for their massive size, long migrations and green hue. However, they are full of surprises, from their ability to navigate thousands of miles using the Earth's magnetic field to their extraordinary nesting habits and the crucial role their plant-based diet plays…

Huts on the water with sunset in the background in Tahiti

Our Top Six French Polynesia Islands for Diving

Our Original Diving experts have curated a list of French Polynesia's best islands for diving. Whether you're drawn to volcanic peaks, tranquil lagoons or adventure-packed escapes, these destinations offer something for every diver. Read on to discover our top six islands in French Polynesia…