Life is in the detail

I've found liveaboard diving to be one of the best (and sometimes only) way to access remote dive sites. I still dream of waking up at sea every morning with nothing on my to-do list except dive and eat. In my experience, liveaboard crews are so welcoming and hospitable and can make you feel right at home, even if you're far away.

Rachel - Original Diver

Rachel Gaw

Original Travel Expert

I have extensive travel experience throughout Mexico, Bahamas, Madagascar, Malta and Gozo.

My travels

Travel Things I Want To Do Before I Die

Count as many species as possible scuba diving in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world - Raja Ampat.
Drive over the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.
See humpback whales underwater on a liveaboard expedition from the Socorro Islands of Mexico
Meet marine iguanas in The Galapagos.

Best Moments

Hiking and camping in Isalo National Park in Madagascar. After a magical day of hiking surrounded by sandstone plateaus and canyons, exploring dense forests and visiting waterfalls we camped overnight. We woke up and our tent was surrounded by lemurs. They're distinct call made a very effective alarm clock.
Witnessing a coral spawning event in Mexico. I was guiding a dive and noticed what looked like smoke pouring out the barrel sponges. The eggs that were being released dusted the reef in "snow". It was like a clip from a national geographic documentary! A surreal and exciting experience.
Exploring one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Driving into the jungle for the first time and jumping into a cenote to discover an ancient world of stalactites, stalagmites and columns all in pristine visibility was incredible. Seeing the cone-like formations of 'Hells Bells' in Cenote Zapote was an alien experience!
When I was at school, I was involved in Beijing School exchange. I'll never forget exploring some of the city's most amazing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and The Great Wall with some of my closest friends.

Toughest Travel Moment

I was on a jungle trek in Northern Thailand and had a very sharp pain in my lower abdomen. Turns out it was an appendicitis. I got through the trek and quickly travelled to Chaing Mai for medical support. Thankfully, my insurance covered everything and I made a speedy recovery so I could continue my travels!

Weirdest Travel Moment

I once received a tour of Sihanoukville, Cambodia by two local hospital staff in their ambulance! The tour included the local port, a monkey sanctuary and a stop for sugar-cane juice. It must have been a slow work day.

Explore my blog posts

Best Dive Holidays with Teenagers

Taking teens on holiday can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Thankfully, this (quite literally) isn't a problem underwater. From the hands-on thrill of achieving their certification to the otherworldliness of close encounters with marine marvels, dive holidays are sure to tease even the…

Our Favourite Off-Gas Experiences

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…

Ocean Conservation Success Stories

We all know that the ocean's had its fair share of setbacks, from warming seas to overfishing, and it's easy to get swept up in the bad news when you scroll through the headlines. But who says we can't celebrate the wins too? The underwater world is home to more than 90% of the Earth's…

Our Guide to Fish Spawning in Palau

What if you could anticipate the occurrence of a natural phenomenon? And no, we're not talking about clairvoyancy. Fish spawning (a mesmerising marine reproductive event) takes place in alignment with the lunar cycle, meaning they can be anticipated, and planned for, months in advance. This…

Five of the Strangest Deep Sea Creatures

We know the ocean is a fascinating place, but the deep sea is another dimension all together. Beyond depths of 200 metres, sunlight fades and the true deep sea begins. It is here that some seriously strange deep sea creatures survive. Given they roam hundreds of metres below the surface, you…

Melanesian Ocean Reserve: The World's Largest Indigenous-Led Marine Reserve

June 2025 brought some long-awaited diving news: the launch of the world's first indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve protection initiative. Set across the waters and territories of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, the Melanesian Ocean Reserve is…

Scuba Diving Terms for Beginners

When you begin your scuba diving journey, you'll likely hear diving terms that sound like a completely different language. But don't worry, we have you covered. Some of this lingo is essential for safety, while other phrases refer to key skills every diver should know. One thing's for sure:…

Our Guide to Coral Spawning

Coral might often be mistaken for a vibrant underwater plant, but most divers will know that corals are actually animals. And, while most divers will have done their fair share of swimming alongside vibrant coral reefs, many won't have witnessed one of their most interesting features: the…

The Best Dive and Snorkel Destinations in Indonesia

Indonesia is renowned for its diverse diving opportunities, so it might not surprise you to find out that the country sits at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle (the heart of marine biodiversity). With a whopping 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers both divers and snorkellers the opportunity…

Species of Manta Ray

Manta rays are some of the most charismatic and beautiful creatures that inhabit our oceans. Together with devil rays, manta rays are collectively known as mobulids, and are closely related to sharks and other rays. While cartilaginous like their cousins (meaning they have a skeleton made of…

Where Our Team Have Been This Year

Our Original Diving team is a well-travelled bunch, and this year they've been on a mission to discover the ocean's underwater marvels. They've dived with playful dolphins in French Polynesia, navigated the calm waters of the Cayman Islands and come face-to-face with thresher sharks in the…

Just Back: Rachel’s Research Trip to French Polynesia

Our Original Diving expert, Rachel, recently spent two weeks on a research trip in French Polynesia. When she wasn't hiking through lush mountains in Moorea and cycling along the islands of Rangiroa, she was diving with dolphins in the Tiputa Pass and spotting hundreds of hammerheads in…

Use it or Lose it

Do you still have some annual leave left? You're not alone. Nearly two-thirds of UK workers don't use their full annual holiday allowance, and we're here to change that. After all, time off is not a perk; it's what makes the work/life balance just that: balanced. Our short diving breaks are…

Benefits of Scuba Diving

Okay, okay - it's no secret that we're at our happiest when we're 10m under the water, surrounded by shimmering shoals and colourful coral. But did you know that scuba diving has plenty of other benefits, too? From mental and physical health to marine biodiversity, we're here to show you…

Meet Mobula Yarae: A New Species of Manta Ray

Mad about mantas? You're in luck. Earlier this year, scientists officially identified the third species of manta ray: mobula yarae. This breakthrough confirms Dr Andrea Marshall's suspicion of their existence in 2009 (talk about being ahead of the curve) and reveals how evolution continues…

Person diving in a dry suit in icy water

Dry Suit Diving – Worth the Chill?

Dry suit diving is all about making cooler diving experiences possible (in every sense of the word). Designed to keep you dry and warm, switching your wetsuit for a dry suit allows you to enjoy longer dives, discover cold water destinations and explore remote underwater sites. Keen to learn…

Top Tips for your First Time Scuba Diving

Nothing can quite prepare you for your first time scuba diving, but we'll try our best. From ensuring you're fighting fit and scrubbing up on your front crawl to practicing your breathing and having a good night's sleep, there's plenty to consider before you dip your toe (fin) into the…

Best Dive Sites in Mexico

From the biodiverse Sea of Cortez to far-flung volcanic islands and crystal-clear cenotes, Mexico's dive sites are a broad-ranging bunch. So, where to begin? Whether you'd rather meet friendly manta rays, swim among stalactites or explore a decades-old shipwreck, take the plunge with our…

PADI Women’s Dive Day

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…

Best Freediving Films

Freediving is a testament to the resilience of the human body. Liberated from the weight of an oxygen tank and the constraints of diving equipment, it's all about being fully immersed underwater. From the freezing waters of Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive to the extreme depths of The Deepest…

Best Dive Sites in Indonesia

Comprised of over 17,000 islands dotted across the equator, Indonesia is a watery wonderland high on every diver's bucket list. Boasting crystal-clear seas, kaleidoscopic corals and diverse marine life, this idyllic island-nation packs a strong punch. Ready to take the plunge? Whether you're…

The Ocean’s Best Fathers

Forget everything you thought you knew about absent underwater fathers. Not every marine species simply scatters their offspring and crosses their fins for the best (we're looking at you, tuna). Some marine fathers step up in sensational ways, from pregnancies to months-long sacrifices.…

The Best Dive Sites in Belize

With its crystal-clear waters, warm temperatures and incredible biodiversity, Belize offers some pretty stellar diving opportunities. And it's no surprise really, given that the country is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. From the Outer Atolls to the Cayes, Belize's…

The Best Dive Sites in Egypt

From enchanting caves and colourful coral to abandoned wrecks and silver-hued sharks, Egypt is one of our favourite places in the world for diving. Whether you're a skilled diver or you're just starting to dip your fins in, Egypt's Red Sea dive sites offer clear waters, incredible marine…