Greener diving goes beyond reef-safe sunscreen – you can also think about how the destination preserves its water, controls diving, empowers locals, and utilizes visitor fees. Your decisions made both ashore and underwater count.
Five destinations presented below offer both outstanding diving experiences and genuine conservation efforts. Although there are no completely eco-friendly locations, especially if flying long distances is involved, it is possible to minimize one’s negative influence by staying longer, minimizing flights, booking environmentally-friendly stays, and abiding by local laws regarding the oceanic environment.
Before Booking a Dive
Planning of scuba trips involves extensive research of the weather conditions, currents, diving permits, equipment requirements, as well as the environmental record of each dive center. Those students who have to manage all this research and studying at the same time might hire college essay ghostwriters. Ryan Acton, a writer from EssayHub, would remind those who are involved in research that proper planning of a trip is essential even outside academic walls!
Before booking your dive, it’s a good idea to go through the list of members of the Green Fins program that ensures adherence to environmental standards by dive centers and liveaboards.
Five Places for More Responsible Scuba Travel
Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Bonaire is perfect if you are looking for flexible shore dives without using boats daily. Bonaire’s national marine park safeguards the marine environment around the island up to 60 meters deep, and visitors have to pay a nature fee. With 86 dive sites accessible, it will not be necessary to move from one resort to another.
Palau, Micronesia
Palau is the destination for those who are ready for wall dives, strong currents, sharks, and big schools of fish. All tourists sign the Palau Pledge pledging to respect the natural and cultural heritage of the country. Palau has also protected 80% of its territorial waters using the marine sanctuary.
Select a tour operator that provides clear safety briefings and minimizes contact with the reef. The usage of current hooks for diving in strong currents must be explained beforehand.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat features coral gardens, manta interactions, and small island stays. Raja Ampat’s marine protection network spans more than two million hectares and encompasses no-take zones where fishing is prohibited. Tourists pay an environmental service fee, while anchoring is usually restricted in the protected area.
A locally owned homestay is likely to return more of your travel budget to the island communities. Spend more time in one place instead of hopping to remote locations quickly.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores make sense as a destination for Atlantic diving with unique volcanic landscapes, manta rays, groupers, wrecks, and even seasonally large animals. The official diving code of conduct expects divers to manage their buoyancy, avoid contact with animals, leave all items underwater untouched, and follow closed seasons for local fish.
Select one or two islands for your holiday. Multiple flights over the entire archipelago can quickly become expensive and wasteful.
Marsa Alam, Egypt
Marsa Alam offers warm Red Sea diving, coral gardens, turtles, and access to non-touristy dive sites. At the moment, Green Fins features several certified operators in Marsa Alam, both gold- and silver-level.
Select an operator that does not chase after marine life, utilizes moorings, provides free water refill stations, and has clear policies about waste.
Dive the Right Way to Go to the Right Destination
Even the most environmentally friendly travel destinations should receive the right type of visitors. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid touching corals with your fins, gauges, and underwater camera.
- Do not touch, feed, chase, or relocate marine animals.
- Use diving boats equipped with mooring buoys instead of anchoring on a reef.
- Always have a water bottle with you and avoid using disposable plastics.
Select a destination, pick up an ethical dive center, and give yourself enough time to dive and relax in the ocean. You will make a sustainable and memorable trip!