Deep Dives Scuba & Travel Blog
Delve into the depths of scuba diving knowledge and helpful travel tips from scuba instructor and world traveler Ciara.
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Sleep, Dive, Eat, Repeat: Preparing for Your First Liveaboard
Thinking about booking your first liveaboard dive trip? From sunrise dives and repetitive diving to save-a-dive kits, seasickness tips, packing advice, and the little moments that make divers obsessed with liveaboards, this guide breaks down everything I wish I knew before stepping onto my first dive boat.
Dive Into Lembeh: Macro Photography Adventure
For one unforgettable week in April 2026, I joined a group of passionate divers and photographers at Dive Into Lembeh Resort for an intensive underwater photography workshop. Between the world-class muck diving, the laid-back resort vibe, and the sheer creativity that filled every dive briefing and editing session, it was the kind of trip that changes how you see the underwater world.
Singapore: Three Nights of City Energy Before the Macro-Magic of Lembeh
Singapore was the perfect three-night stop before heading to Lembeh. Staying in Little India at Serangoon House, I explored the city’s culture, hawker food, the Jewel waterfall, Gardens by the Bay, and iconic nightly light shows. A beautiful blend of color, calm, and adventure before the macro-magic ahead.
How to Spend a 20-Hour Layover in Singapore as a Solo Female Traveler
A long layover doesn’t have to mean sitting in an airport terminal. During a 20-hour stop in Singapore, I turned a simple connection into a solo adventure — exploring hawker markets, cruising the Singapore River, watching the Marina Bay light shows, and visiting the famous Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Here’s exactly how to make the most of a Singapore layover.
Morocco Part IV, Rabat
Rabat surprised me in every possible way. After exploring Marrakech, the Sahara, Fes, and Chefchaouen, Morocco’s coastal capital felt elegant, calm, and refreshingly sophisticated. From our stay at the Ritz-Carlton Rabat—booked entirely with Marriott points—to wandering the Kasbah of the Udayas, visiting Hassan Tower, and experiencing the best hammam of our trip, Rabat became the peaceful anchor of our 11-night Morocco journey.
Morocco Part III, Fes and Chefchaouen
Part Three of our Morocco adventure brought us to Fes, where we checked into the luxurious Riad Fes—booked completely with AMEX points—and enjoyed an unforgettable rooftop wine tasting overlooking the ancient medina. The next day, we took a private day trip to Chefchaouen, exploring its blue-washed lanes and peaceful mountain charm. Back in Fes, we shopped the souks, savored Moroccan cuisine, and ended the night with a traditional hammam treatment that felt utterly transformative.
Morocco Part II, The Sahara
Part Two of our Morocco adventure takes us on a 3-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes—crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting Aït Benhaddou, exploring the Dades and Todra Gorges, and arriving in Merzouga for a luxury desert camp experience. We rode camels at sunset, slept under a sky full of stars and learned about Berber culture along the way. It was long hours in the car—but absolutely worth every moment.
Morocco Part I, Marrakech
Our 11-night Morocco journey began in Marrakech, where we stayed in a traditional riad booked entirely with AMEX points. From navigating the medina and exploring the souks to joining a cooking class and settling into the rhythm of the city, Marrakech was the perfect introduction to Morocco’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality. This chapter includes what we packed for February, travel tips, language basics, safety notes, and why staying in the medina made all the difference.
The Ultimate Dive Travel Packing Guide (2026 Edition)
Planning a dive trip? This ultimate 2026 packing guide covers how to pack scuba gear for flights, what to bring on liveaboards, essential dive travel gear, suitcase tips, camera safety, and pro-level packing hacks from a PADI Master Instructor. Perfect for international dive adventures and stress-free travel.
Top Travel Apps Every Diver Should Have Before Their Next Adventure
Make dive travel easier with the best apps for organizing flights, tracking prices, planning itineraries, and staying connected on group trips. From TripIt and WhatsApp to Hopper, Wanderlog, the PADI App, and more—here are the must-have tools every diver should download before their next adventure.
A Perfect Winter Weekend in New Hampshire: Bretton Woods Skiing & Spa Time at the Omni Mount Washington
A cozy winter escape to New Hampshire with skiing at Bretton Woods and spa time at the iconic Omni Mount Washington Resort. From gondola rides and perfectly groomed trails to hot cocoa at the summit and a Swedish massage after skiing, this weekend trip blended adventure, relaxation, and family time — with real pricing, travel tips, and honest resort insights.
Thailand Part II: Flights, Hotels, Lounges, Food, Shopping & Travel Tips 🇹🇭
Planning a Koh Tao scuba diving trip? In Part II of Seaira Dives’ Thailand series, we break down flights, ferries, airport hotels, food recommendations, costs, cash tips, safety, packing advice, and what to expect traveling in Thailand. A practical, experience-based guide for divers heading to Koh Tao.
Take Me To Thailand 🇹🇭
The Fifth Seaira Dives Trip is in the books! We had the most incredible time exploring the vibrant underwater world of Thailand. The diving experiences were absolutely mesmerizing, showcasing an array of colorful marine life and stunning coral reefs. Each dive site offered unique panoramas, from gentle drifts through crystal-clear waters to thrilling encounters with larger species. The trip not only deepened our appreciation for the ocean but also strengthened the bonds between fellow divers. This journey will surely be remembered as one of our most remarkable adventures.
Beneath the Bridge: Diving Blue Heron Bridge
There are dive sites that challenge you, and dive sites that teach you — Blue Heron Bridge manages to do both. Located in Riviera Beach, Florida, this shallow shore dive beneath the Blue Heron Boulevard bridge is one of the most celebrated macro and training sites in the world.
Drift Diving in Palm Beach with Pura Vida Divers: Fun Diving at Last!
While in Florida for DEMA, I finally joined Pura Vida Divers for two epic drift dives off the deep boat. With Captain Dean and guides Braden and Ambar leading the way, we explored Palm Beach’s reefs, spotted sharks and Goliath groupers, and enjoyed the kind of underwater magic that makes Florida diving iconic.
Diving Devil’s Den in Florida: A Prehistoric Cavern Dive You Absolutely Need to Experience
Discover what it’s like to dive Devil’s Den, Florida’s most iconic prehistoric cavern spring. From narrow staircase entry and fossil-filled limestone walls to crystal-clear 72°F water, stunning light beams, and surprising fish life, here’s everything you need to know before diving this unique overhead environment safely.
Snorkeling with Manatees on the Homosassa River: A Day I’ll Never Forget
Some experiences stay with you forever, and snorkeling with manatees on the Homosassa River was absolutely one of them. What began as a simple wildlife outing became a peaceful, joy-filled, and unforgettable day on the water — blending natural wonder, warm hospitality, and the pure magic of meeting Florida’s gentle giants.
DEMA 2025: Connection, Inspiration, and Big Ideas for the Future of Diving
DEMA 2025 was one of those weeks that fills you up—inspiration, community, new ideas, and the kind of energy that reminds you why you love being a scuba professional. From reconnecting with old friends to discovering new opportunities, this year’s show in Orlando did not disappoint.
Tiger Beach 🦈 🇧🇸
Spoiler Alert! 🦈 Sharks everywhere!
We had the most incredible time at Tiger Beach aboard the Bahamas Aggressor! From the moment we set sail from Grand Bahama, everything—from the diving to the yacht experience—was unforgettable. The crew made us feel right at home, and the luxurious liveaboard provided a perfect base for our adventure.
Be My Scuba Buddy in the Maldives 🇲🇻
We had an absolute blast in the jaw-dropping Maldives from February 14 to 22! Staying at the gorgeous, luxe Hotel Riu Atoll, we were blown away by everything—epic dives, jaw-dropping views, and a vibe at the resort that was next-level! From start to finish, it was a trip that totally exceeded our wildest expectations. Here’s a recap of our unforgettable adventure that’ll be etched in our memories forever!