Dive The World has been in operation since 2002, and we are real people with a wealth of diving experience. Our aim is to ensure your happiness and convenience both on your scuba vacation and during the booking process. We help take the risk out of arranging your next adventure. That is one of the many: Great reasons to book with Dive The World
So who are we? To put a face to the names behind Dive The World and what we value, and see how your booking can help worthwhile charitable causes ...
For more than 2 decades, Dive The World has helped divers discover the world's most extraordinary underwater destinations through carefully selected liveaboards, dive resorts, and tailor-made scuba diving vacations. With first-hand destination knowledge, extensive industry experience, and a passion for scuba diving, our team helps divers explore the best diving experiences across Southeast Asia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, the Pacific Islands, and beyond.
Quick Facts
Founded: 2002 Industry: Scuba diving travel Specialisation:
● Liveaboard trips
● Dive resorts
● Tailor-made dive vacations
● Group dive travel Countries served: United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. International service centre covering scuba divers worldwide. Destinations featured: South East Asia, Indian Ocean, the Pacific, Oceania, South & Central America, the Caribbean, and the Red Sea. Customers served: 55,000+ Dive industry experience: 24 years
Our Mission
Our mission is simple:
To help divers confidently discover, compare, and book the world's best scuba diving experiences through expert advice, first-hand destination knowledge, and exceptional customer service. We take the risk out of arranging your scuba adventure.
How We Help Divers Make the Right Choices
Unlike many travel booking platforms, Dive The World combines destination expertise with personalised travel planning. Every recommendation is based on real-world diving experience, on-the-ground insights from direct supplier relationships, customer feedback, and extensive research. What sets us apart:
• Independent destination advice
• Carefully vetted liveaboards and resorts
• Personal travel planning assistance
• Extensive destination knowledge
• Long-standing industry relationships
• Global scuba travel expertise
Our Story
How Dive The World Started
Back in 2002 Dive The World's founding partner, Sheldon Hey, embarked on a new and exciting career. He combined his passion for scuba diving and love for the ocean with his business skills to create an ethical company that reflected his passions. The company grow out of a dive centre based in Phuket, Thailand. It quickly launched its first website, focused on diving packages in Thailand. Soon thereafter, it launched its Myanmar and Malaysia sections, and registered the company in Hong Kong. The dive centre was eventually closed to allow the business to concentrate on the virtual world. Back in those days, there were plenty of agencies that specialised in one destination but very few that provided worldwide destination expertise and options. Additional destinations were added as the company expanded, and sales agents were recruited to provide online support 24/7, around the globe.
Timeline:
2002 - Company founded
2003-2005 - Expanded into Southeast Asia
2006 - Reached 10,000 customers
2007 - Began 'creature feature' marine life section
2008 - Began to support select marine charities
2005-2010 – Added Australia, Fiji, Red Sea and Maldives portfolios
2010+ - Expanded destination coverage globally
2012 - Began marine parks section
2020 - Switched the company registration to the United Kingdom
2025 - Recognised as one of the leading specialist dive travel companies
Our Dive Team
When you contact us you get to communicate with an experienced diver with many years of experience in organising vacations, just like the one you want. Here we introduce ourselves so you can put a name to the face. Like you, we are all enthusiastic about scuba diving and the underwater environment but we also realise that your valuable vacation time should be as much fun as possible. Therefore we take the time and hassle out of finding you the best value options available.
Elliott H
Contributor
Dive qualifications: BSAC Advanced Diver Specialisations: United Kingdom Dive destinations visited: Mexico, Galapagos, Red Sea, Maldives, SE Asia Year joined Dive The World: 2014
Once a dedicated UK cold-water diver, he’s now transitioned to warmer climes; no more drysuit for him. He loves to explore remote sites for big marine animals, and the beauty of the coral triangle for quirky creatures. When he’s not underwater, he coaches table tennis.
Erica Espinosa
Contributor
Dive qualifications: PADI Divemaster Specialisations: Mexico Dive destinations visited: South & Central America, Caribbean Year joined Dive The World: 2015
Erica has worked in the diving industry but does not dive as much as she did in her younger days. She has dived all over her native Mexico in places like Socorro, the Sea of Cortez, Cancun and the Cenotes. These days Erica channels her energies into marine conservation projects near her home, including beach and reef clean-ups.
Gavin Macaulay
Contributor
Dive qualifications: PADI Divemaster Specialisations: Worldwide Dive destinations visited: Australasia, Europe, Red Sea, Maldives, South & Central America, South Africa Year joined Dive The World: 2004
Gavin is a devoutly warm-weather recreational diver who has dived all over Australasia as well as in Europe, the Red Sea, Cocos, Galapagos, South Africa, and one cold weekend in Northern Ireland. Once a qualified PADI Divemaster, he now prefers to dive for fun. Has worked in the dive industry for nearly 20 years.
Jessica Yew
Contributor
Dive qualifications: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Specialisations: Asia Dive destinations visited: SE Asia, Japan, Australia Year joined Dive The World: 2023
Jessica is quite new to diving but she has dived in Komodo, North Sulawesi, Bali, Sipadan, Mabul, Tioman island, and the Similans. She is looking forward to diving in the Galapagos one day to follow in the footsteps of her hero Charles Darwin.
Jim Spellman
Finance Manager
Dive qualifications: SSI Open Water Diver Specialisations: Thailand Dive destinations visited: Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives Year joined Dive The World: 2009
Jim comes from a computer programming background. After many years in the UK IT industry, he found his way to Dive The World. When not working, Jim enjoys travelling, playing golf, spending time with family, and occasional leisure diving.
Johnny FD
Marketing and UX
Dive qualifications: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Specialisations: SE Asia, Oceania Dive destinations visited: SE Asia, Australia, Maldives, Caribbean Year joined Dive The World: 2019
Born in San Francisco, Johnny started diving in 2007 in Phuket. He has worked as both a scuba instructor and divemaster worldwide with close to 1,000 dives across Borneo, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Komodo, and the Caribbean.
Kareem Mohamed
Accountant
Dive qualifications: Discover Scuba Diver Specialisations: Egypt Dive destinations visited: Red sea, Asia, Europe Year joined Dive The World: 2026
Born and raised in Egypt, Kareem has always felt connected to the sea and dreams of exploring the underwater world through scuba diving. Professionally, he is an accountant with a passion for finance, problem-solving, and continuous learning. With experience in accounting and financial reporting, Kareem enjoys delivering accurate results while always looking for new opportunities to grow.
Mo Raafat
Travel Consultant
Dive qualifications: Discover Scuba Diver Specialisations: Red Sea Dive destinations visited: Red Sea, Middle East, Europe, Asia Year joined Dive The World: 2023
After spending most of his life in Egypt, Mo has developed a deep love for the sea. He recently joined the Dive The World Dream Team to share his passionate and enthusiasm with every booking he arranges. Whether you're looking for the best liveaboard experience or ideas to choose your next dream destination, Mo is here to make your diving adventure seamless and unforgettable.
Maire Brown
Social Media
Dive qualifications: Discover Scuba Diver Specialisations: Africa Dive destinations visited: Southern Africa, Thailand Year joined Dive The World: 2024
Maire has never tried scuba diving but she has gained a strong interest in the activity since she joined Dive The World in 2024. Now she is busy learning to swim so that she can practice diving in her home in Lake Malawi.
Martin R. Probert
Contributor
Dive qualifications: NAUI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver Specialisations: Americas Dive destinations visited: North & Central America, Caribbean Year joined Dive The World: 2018
Marty has been diving since 2004, starting in Florida. He has travelled extensively in Latin America, diving in Hawaii, Belize, Mexico, Roatan, Bonaire and Saba & St Kitts. Looking forward to exploring South East Asia and the Coral Triangle.
Peter Stein
Travel Consultant
Dive qualifications: PADI Staff Instructor Specialisations: Worldwide Dive destinations visited: Maldives, Red Sea, SE Asia Year joined Dive The World: 2007
Originally from Sweden, Peter is a passionate diving expert with years of experience in the industry. As a dedicated sales professional at Dive The World, he helps divers find the perfect, top-quality trip for their underwater adventures from his home in SE Asia. Whether you're a beginner or a dive pro, Peter's expertise and commitment ensure you get the best advice for a safe and unforgettable diving or snorkeling excursion.
Ryan Ladstatter
Contributor
Dive qualifications: TDI Trimix Specialisations: SE Asia, Red Sea Dive destinations visited: SE Asia, Europe, Red Sea Year joined Dive The World: 2015
Vienna boy Ryan balances coding and diving. He has never worked professionally as a diver but holds many certification cards. Looking forward to diving the Banda Sea and Cenderawasih Bay, and avoiding cold European lakes with bicycle wrecks and shopping trolleys.
Salma ElMissiry
Travel Consultant
Dive qualifications: Discover Scuba Diver Specialisations: SE Asia, Red Sea Dive destinations visited: Middle East, Red Sea, Asia, Europe Year joined Dive The World: 2022
Born and raised on the Mediterranean, Salma grew up loving the sea. After pursuing a career in banking for 8 years, she decided to quit and pursue a more fun career when she came across Dive The World. She is now an important part of the Dream Team and, although she may be novice in the industry, she is definitely a diving enthusiast.
Sarah Hearn
Contributor
Dive qualifications: PADI Rescue Diver Specialisations: SE Asia Dive destinations visited: SE Asia Year joined Dive The World: 2014
Previously in financial services marketing in the UK, Sarah is now a Rescue Diver and underwater photographer. She has been a yoga teacher for 19 years and runs private yoga tours and retreats. Passionate about marine conservation and animal welfare.
Sebastian Reyes Fontalvo
Contributor
Dive qualifications: PADI Open Water Instructor Specialisations: Americas Dive destinations visited: Central & South America Year joined Dive The World: 2018
Sebastian is an enthusiastic diver from Colombia who worked as an instructor for several years. Having dived extensively in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama, he plans to explore Mexico and Galapagos. Loves teaching diving and marine conservation.
Sheldon Hey
Founder
Dive qualifications: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Specialisations: Worldwide Dive destinations visited: Africa, Red Sea, Maldives, SE Asia, Oceania, Americas, Caribbean Year joined Dive The World: 2002
The founder and inspiration behind Dive The World. Some people get the impression that Sheldon lives the life of Riley, jetting off from his base in South Africa to all corners of the globe on familiarisation visits and attending the occasional company meeting. However, we believe he does make a contribution. His passions are for adventure, animal and environmental issues.
Vichai Lamkijja (Vic)
Travel Consultant
Dive qualifications: PADI Open Water Instructor Specialisations: Worldwide Dive destinations visited: SE Asia Year joined Dive The World: 2008
Born in Thailand but grew up in Singapore, Vic discovered diving in Malaysia. His love for diving and Thai food led him to settle in Phuket as a PADI Open Water Instructor. When not helping clients, he decorates his house or plans diving trips.
Our Team's Expertise
Countries dived: 40+
Liveaboards experienced: 180+
Dive resorts visited: 85+
Combined dive industry experience: 180+ years
Professional Certifications:
● PADI
● SSI
● BSAC
● NAUI
● TDI
First-Hand Destination Knowledge
Our team has personally researched and experienced many of the destinations, vessels, and resorts featured throughout the website.
Regions Covered
Africa:
Egypt - Brothers, Abu Dabbab, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone, Foul Bay, Fury Shoals, Hurghada, Port Ghalib, Safaga (Salem Express), St John's, Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula, Tiran
Madagascar - Nosy Be
Malawi - Cape Maclear
Mozambique - Bazaruto, Inhambane (Barra/Tofo), Nacala Bay/Pemba, Ponta do Ouro
South Africa - Aliwal Shoal, Cape Town, False Bay, Gans Baai, Plettenberg Bay, Port St. John's (Sardine Run), Protea Banks, Sodwana Bay
Tanzania - Pemba Island, Zanzibar
Americas:
Belize - Ambergris Caye, Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll
Caribbean - Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands
Colombia - Capurgana, Malpelo, Islas del Rosario, San Andres, Santa Marta
Costa Rica - Cano, Cocos Island
Cuba - Cayo Coco, Queen's Gardens
Ecuador - Galapagos Islands
Mexico - Cancun, Cenotes, Cozumel, Sea of Cortez, Socorro
Panama - Coiba
United States of America - Florida Keys
Europe:
England - Farne Islands, Jersey, Weymouth
Greece - Corfu
Ireland - Ballycastle, Rathlin Island
Scotland - Scapa Flow
Spain - Marina Del Este
Turkey - Marmaris
Indian Ocean:
Maldives - Addu, Ari, Baa, Felidhoo, Fuvahmulah, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Huvadhoo, Lhaviyani, North Male, South Male, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Rasdhoo
Oceania:
Australia - Cairns Outer Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Ribbon Reefs
Chuuk - Truk Lagoon
Fiji - Beqa Lagoon, Kadavu, Koro Sea, Pacific Harbour, Taveuni
Palau - Peleliu, Rock Islands
Papua New Guinea - Kavieng, Kimbe Bay, Milne Bay
Solomon Islands - Florida Islands, Marovo Lagoon, Mary Island, Russell Islands
Southeast Asia:
Cambodia - Sihanoukville
Indonesia - Alor, Ambon, Bali, Banda Islands, Banda Sea, Bangka, Bunaken, Flores, Gorontalo, Halmahera, Komodo, Lembeh Strait, Nusa Lembongan/Penida, Manado, Raja Ampat, Togian Islands
Malaysia - Kapalai, Kota Kinabalu, Lankayan, Layang Layang, Mabul, Mataking, Perhentian Islands, Sipadan, Tioman
Myanmar - Burma Banks, Mergui Archipelago
Philippines - Anilao, Apo Reef, Apo Island, Bohol, Boracay, Camiguin, Cebu, Coron, Dauin, Donsol, El Nido, Malapascua, Moalboal, Puerto Galera, San Miguel, Siquijor, Subic Bay, Surigao, Ticao, Tubbataha
Thailand - Koh Bon, Koh Ha, Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, Khao Lak, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, Richelieu Rock, Koh Samui, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Tachai, Koh Tao, Koh Tarutao
Vietnam - Nha Trang
How We Select Liveaboards and Dive Resorts
Here are the core criteria that Dive The World uses to select operators for its website range of scuba diving options:
1. Quality Control & Client Experience:
* Client feedback and reputation: We scrutinise online reviews and client feedback from past trips. A provider with consistently high ratings is prioritised.
* Product consistency: The operator must deliver a consistent experience that matches its marketing. This includes accurate descriptions of cabins/rooms, food quality, boat/resort condition, facilities, and the diving itself.
* Hassle-free logistics: We value operators that handle transfers, paperwork, and registration logistics smoothly. If a guest has a problem, the operator should be responsive and easy to work with.
2. Safety & Operational Standards:
* Safety protocols: This is non-negotiable. We check for oxygen on-site, AEDs, first-aid kits, emergency communication (satellite phones/EPIRBs), emergency protocols, life rafts, and crew training (e.g., Emergency First Response).
* Vessel/resort maintenance & equipment: We look for evidence of a well-maintained boat/resort (recent refits, maintenance, reliable engines) and well-serviced dive gear (tanks, compressors, rental equipment).
* Insurance & licensing: The operator must have valid liability insurance, operating licenses, and adherence to local maritime and environmental regulations.
3. Destination Expertise & Itinerary Quality:
* Local knowledge and experience: We value dive operators and guides with extensive local knowledge and strong safety records.
* Site access: We seek operators who can access unique or less-visited sites, offering a point of difference from standard routes for our experienced diver-clients.
* Responsible tourism: We look for operators who demonstrate environmental responsibility, and support local conservation efforts and employment/ownership opportunities.
4. Commercial & Practical Viability:
* Value for money: We assess whether the price point (e.g., USD 300 per night) is competitive relative to the quality, amenities (like free nitrox, free scuba rentals), and services offered.
* Range of price points: We seek to offer a range of price points per destination for our clients to choose from.
* Booking and commission structure: We need clear, reliable commission structures, deposit and payment terms, and a responsive sales team to handle bookings.
* Group and term discounts: Operators that offer competitive group discounts or late/early-bird discounts are more attractive.
5. Marketing & Brand Alignment:
* High quality content: We favour operators who supply professional photos, videos, and detailed, accurate descriptions (like the ones we have been creating), making it easier to promote their trips.
* Brand and destination alignment: The operator's brand (e.g., 'adventure', 'luxury', 'eco-conscious') and operating destination must match with the desires of our target audience.
6. Client Needs & Service Culture:
* Staff-to-guest ratio: A lower ratio allows for more personalised service, which is a key selling point.
* Accommodating special needs: The ability to cater to dietary restrictions, specific equipment needs (like cameras or rebreathers), or certifying new divers is highly valued.
* Problem resolution: How does the operator handle poor weather, medical issues, or equipment failure? A robust contingency plan is essential. What is their force majeure policy?
7. Direct Site Inspections & Familiarisation Trips:
* First-hand experience: The most trusted criterion is sending a staff member on a fam trip. Experiencing the boat/resort, food, guides, and dive sites for ourselves first-hand is the best way for u to confidently recommend an operator. We have over 100 such trip reports.
What Our Customers Say About Us
We know the places we promote and the operators that will take you diving there, so we are confident that we can help you find what you are looking for. Our knowledge, experience and impartiality can help take all the hassles out of your holiday planning and you can avoid the disaster of ending up in the hands of some sub-standard company, ruining what should have been a dream dive vacation.
But don't take our word for it. We have helped thousands of people book diving vacations that were perfect for them. Read what they have to say on our customer testimonials page or on our Google Business Profile.
Our Chosen Charities
By booking with us, you are helping us donate to charitable causes that help protect the marine environment (see our Why book with Dive The World page for more details).
ScubaZoo - Official Image Supplier
SCUBAZOO is a team of professional underwater cameramen based in Sabah, Malaysia. They have filmed and photographed marine life throughout the world, particularly in South East Asia.
Their photographic work has featured widely in various diving magazines and publications and can be enjoyed in their own book: 'SIPADAN, MABUL, KAPALAI - SABAH'S UNDERWATER TREASURE. Their underwater film work has including projects with the National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel. Many of the images featured on the Dive The World websites have been kindly supplied by Scubazoo.
If you want to know more about Scubazoo or to take an underwater photography / videography course under their expert guidance, please visit their website at www.scubazoo.com.
