Scuba Trip and Diving Vacation

Frequently Asked Questions

• Liveaboard FAQs

When is the best time for scuba diving holidays?

Each of our destinations has its own climatic and sea conditions. First, visit our dive destinations section for the location of the trips you are interested in. Then review the detailed dive site descriptions for information on the diving seasons for each site. Our tourist information section will give you all you need to know on the weather patterns for each destination.

Which places are good for beginner divers?

Some places, such as Phuket and Phi Phi in Thailand, are great for inexperienced divers and for learning to dive too. Others, such as Komodo in Indonesia, are more suited for advanced diving. The 'Reef Basics' section in our dive sites sections explains which destinations are good and not-so-good for beginners and advanced divers.

Is there anything to do on your vacations for a non-diver?

Some of our destinations are remote islands with undeveloped infrastructure and they offer very little except superb diving and snorkelling. If you are travelling with a non-diver or you'd like to break up your trip with some other fun activities for yourself, we can make some holiday recommendations for you.

Sabah in Malaysian Borneo has a lot more to do than diving and it is worth extending your time as much as possible to add some of these wonderful experiences to your scuba trip. Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, snakes, elephants, macaques, crocodiles, hornbills and many more beautiful species of wildlife can be seen in the interior of Sabah. Mountains, jungles, white water rafting, trekking, nature in every hue as well as beaches, watersports, golf, mountain-biking ... there's so much to see and do on vacation here ...

Krabi in Thailand has simply stunning scenery and countless adventure options, minus the crowds of the more popular and nearby Phuket and Phi Phi Islands. Probably the most beautiful location in the whole of the country, Krabi manages to combine it's glorious natural wonders with the service and warm smiles that you've come to expect from holidays in Thailand. You can dive the local area, Koh Phi Phi and some of the sites in Phuket, or take a trip up the coast to visit Thailand's No.1 scuba destination, the Similan Islands.

Bali in Indonesia remains the most popular holiday destination in the whole of South East Asia. A dramatic mountainous interior and exquisite rice terraces provide mouth-dropping vistas. Then the blend of Balinese dance, culture, artwork and architecture give the island it's unique fascination. Perhaps that's why many visitors don't seem to realise that the scuba diving is excellent here too.

Fiji is one of the best dive vacation destinations in terms of pleasing both diver and non-diver alike. Taveuni and Kadavu both offer a wealth of natural interest with waterfalls, treks and isolated bays perfect for exploration by sea kayak. If staying in Viti Levu you can visit the markets and activities of the towns and no matter where you are there is always a little village nearby welcoming you to join them in a cultural kava drinking session.

Can you arrange accommodation for me?

We've teamed up with an affiliated hotel reservation agents, Agoda.com. They offer a wide range of accommodations worldwide. Browse the choices on their website, use their live chat to ask your questions, then simply use your credit card to make your hotel reservation.

From top-of-the range international beach resorts to one-star inns and guesthouses, there's something to suit everyone's taste and requirements. And you can be certain that whatever option you select, it will be backed up with their 'Low Price Guarantee', so you will always get top-dollar value for money.

What Languages do the Divemasters speak?

English is the main language of communication on all our scuba diving holiday trips. However, most of our dive operators have guides that can speak a variety of other languages. For details on which languages each resort and liveaboard covers, please refer to the national flags on the main "General" tab of each product information display.

Is it safe for me to travel?

Few places in the world can be said to be truly safe these days and we are not going to claim that Indonesia, for example, is the safest country on earth. Having said that we are not going to try to sell you a trip to Indonesia in any known trouble spots such as Aceh either. Remember we check our locations out personally and we don't want any drama either!

What we can say is that statistically you are more likely to get struck by lightening than be involved in a tourist-related act of aggression on any of our holidays. You have a greater chance of being mugged at gun or knife point or run over by an SUV in the USA or Europe, than be caught up in anything untoward on vacation with Dive The World. Once again, our tourist sections carry more detailed information on security issues for each destination.

Where's the best place to see mandarinfish?

Actually, you can find mandarinfish quite easily in the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia, or otherwise maybe try Mabul in Malaysia.

Our Creature Feature section highlights some of the more popular marine life you can find at our scuba holiday destinations, and where best to find them. If your favourite is not listed, then send us an email and we'll try to run a feature in the near future.