Dive trips 2023: Discover the versatility!

Hop in the fins and off to the water! But where are divers heading to this year? What’s happening in this watersport? Passionate diver and blogger Bettina Winert is right on-trend with her penchant for versatility in diving. And she likes to combine her diving trips with other activities and personal interests.

The diving destinations in 2023

Jetty with clear sea water | Copyright © Bettina Winert

In addition to the climate, travel time, arrival and accommodations, the diver’s personal preferences also play an important role in choosing a diving destination. For example, if you want to discover colourful reefs and even more colourful micro-creatures, Indonesia is the place to be. For observing big fish, hammerhead sharks or whale sharks, destinations like Soccooro or Costa Rica’s Cocos Island come highly recommended. And if you want to spend a great diving vacation without having to take a long flight, Egypt is a good choice. "The Red Sea off the coast of Egypt is famous for its colourful, variegated underwater world and with the right equipment diving is possible all year round," says Bettina, who has visited the Red Sea coastal region many times. But good things don't have to be far away: European destinations such as Malta, Croatia or Turkey are also very popular. These places also offer cultural diversity on land and are relatively quick and easy to reach. Bettina also sees an increased demand for customized trips to the most beautiful diving areas, with a special focus or motto or in combination with other sports. The offer is diverse and these trips can be perfectly tailored to one's own interests.

Variety and versatility in diving vacations

Ancient city | Copyright © Bettina Winert

There’s a clear trend towards combining several sports, hobbies or interests in one trip. While pure diving trips were the order of the day in the past, nowadays things can be more versatile. Diving vacations are being combined with other activities on, near or under the water. "I’d like to use my next diving trip to take underwater photos or finally take up yoga," says Bettina. And she’s not alone in this wish.

yellow fish under water | Copyright © Bettina Winert

close-up turtle | Copyright © Bettina Winert

Wellness in diving vacations

Many people imagine a relaxing dream vacation as time out in a spa with massages, facials and healthy food. But this can leave too little time for diving. One reason why many dive centres and safari boats have adapted their offers in recent years. For example boats in the Maldives on which divers can enjoy a massage or facial after their dive. Many resorts and hotels are also upgrading and expanding their offerings to include a range of wellness options, to pamper vacationers and help them relax between dives.

Diving and yoga

Two activities that combine particularly well are diving and yoga. Breathing exercises really help divers learn how to use less air and stay relaxed underwater. It’s also a good idea for watersports enthusiast to stay fit, exercise regularly and train their muscles. "Starting the day by the sea in the morning with sun salutations before diving is something I really want to experience," says Bettina. Resorts that offer yoga classes to divers abound, whether on the Red Sea, Indonesia or Costa Rica. Visitors at boot 2023 were also able to find comprehensive information about this. There are suitable offers to discover everywhere in the world where divers meet. Even on an increasing number of safari boats the day starts with yoga on deck.

Diving safari with photographers on board

Close-up of camouflaged fish | Copyright © Bettina Winert

More and more divers are discovering the joys of underwater photography. "Taking photos below the surface is a science in itself. If you want to take good pictures you need to have a very good command of the camera, be familiar with the manual settings and practise a lot," says Bettina. This is where the diving safaris come in, with renowned underwater photographers on board who give the divers a unique opportunity to ask questions and increase their knowledge in workshops. The biggest benefit: it can all be put into practice immediately!

Underwater divers with camera | Copyright @ Bettina Winert

Diver Diver photographs manta rays| Copyright @ Bettina Winert

Discover the underwater world - with just one breath

Freediving is also absolutely trending at the moment. Well-known apnea divers such as Anna von Bötticher, Nik Linder and Jennifer Wendland have introduced this sport to a wide audience. And the increasing popularity of freediving has also triggered more offers in terms of travel and training courses. Whether beginner or advanced, courses are being offered for every level all over the world. For example, apnea retreats and courses can be booked in Bali, Costa Rica and Dahab. Tour operators have special diving safaris for freedivers in Egypt in their catalogues. Experienced instructors are always on hand to educate and train learners under safe conditions. Here, too, the theory can be put immediately into practice: from the dive centre straight down to the most beautiful reefs.

Sustainability and environmental protection as a travel motto

Dolphin under water | Copyright © Bettina Winert

Many divers are also keen to learn more about the place where their favourite hobby takes them. In this context, environmental protection and climate change play an increasingly important role. Between dives during their vacation, they have the opportunity to further educate themselves about the marine ecosystem and to understand how this fragile habitat can be protected. Environmental organizations are taking advantage of this demand to raise awareness of their work and share knowledge. More and more workshops are being offered by different organizations in resorts, on dive bases and safari boats. Interested divers can accompany research ships through the island world of the Maldives. At the Red Sea there are workshops for divers to learn more about dolphins and the research on these fascinating animals. Whether beach clean-ups, protection of sea turtles or underwater biology - the offer is extremely varied.