There are some times when we appreciate big crowds – sports tournaments, Mardi Gras, and other festive events are a whole lot more fun when there are plenty of people involved. With scuba diving, it’s a different story, but in some places, it’s very difficult to enjoy a dive without having to share it with a mob of fellow underwater adventurers. Whether you want to avoid crowds while diving or simply want to learn to deal with them more effectively, you’ll appreciate these five essential tips for crowd control.
Tip One: Avoid Crowds Altogether by Choosing Less Popular Destinations
There are many reasons people elect to visit popular areas – the weather is often fantastic, infrastructure is top-notch, and all-inclusive resort stays are sometimes too tempting to pass up. At many of these places, the dive sites are great, but they can be quite overcrowded, particularly during high season. Instead of forcing yourself to grin and bear it, consider taking your next dive holiday at a destination that’s less popular. You might have to pay more for accommodations and scuba diving charters, but if you value the serenity that comes with being one of just a few people on a dive site, your investment will be worthwhile.
Tip Two: Consider Timing
There are popular dive sites everyone wants to see eventually – and that’s understandable. To avoid crowds, time your visit when others are less likely to be at the site. There are some places where diving is possible even during the off season – consider visiting after most tourists have gone home. You can also keep time of day in mind when planning dives; often, sites are overcrowded in the morning and tolerable in the afternoon. Night dives are usually open to limited a limited number of participants, so consider diving at night to further segregate yourself from the crowd.
Tip Three: Reconsider Boat Dives
Many dive sites can only be reached via boat, but in most places, there are at least a few sites you can reach from shore. If shore diving is a realistic option, it’s entirely possible that you and your favorite dive buddy could be the only people at a certain site, especially if you choose to dive before or after others tend to visit.
Tip Four: Ask About Secret Sites
Most dive operators know about sites that are less popular than others – either because they’re more challenging, they’re further from shore, or they are just not advertised. Form a friendly relationship with your dive operator and ask for a trip to one of these sites, and you’ll probably find yourself being pleasantly surprised.
Tip Five: Enjoy Crowded Dive Sites Anyway
If you’re stuck on a crowded boat, see if it’s possible for you and your buddy to plan your own dive instead of sticking with the group that’s following the dive guide. If that is not allowed, consider diving a little deeper or shallower than everyone else, and lag behind slightly to avoid inevitable traffic jams.
With just a little planning on your part, avoiding overcrowded dive sites is possible. Be sure to conduct careful research as you plan your vacation, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll be glad you spent some extra time pre-trip once you arrive at your destination.