Diving with kids: How to plan a great family dive vacation
August 7, 2023
Are you a scuba-loving family looking to take the ultimate dive vacation together this summer?
There are numerous places that are great for diving with kids, but it can take time to choose the right destination for you. You might be searching for a family-friendly location with beautiful diving for all experience levels and great land-based activities. Or perhaps you want an idyllic island with pristine coral reefs and family-friendly accommodation.
Either way, we have taken the hard work out of planning your family dive vacation. We are going to talk about all the things to consider when you go diving with kids and help you to find the perfect dive center that promises a holiday you will remember forever.
Why should you go diving with kids?
If you or your loved ones are not yet certified scuba divers, here are a few reasons why you should consider taking up scuba diving as a family:
• With kids often having such different interests to adults, it can sometimes be hard to relate to them. Diving is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and will give you plenty to talk about as a family.
• Diving teaches children and teens valuable lessons about safety, working together, and trusting themselves. It also helps them to gain confidence as they see themselves progress.
• Scuba diving is great for mental health and relaxation, which is beneficial to both adults and children.
• Kids can become much more sociable when they take up scuba diving as they connect with other divers and find more people their age who have the same interest.
• Scuba diving allows kids to interact with marine life and see it up close. This can teach them the importance of marine conservation and encourage them to share their knowledge and experiences with others their age.
• When you go diving with kids, you create fun and special memories that you can look back on. Your family will remember those exciting scuba vacations for years to come!
What to think about when planning a family dive vacation
So, now that we have convinced you to take a diving vacation with your family, where are you going to go? Here are a few tips to narrow down your options when deciding:
1. Heat
Depending on the age of your kids, you might want to choose somewhere that does not get too hot in the months that you are planning to go on vacation.
For example, Egypt has incredible diving but can reach highs of 45°C (113°F) in the summer months! That can be uncomfortable for adults and especially when diving with kids – it can get more tiring in the heat and there is a serious risk of children getting burnt on a dive boat.
If you want to go diving in Egypt, visit outside of the summer months. There is incredible diving year-round, with vibrant coral reefs, and plenty of family-friendly dive centers and resorts to choose from.
2. Water conditions
Depending on your family’s level of experience, you should consider the water conditions when planning a scuba vacation.
If you are recently certified or planning to try scuba diving for the first time on vacation, it would be best to pick a place that is not prone to strong currents.
New divers and younger kids can also feel daunted by jumping into deep water from a boat. Choosing a dive destination with lots of shore dives is a great way to ensure a relaxing dive experience.
3. Tourists
When you go diving with kids, you probably do not want to head for a place that attracts lots of rowdy backpackers or young holiday makers looking to party all night.
A relaxing beachside resort will offer a much more peaceful night’s sleep, and you are more likely to find other families with kids of similar ages for yours to make friends with.
4. Other activities
Unfortunately we cannot dive every minute of the day, so choose a spot that has other activities on offer. Waterparks, mountain biking, kayaking, nice hiking routes, and surfing are all great ways to keep your kids entertained.
5. Marine life
Depending on how brave you and your kids are, you might not want to choose a dive spot that has frequent shark sightings. Although sharks are amazing to dive with, it can be intimidating to see them if you are not expecting to. You might also want to avoid places with lots of jellyfish.
Instead, choose a dive destination that has lots of charismatic marine life you will be comfortable with, such as whales, dolphins, manatees, or sea lions. There are plenty of places you can meet these wonderful animals.
6. Ease of travel
Long airplane journeys followed by buses or boats can be difficult with younger children. For your first time diving with kids, keep it simple and pick a location closer to home. Make sure you also pick a dive spot that is easy to get to from the airport when you arrive.
7. Safety
Most countries are generally safe to travel to, but when you are traveling with children or teens, it is a good idea to be cautious. Choose a place that is popular with tourists and where you are definitely covered on your travel and medical insurance.
The top places to go diving with kids include:
• Diving in Cyprusoffers some of the best Mediterranean diving, with clear, warm waters and numerous ancient artefacts to find.
• For idyllic vistas, soft sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, try Thailand diving. It is one of the most popular places in the world to learn to dive.
• If your kids want to meet big, charismatic marine life such as whales, sea lions, and manta rays, go diving in Australia.
• Scuba diving in Florida is all about sunshine, colorful fish, sea turtles, and crystal-clear springs; ideal for family dive adventures.
• Try diving with kids without going on a dive boat; go diving in Bonaire. This Caribbean destination has over 60 shore dive sites and fringing coral reefs full of life.
• Visit Grand Cayman for a mix of excellent diving, bustling cities, and an experience the kids will love; swimming with stingrays!
• Diving the Azores is one of the top reasons to visit Portugal. Added to that, there is a tempting array of historical landmarks, delicious food, and gorgeous beaches to enjoy.
How to pick the right dive center for your family
After you have chosen where to go diving, the next step is to choose a dive center. There are usually many dive centers at popular dive destinations, so consider the following when you choose:
1. Speak to the dive center in advance
Chatting to the dive center on the phone or via email before your trip will allow you to check how often they teach children to scuba dive and how family-friendly they are.
For example, some dive centers are more suited for adults and might have a bar on-site and parties in the evenings, whereas others have a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
2. Do your kids want to do a dive course?
Are you looking to sign your younger kids up for an SSI Explorers program? This is a fun, safe way to introduce your kids to the underwater world and discover the different ways they can explore.
Not all centers offer this course though, so make sure you ask in advance.
3. Find out which part of town the dive center is in
When it comes to travelling with kids, you want everything to be accessible and close to hand to make life easier! Make sure you choose a dive center that is close to your accommodation.
Also find out if your preferred dive center offers pick-ups on diving days, so you do not have to worry about getting your kids to the dive center on time.
4. Read online reviews before booking
All dive centers have to follow strict safety regulations, but it is always good to check online reviews to make sure other tourists had a nice time there.
The SSI Center Locator
When you have decided where to take your kids diving, the SSI Center Locator can help you find the perfect SSI dive center for when you get there. Simply type in the location and all of your options will appear on the map, including the name of the center, their contact information, and even their opening times. Give it a try today!
PLAN YOUR IDEAL FAMILY DIVE TRIP: TRY THE SSI CENTER LOCATOR