Marine conservation, eco-tourism, education, and more: Scuba diving with an eco friendly dive school makes a huge difference!

If there is one thing that all scuba divers have in common, it would be our love for the ocean. Life under the sea is miraculous, and so vastly different than we humans normally get to experience. We are grateful to the marine life for sharing their home with us. We are proud of the dive sites that we get to know well. We are defensive when people treat beaches with disrespect. (And we have probably all stopped using plastic straws because we love the turtles.)

All of this considered, it just makes sense to dive with people that are also working to protect the ocean.

Scuba Diving Oahu and Marine Conservation Education

More often than not, education is the difference that creates an activist. For instance, someone that has no idea about coral bleaching may continue to wear sunscreen that is not reef-safe.

Meanwhile, we can’t expect everybody, even divers, to know how to best protect the ocean. It is always best to align yourself with people that know what they’re doing. That way, you can learn and follow their lead.

When I first started scuba diving with Hawaii Eco Divers, I had no idea about marine conservation. I was so focused on having a good time and remembering to breathe, I didn’t care what creatures my fins were hitting, or the coral my tank was scraping. But thanks to their marine conservation efforts and training, I have become a conscious and aware diver myself!

Working with an eco friendly dive school has taught me so much. Most importantly, I have learned about the beautiful marine life in Hawaii, including endemic and endangered species. I have learned their names, their habits, and the best way to interact (or not interact) with them. Scuba diving is a completely different experience when you are at peace with the creatures around you, and the mutual respect is palpable in the water.

Beyond Education: Oahu Marine Conservation Efforts

Actions speak louder than words, right? As thankful as I am for the marine life education from Hawaii Eco Divers, there needs to be more than just talk.

North Shore scuba dive sites (where H.E.D. is located) are typically pretty clean. They are not littered in trash or lost gear. However, without fail, every piece of trash I have seen under water has been immediately picked up by a shop employee. Even if this involves pausing the dive, swimming a bit out of the way, and holding garbage on their person for the rest of the dive. Because that is the marine conservation effort you should expect from an eco friendly dive shop.

As I spent more and more time with Hawaii Eco Divers, I was happy to find out how they partner with other local companies to participate in beach clean ups, public service, and mass education efforts. All of this made me feel even more comfortable diving with this group of people.

We should all be stewards of this beautiful earth we’ve been given. Especially as scuba divers, we recognize the desperate need to act consciously and live a sustainable lifestyle. Therefore, I am proud to align myself with a dive shop that adheres to these same values.