For some divers, the only zodiac they believe in is the one that drops them off at the dive site. For others, astrology gives them helpful insights. Whether you get anxious whenever Mercury is in retrograde, or just enjoy a good astrology meme, we hope you’ll enjoy reading our astrological guide for scuba divers.
Scorpio (21 Oct – 20 Nov)
Characteristics: This passionate water sign is often mistaken for a fire sign. Brave, resourceful Scorpios are true friends, but can be distrustful of people they don’t know. Don’t take it personally when Scorpios give the stink-eye to your favorite Divemaster or disapprove of your gear configuration – criticism is their love language.
Most likely to: Ask a great question during the dive briefing, be a technical diver
Sagittarius (21 Nov – 21 Dec)
Characteristics: Freedom-loving, optimistic Sagitarrians often speak before they think. They convince everyone on the boat to choose a faraway dive site – then complain about how long it’s taking to get there. Life with a Sagitarrius is never dull and you’ll always know what’s on their minds.
Most likely to: Head straight for a narrow swim through, tell you how to improve your underwater photos (whether you asked for their advice or not)
Capricorn (22 Dec – 21 Jan)
Characteristics: Responsible and organized, Capricorns make great dive buddies and have the potential to be very good dive instructors. At their worst, Capricorns can be condescending and uptight (they’re known as the “goths” of the zodiac), but once a Capricorn gets to know you, they’ll lighten up and let loose their great sense of humor.
Most likely to: Get their gear serviced on time, insist on a buddy check
Aquarius (22 Jan – 18 Feb)
Characteristics: Aquarians are independent, free-thinkers. While the rest of the group watches a turtle swim past, your Aquarian dive buddy might be mesmerized by a piece of coral. Later they will tell you about a nudibranch they spotted that looked like a bunny rabbit.
Most likely to: Make art from ocean debris, help a stranger carry their gear
Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar)
Characteristics: Intuitive, compassionate and selfless, Pisces is an excellent addition to any dive group. Just don’t let them choose the dive site; their overly-optimistic nature leads them to dive in conditions others would pass on. Pisces’ sense of wonder and easy-going nature make them ideal buddies for underwater photographers (and good photographers in their own right).
Most likely to: Sense when you want to end a dive early and be totally cool about it, loan you their gear
Aries (21 Mar – 20 April)
Characteristics: Attention-seeking Aries are confident, adventurous and determined. If you want to convince Aries to do something, tell them they can’t. They can be excellent leaders when challenged to do something good (for example, I don’t think we can convince 8 other people to book this liveaboard in Fiji), but Aries’ need for attention can also lead to risky behaviors.
Most likely to: blow bigger bubble rings than you, dive more places than you, have a nicer camera rig than you, etc.
Taurus (21 Apr – 20 May)
Characteristics: Taurans are hard-working and patient which makes them above-average critter-finders. They can also be stubborn and set in their ways. If you put your mask on your forehead, the person yelling “are you in distress?” is probably a Taurus.
Most likely to: Wait in front of a hole for something cool to pop out, share an ocean sunset with you without feeling the need to talk the entire time
Gemini (21 May – 20 Jun)
Characteristics: Geminis are as adaptable as an octopus. They often have many dive buddies – from all walks of life. Unfortunately, their short attention span causes them to swim back and forth across the dive site and use up their air before everyone else.
Most likely to: Arrive late, try to take underwater selfies with everyone
Cancer (21 Jun – 22 Jul)
Characteristics: Becoming a certified diver is rarely at the top of a Cancer’s to-do list, but if someone they care about wants to dive, they’re totally in. Cancers are some of the kindest, most thoughtful dive buddies (once you get them out of the house). Additional training is helpful for all divers, but especially Cancers who tend to feel insecure about their skills.
Most likely to: Bring snacks for everyone at the dive site, hold hands with someone on their first night dive
Leo (23 Jul – 22 Aug)
Characteristics: Fun and flirtatious Leo loves to be the center of attention. If you see someone telling a crazy story to a crowd of divers, the storyteller is probably a Leo. Their calendar is often full of social activities and you’re always welcome to join. Just don’t count on Leo to initiate plans. They like to be the life of the party – not organize it.
Most likely to: Entertain everyone during the safety stop, pout when another diver receives a compliment from the Divemaster
Virgo (23 Aug – 21 Sep)
Characteristics: Virgo’s attention to detail and hardworking nature makes them great dive buddies and dive professionals. Their kind heart and perfectionist tendencies may cause them to spend too much time helping others, neglecting their own self-care. If you have a Virgo dive buddy, make sure they stay hydrated and have a little snack between dives.
Most likely to: Make excellent gear recommendations, not get tipped enough
Libra (22 Sep – 20 Oct)
Characteristics: Libras want the world to be equitable for everyone and are easily frustrated when other people don’t cooperate. When someone spots an interesting animal, Libras will hang back while others divers take turns checking it out, but if someone cuts in front for a second look, heaven help that diver if they need assistance from Libra later on. Libras are notorious for holding grudges.
Most likely to: Ask other divers if they’re okay throughout the dive, fall in love while on holiday
Further Reading