The dive buddy system is one of the first things we learn about as divers — and it’s something we practice during every dive. One of the golden rules of scuba diving is to never dive without a buddy. This is true even if you have completed the specific training to dive alone. Beyond safety, diving with a dive buddy also makes every underwater adventure more fun and rewarding.
So, what if you’re flying solo or your friends and family aren’t (yet) certified scuba divers? We’re going to look at the best way to find a dive buddy to join you on your adventures.
Here are eight great ways to meet your next dive buddy.
1. Ask Your Friends To Be Your Dive Buddy
It may sound really simple — because it is — but you might just be surprised to find someone in your friendship group is already a diver. And if not, maybe you will find someone who is interested in learning to dive and has just been waiting for the right time to get into it.
Consider gifting scuba lessons to your family or offering a refresher course to someone who is feeling a bit rusty. Your future dive buddy could be right in front of you — you just need to ask.
Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean. Together.
Dive into adventure with your friends! Share the thrill of underwater exploration by inviting them to experience the world of scuba diving. They’ll receive 20% off Open Water Diver eLearning™, and as a thank-you, you’ll get 20% off continuing education eLearning courses.
Because every dive is better with a buddy.
2. Join a Local Dive Club
Your local scuba diving club is a great place to meet not just one, but a whole bunch of potential dive buddies. Dive clubs are full of people just like you — passionate about the ocean and eager to explore it together.
Joining a dive club has even more additional perks. Groups often organize regular dives as well as other social activities, and they often have a good relationship with local PADI Dive Centers. Some dive clubs even focus on particular PADI Specialties, such as wreck diving or cavern diving, letting you find a club you’ll really fit into.
Tip: Ask your local dive center if they partner with or host a club — it’s one of the easiest ways to get connected.
3. Go on a Dive Trip With a PADI Dive Center
It’s highly likely that your local PADI Dive Center will offer dive trips you can join. PADI Travel® also offers recommendations for solo-friendly vacations. These trips vary in duration and the number of dives; some are just one day, others a weekend and others even longer. Traveling solo on one of these trips allows you to explore new dive sites and meet like-minded people, one of whom might just become your new scuba diving buddy.
4. Join Facebook Groups
Did you know there are groups on Facebook to help you connect with other divers? Ask questions, share experiences and post photos in the Dive Travel, Divers Around the World or Learn to Dive group (if you’re thinking about taking the Open Water Diver course). You can also use these groups to help find dive buddies when traveling! Remember to always use appropriate caution when meeting someone on the internet for the first time.
5. Find a Dive Buddy in Dive Forums
Scuba diving forums are an excellent way to meet people online, find scuba buddies and get involved in group trips. Forums are also a great source of information about destinations, diving tips, scuba gear and everything related to scuba diving! Take a look at Reddit, The Dive Forum or ScubaBoard.
6. Volunteer and Meet a New Dive Buddy
Volunteering is another great way to meet new people. If you aren’t sure where to start, try contacting local charities and NGOs and ask how to get involved. Or you can search for upcoming conservation activities in your area — opportunities could include debris clean-ups, coral restoration or marine life surveys.
Not only could you meet your next dive buddy, but you’ll also be making a real difference as an Ocean Torchbearer™ — protecting and restoring the blue planet we all love.
Tip: Check with your local PADI Dive Center to see if they host or support community conservation events.
7. Get a Scuba Diving Job
Whether it’s a part-time role in your local dive shop or a full-time career as a PADI Professional, spending your days surrounded by other scuba addicts is a surefire way to meet like-minded dive buddies. Head to the PADI Jobs Board to search for vacancies around the world, such as retail staff, equipment technicians, dive guides and other scuba-related roles.
8. Take Your Next Scuba Course
Advancing your dive education not only builds your knowledge, skills and confidence — it also expands your scuba community. PADI Specialty courses range from photography and fish identification to wreck exploration and diving deeper. These are a great option if you’re looking for a dive buddy who shares your underwater interests.
Find a Dive Buddy
Are you ready to take action to find a dive buddy? Get started by checking out local dive shops in your area today, or join PADI Club, the world’s largest community of ocean lovers. Club member benefits include exclusive trips and meet-ups, discounts, and a Scuba Diving® magazine subscription. The membership will keep you actively engaged with the dive community — even when you can’t get in the water.
