Every time we enter the water, we leave an impact, sometimes without even realizing it. The way we plan a dive trip, who we dive with, how gear is maintained and how we interact underwater all shape the future of the ocean. Sustainable diving isn’t a trend or a side effort, it’s an essential part of how we protect the places we explore.
That’s why PADI’s Go Eco! Campaign, running throughout April, focuses on turning everyday diving decisions into meaningful action. By highlighting ocean conservation and dive industry sustainability, Go Eco! helps divers understand how choosing the right operators and supporting the right practices can make a real difference.
Why We’re Running the Go Eco! Campaign
The ocean is facing real pressures, and divers are in a unique position to help. Every dive, every trip and every decision adds up. Go Eco! focuses on two core pillars of PADI’s mission: ocean conservation and dive industry sustainability. Protecting the underwater world works best when divers, professionals and operators move forward together.
The Role of PADI Eco Centers
At the heart of Go Eco! are PADI Eco Centers — dive centers and resorts that meet the highest standards in environmental responsibility and sustainable diving practices.
Eco Centers are leading the way by:
- Reducing their environmental impact
- Supporting conservation initiatives
- Educating divers on responsible practices
- Investing in local communities and ecosystems
PADI Eco Centers participate in the PADI AWARE Adopt the Blue™ program and become Green Fins members, following their best practices to actively protect marine biodiversity while reducing the environmental footprint of their operations. By embedding strong environmental performance into everyday diving — from staff training to citizen science and community action — they offer a trusted choice for divers who want their adventures to directly support ocean protection.
When you choose to dive with a PADI Eco Center, you’re not just booking a dive, you’re supporting regenerative travel and becoming part of a global community working toward a healthier ocean.
PADI Dive Centers Around the World Are Going Eco!
PADI Eco Centers around the world are offering conservation activities for divers to join in and learn about the challenges facing the Blue Planet as well as ways to protect their local environments.
Jordan
In Jordan’s Gulf of Aqaba, PADI Dive Centers are proving that protecting reefs makes diving better for everyone. Just one year after adopting the Green Fins framework, local operators have delivered real results: a 69% reduction in diver contact with coral, zero anchoring damage, 46% better waste management, 28% less chemical discharge and the complete elimination of marine life display or sale.
These measurable improvements show how simple, responsible diving practices can have a powerful impact on reef health — and help ensure Aqaba’s vibrant Red Sea reefs thrive for future divers. “What we’re witnessing in Aqaba is a powerful example of how sustainability and diving excellence go hand in hand,” says Firas Jundi, PADI Regional Manager for Jordan. “These dive centers are showing that being an ocean steward strengthens — not limits — the dive experience.”
Seattle Dive Tours – Washington, USA
Seattle Dive Tours in Washington actively involves divers in protecting the Salish Sea through regular underwater clean-ups and education-driven conservation diving. Three different Distinctive Specialty courses created by Seattle Dive Tours introduce divers to the ecosystem and animals of the Salish Sea. The Eco Center partners with a number of groups and ecological non-profits in their region and are a part of a community serving their local people and environment.
Nord & Ne – Norway
Education and community engagement are central to Eco Center Nord & Ne’s mission in Norway. They focus their conservation work on the Saltstraumen Marine Protected Area (MPA) and celebrated the MPA’s 10th anniversary by creating a free outdoor photo exhibition with local underwater photographer Vebjørn Karlsen. The display has become a gathering point for locals and visitors, highlighting the region’s unique marine biodiversity and the need for continued stewardship.
Ceningan Divers – Indonesia
Ceningan Divers in Bali prioritizes marine conservation and sustainable tourism through education, data-driven citizen science and hands-on protection of reef ecosystems. They contribute to reef monitoring, coral restoration, turtle and megafauna research and run regular PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris® and Adopt a Dive Site® programs. Divers can take various workshops on manta, mola, turtles, coral reefs and marine life.
How You Can Get Involved This April
Getting involved doesn’t require big changes. Go Eco! is about progress, not perfection. Here are a few ways to take part:
- Dive with a PADI Eco Center on your next adventure and support operators putting sustainability first.
- Become a Torchbearer for ocean change by choosing conservation-minded actions that fit your lifestyle.
- Make small sustainable adjustments in your day-to-day life. Every little helps.
- Learn and improve by taking conservation-focused dive courses.
- Follow and share. Connect with Eco Centers around the world on social media and help amplify the impact they’re making.
- Make use of the Green Fins Action Center and find useful tips and simple actions to protect the ocean as a diver and snorkeler.
- Celebrate Earth Day (22 April) by reflecting on how your choices as a diver can support shark and ray conservation and broader ocean protection efforts.
Small Choices, Global Impact
Sustainable diving isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing something. By choosing Eco Centers, learning from conservation leaders and staying engaged, divers help create real momentum for change.
This April, let’s Go Eco! together, because the future of the ocean depends on the choices we make today.
