While we regularly spout our merry manifesto about the wonders of the world as seen from dry land, we're also major fans of the ocean and all it has to offer, from (tongue twisters alert) kaleidoscopically colourful coral to magnificent marine life and ludicrously luxurious liveaboard boats. The big blue does, after all, cover 70% of the planet so it's only right that we give it the attention it deserves. Which is why we have a specialist dive team here at Original Travel, the aptly named Original Diving, experts in the watery stuff worldwide and able to help with organising everything from holidays with the odd dive included to full-blown dedicated dive trips. So if you, like us, have a penchant for the ocean, here are few of our favourite destinations and experiences for divers of all types...
Casual Divers: Mexico
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula offers so much above and below the waves, making it the perfect destination for those who fancy a spot of diving as part of a wider trip. Stay at the Belmond Maroma and dive the wonderful cenotes or along the coastline where you'll find whale sharks, bull sharks and beautiful reefs. To land, relax on white sand beaches, indulge in some wonderful cuisine and explore jungle, wildlife and ancient Mayan ruins. The full package.
Read about diving in Mexico on the Original Diving website
Learners: St Vincent & the Grenadines
The Caribbean is a beginner's paradise - bath-warm waters, incredible visibility and some great marine life on show, particularly sharks. It also just so happens to be home to some of the best beach hotels in the world, our pick of the bunch being Petit St Vincent in St Vincent & the Grenadines.
Read about St Vincent & the Grenadines on the Original Diving website.
Dive Enthusiasts: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
If you're a 'been there, done that, where's next?' kind of diver then Raja Ampat in Indonesia is probably already on your bucket list - and there's no time like the present. With the highest marine biodiversity on the planet divers can expect a veritable smorgasbord of soft corals and macro life.
Read about Raja Ampat on the Original Diving website.
Families: Oman
Diving is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy (no squabbling underwater, after all) with children as young as eight able to take their Bubblemaker course. And the perfect place to do this is the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah in Oman, a fabulous family hotel complete with dive centre, private sandy beaches, kids' clubs and a whole range of other activities to keep your little monsters happy. It's got October Half Term written all over it.
Read about diving in Oman on the Original Diving website.
Snorkellers: The Maldives
For those who prefer staying closer to the surface, there is some spectacular snorkelling to be had in the Maldives (the diving isn't bad either). Many of the hotels have their own house reefs and the crystal clear waters are perfect for exploring colourful corals and marine life. What's more, the Maldives is a classic cool combo with Sri Lanka, should you wish to inject some culture and adventure into your holiday.
Read about the Maldives on the Original Diving website.
If you're interested in a dive holiday, our expert dive team comprising Louisa, Charlie and Amy are here to give you the inside track.