Indonesia is one of hotspots in diving. From Bali to Sumatra and even the depths of the ocean near Jakarta, the archipelago is at your disposal when you need to find a different change of air and environment (literally). Many tourists go to Indonesia just to dive.

Diving is one of the most sought-after sports nowadays and a lot of people are more and more attracted to it.

It is therefore important to check and review the basic fundamentals in diving. Here are some tips gathered by Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours for you to use:

1. Fine a reputable operator
The most important on your checklist is to find a reputable operator. Surf the net patiently and read other people’s comments on each operator. A reliable travel guidebook usually provides some recommended ones. It is better to trust your safety to someone who knows his way underwater than some fraud “instructor”.

2. Familiarize yourself with the dive sites
Research as much information as possible on the dive sites in the location you’re planning to visit, whether they are current-affected, their seascapes (sandy slope, wall, etc.) water temperatures, marine lives, best times to dive, and so on.

3. Know more about the coral reefs
Most Indonesia’s reefs are very rich and colorful, but they are also very fragile. Educate yourself about coral reefs, especially about the fact that they are living, breathing, animals that can easily be damaged even with a minor touch of fingertips, let alone and incidental blow of your fins.

4. Practice taking a picture
You’d think taking pictures underwater is easy enough. Obviously, the weight and the current are far different below the sea than on land. At the very least, you should already master your buoyancy control skill before even thinking of taking an underwater camera.

5. Check your Depth Regularly
The best sites in Indonesia, particularly in the east, are blessed with amazing visibility and sunlight that penetrates deep into the ocean. It is easy to be enchanted, thinking that you’re still in shallow while in fact you could already be too deep. Check your depth regularly.

Scuba diving is a scary thing for beginners. When you think about it, because of the change of environment, your body may be surprised and may go into all the survival mode instinct it got. A sudden underwater claustrophobia and vertigo may suddenly shock you as well. It is better to check all your options to enjoy a worth-it dive in the beautiful underwater experience in Indonesia.