There are a wide variety of scuba diving vacations to suit each personality and provide memories to last a lifetime. The first step to planning a scuba diving vacation is to get your scuba certification. Having your scuba certification is necessary before you can rent equipment or go on a scuba dive adventure. There are two certification courses that are popular today. The first is PADI scuba certification, which is good for vacationers who want a less extensive training. The other is NAUI scuba certification, which is a little more involved and advanced.

The second step in planning your scuba diving vacation is deciding weather you will rent or buy your scuba equipment. Many diving vacationers prefer to rent their equipment. This is much more affordable and makes your trip easier to pack for. On the other hand, purchasing your equipment will ensure that you will have scuba equipment that fits your needs. Many divers who rent their equipment purchase their own regulator and mask, as these items tend to vary making it difficult to find the right one.

Now it is time to decide where you would like to take your Scuba diving vacation. Scuba diving experiences vary widely depending on where you go. Some of the top scuba diving vacation destinations include Mexico, the South Pacific, Belize, Hawaii and Thailand. At the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific, you will see a large variety of coral. On the other hand, a scuba diving vacation to Hawaii will give you the chance to view sea turtles, whales and sharks. Deciding where to go is a personal choice depending on which underwater world you are interested in seeing.

Scuba diving vacations are extremely rewarding. The adventure you will have will inspire and rejuvenate you for years to come. Whether you choose to buy your equipment and visit Thailand or rent your equipment in Mexico, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Just don't forget an underwater camera!

With increasing numbers of dive centers opening up around the globe, virtually the entire world is now accessible to the traveling diver. Following a few basic travel tips can stand you in good stead when transporting yourself and your dive gear to your destination.

Most vacation destinations in coastal regions around the world provide sonic sort of diving facility. Indeed, the sport is now so convenient that you can turn up on the day, certification card in hand, and be decked out from head to toe with rented gear, before being guided around local dive sites. This is one of the greatest joys of the sport - the ability to visit different parts of the world and explore local sites with relative ease.

A step up from the more casual "just-passing-through" diving experience is the dedicated diving vacation. This is usually arranged through a resort-based dive operator, most of which will run a series of dives to local dive sites and offer a range of equipment for rent.

Developments in diving equipment over the last decade mean that most dive centers worldwide can offer a reasonable caliber of gear for rent. With the addition of local knowledge from a divemaster who knows the waters well, you should be assured of a reasonable diving experience, regardless of the location. While most dedicated div e operators work to a high standard, there are a few rogue operators around, and you should be wary of any that show a cavalier approach.

Liveaboards provide an even more intense diving vacation. These are dive vessels designed for long-range trips to more inaccessible places, and they provide nonstop diving throughout the voyage. Liveaboards often offer supplementary courses, such as photography or natural history, hosted by resident experts. There are few marine dive destinations on Earth that are not accessible via liveaboards, and for many this is the finest way to experience extensive reef systems, remote sites, or sprawling island groups.

There is also a range of diving expeditions available in the modern travel market. Some are conservation¬ oriented and others more adventurous, such as seeking out big animal encounters or spectacular wrecks. Take the time to investigate the results and credibility of the group coordinating your project, since some that claim high ethical standards in conservation and research fall well short of expectations. There arc-others, of course, who perform genuinely valuable work, and for many divers this is the most rewarding and educational aspect of their entire diving career.