Advanced Divers Edition — What You Really Need to Know Before Diving the Dampier Strait Most guides to Raja Ampat describe a tropical paradise untouched by time.But if you’re planning a trip now, in 2026, you need an updated, realistic, professionally informed perspective — especially on the Dampier Strait, the beating heart of diving in…
Table of Contents A World-Class Wreck That Breaks All the Rules Usually, if you want to dive a World War II shipwreck, you need: ❌ A boat❌ Deep diver certification❌ Cold water tolerance❌ A big budget But Bali’s USAT Liberty Wreck breaks all the rules. It is one of the only shipwrecks in the world…
By Aaron & Cassie — Underwater Filmmakers • PADI MSDT & UW Photo Specialist “It’s officially over…” — But is it really? When we returned to Raja Ampat in 2025, we expected magic.What we didn’t expect was this: 🔻 widespread table coral bleaching🔻 stressed reefs in the Dampier Strait🔻 visible decline since our last visit…
Welcome to Koh Lipe – Thailand’s “Maldives” We’ve just spent nine unforgettable days diving in Koh Lipe, often called the Maldives of Thailand. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned diver, this island delivers everything from beginner-friendly reefs to deep, current-swept pinnacles where whale sharks sometimes pass. Koh Lipe sits at the southern tip…
The Andaman Sea is home to some of the most spectacular diving in Southeast Asia — a true underwater paradise that keeps even the most experienced divers coming back again and again. We’ve logged over 5,000 dives across Indonesia, the Maldives, the Pacific Islands and the Red Sea. And yet, Thailand’s Andaman Sea consistently holds…
Richelieu Rock isn’t just Thailand’s most famous dive site — it’s one of the most biodiverse underwater locations in all of Southeast Asia. Rising dramatically from the seafloor in the middle of the Andaman Sea, this submerged pinnacle attracts marine life like few other places on Earth. As dive professionals with over 5,000 dives across…
Discover Thailand’s most underrated adventure base If you’re dreaming of Thailand but hoping to avoid the party crowds, Khao Lak might just be the perfect destination. Located in Phang Nga Province, just 90 minutes north of Phuket Airport, Khao Lak is a serene mainland escape where you’ll find endless beaches, incredible food, and easy access…
Raja Ampat is one of the most extraordinary dive destinations on the planet — but with so many options, how do you decide whether to explore it by liveaboard, dive safari, or from a land-based base camp? We’ve been lucky enough to dive with Scuba Republic across all three formats over the years: sailing on…
Planning a trip to Thailand’s island paradise? Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver, a snorkeling enthusiast, or a curious first-timer, Koh Lipe delivers one of the richest underwater experiences in Southeast Asia. Why Koh Lipe? Koh Lipe is a remote gem in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, part of Tarutao National Marine Park. Despite its small size,…
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