I owe my love of diving to summer camp, getting certified at age 14. After college, I became an instructor, teaching on the island of St. Croix. Working for travel magazines, I've been lucky to travel to every continent on assignment, from jumping in the water with humpback whales in Antarctica to swimming alongside mantas in Asia.
There's no bigger thrill than seeing one of your favorite marine animals in person ... in their actual habitat. These animals earned top marks on PADI Club members' must-see list—here's where to find them.
Lovers of the little will find no end to the pleasures found at these three destinations, voted best by Scuba Diving readers for their macro life.
Overwater bungalows and PADI Five Star service in the heart of Raja Ampat
Named Best Overall in the Pacific region
This pair of Indonesia-based liveaboards redefines luxury, from onboard spa services to one-of-a-kind itineraries.
This PADI Five Star on St. Croix specializes in guided shore dives to walls, reefs, wrecks and the famous Frederiksted Pier.
In the 2025 Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards, Reef Divers won seven operator awards, including Attention to Safety. The team at Little Cayman Beach Resort took home six awards, including Quality of Staff.
In the 2025 Readers Choice Awards, Sunset House won six awards, including Quality of the Rooms. Sunset Divers took home seven awards, including Attention to Safety.
In the 2025 Readers Choice Awards, Wannadive won a total of seven awards, including Quality of Dive Boats.