Why Group Trips are Ideal Scuba Diving Holidays for Singles

May 15, 2024|Author: JennyH|Reading time: 5 minute

Our Travel with Bluewater Group Trips and Photo Workshops are increasingly popular, especially as scuba diving holidays for solo travelers. You can even meet fellow divers who become lifelong friends, like Lynn and Lisa, who bonded during our recent Photo Workshop in Anilao!

Why Group Trips are Ideal Scuba Diving Holidays for Singles - image

Bluewater Group Trips: The Perfect Scuba Diving Holidays For Single Travelers

Our Travel with Bluewater Group Trips and Photo Workshops are increasingly popular, especially as scuba diving holidays for single travelers. Many guests enjoy the additional support of a trip leader, traveling in a group environment, and even meeting fellow divers who often become lifelong friends. Whatever the reason you don't have a dive buddy to travel with, you'll find a sense of camaraderie among like-minded adventurers on our Travel with Bluewater trips.

A group of divers pose together during a Bluewater photography workshop in Anilao.
A group pose during a Bluewater photo workshop in Anilao, Philippines.

An Engaging Workshop In Anilao

This years first trip to Anilao, one of the worlds premier muck diving destinations known for its unique critters and photography opportunities, attracted a record number of solo travelers. Bluewater runs three annual Anilao Macro Photography Workshops, drawing guests from all over the world to share our enthusiasm for all things tiny underwater.

A group attend an underwater photography course in the Philippines.
A macro shot of a fish in Anilao, Philippines.

Our May 2024 Anilao workshop has just drawn to a close, and as usual, it was a resounding success. Bluewater Trip Leader and Underwater Photography expert Erik Lukas reported back:

We had a great time...as did the guests. The final night was fun-filled with a sunset happy hour, a wonderful dinner, and a slideshow/competition. Everyone had a great time, and the guests could not have been more engaged. We crammed a lot of content into seven days, but everyone did great. The resort, as usual, took fantastic care of the guests and their gear.

From Strangers To Friends, Singles To Dive Buddies

With so many solo travelers on the trip, its no surprise that a friendship blossomed between two of our guests. Lynn Gastia and Lisa Perla are regular Bluewater customers who joined our Anilao workshop as solo guests and strangers. They hit it off immediately and soon realized they were kindred spiritsabove and below the water. On our trips, guests commonly form lasting friendships and even plan future dive trips together.

Two women smile for the camera during a group trip to Anilao.

I met Lisa on the dive boat. We started talking, and then we dove together. We were actually good about sharing subjects, which I think is what got us started. We have similar interests both in and out of diving. We shared fun and not-so-fun dive stories and have had similar experiences. We have both been diving for 40ish years, but Ive never traveled like this solo. She made me feel comfortable and welcome. - Lynn Gastia (Travel with Bluewater guest)

Bluewater Travel trips are a great way to improve your photography skills. The instructors are patient and helpful with whatever you want to do better or learn a new skill. Most of the time, I travel solo and never feel left out of the group. I always come back from these trips with new skills and friends. - Lisa Perla (Travel with Bluewater guest)

Why Travel With Bluewater

At Bluewater Travel, we are more than just a travel company. We are a community of passionate divers and travelers offering support to our guests from the moment they inquire about joining a trip until long after they return home. We understand that traveling on your own can be daunting, which is why we are available to help with whatever you need, be it arranging your travel itinerary, pairing you up with another solo guest, or arranging a Zoom meeting so that you can meet the trip leader and your fellow divers before you depart.

I like traveling with Bluewater because they helped me feel comfortable traveling as a solo female traveler. The group trips team was able to answer all my questions and put my fears at ease. They were very patient. Anilao is my first time traveling this far on my own. When I needed to make changes at the last minute due to personal issues, they ROCKED and helped me find options to make it all work for everyone. - Lynn Gastia (Travel with Bluewater guest)

As luck would have it, Lynn and Lisa are both joining our group trip to Fiji this fall, and we are delighted that they will have the opportunity to cement their friendship on another Travel with Bluewater trip.

Plan Your Trip

Did you know that Bluewater Travel runs nearly 30 group trips each year to incredible destinations around the globe? Our expert team curates amazing scuba diving adventures, unforgettable whale encounters, remote polar expeditions, and thrilling land safaris, optimizing the best times to visit each location. Enjoy stress-free trips with experienced trip leaders, top-rated operators, and seamless logistics. Meet like-minded travelers and learn underwater photography skills to enhance your diving and leave you with lasting memories.

Join Upcoming Travel With Bluewater Trips

Lynn and Lisa loved Bluewater's Photography Workshop to capture unique macro life in Anilao and are heading to photograph the spectacular soft corals of Fiji later this year. Join one of our upcoming trips to these sensational destinations:

Anilao, Philippines - Ultimate Photo Workshops

April 20 - May 7, 2025 | From $1,999 | Led by Nirupam Nigam & Mike Chiado

December 7 - 14, 2025 |From $1,999 | Led by Mike Smith

April 16 - May 3, 2026 | From $1,999 | Led by Dan Bishop & Erik Lukas

December 6 - 13, 2026 | From $1,999 | Led by Mike Smith

Fiji - Soft Coral & Shark Bonanza Photo & GoPro Workshops

October 14 - 24, 2026 | From $3,990 | Led by Mark Hatter

Fiji - Ultimate 10-Night Soft Coral & Shark Liveaboard Trips

October 4 - 14, 2025 | From $6,858 | Led by Mark Strickland

Buy Gear with Bluewater

Prepare for your next trip with Bluewater Photo's selection of cameras, macro lenses, and wide-angle lenses.

Did you know that you can buy scuba equipment from Bluewater? Check out our selection of regulators, BCDs, scuba fins, dive computers, and more.

Explore anilao

Related Articles

Beginner’s Guide to Swimming with Whales & Whale Sharks
Beginner’s Guide to Swimming with Whales & Whale Sharks

Article

Chris H

Beginner’s Guide to Swimming with Whales & Whale Sharks

Worldwide

Swimming with whales or whale sharks is a breathtaking, bucket-list experience—and yes, it's accessible even to beginners! This guide will prepare you with everything you need to know before jumping in.

Liveaboard Seasickness Survival Guide
Liveaboard Seasickness Survival Guide

Article

Chris H

Liveaboard Seasickness Survival Guide

Worldwide

Embarking on a liveaboard dive trip offers unparalleled access to remote dive sites and extended underwater adventures. However, the motion of the boat can lead to seasickness for some divers. Understanding how to prevent and manage seasickness ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This guide provides practical tips and remedies to help you stay steady on your feet.

Beginner Dive Sites in the Caribbean
Beginner Dive Sites in the Caribbean

Article

ChrisH

Beginner Dive Sites in the Caribbean

Worldwide

Looking to start your scuba diving journey in the Caribbean? This guide highlights the region’s best beginner-friendly dive sites—calm waters, vibrant marine life, and easy access make them perfect for first-time divers.

Solo Dive Travel Guide: Best Liveaboards & Dive Resorts
Solo Dive Travel Guide: Best Liveaboards & Dive Resorts

Article

JennyH

Solo Dive Travel Guide: Best Liveaboards & Dive Resorts

Worldwide

Solo dive travel has many benefits, including flexibility, independence, personal growth, and meeting new people. However, divers traveling solo often face a difficult choice: to pay a substantial single supplement or share their rooms/cabins with strangers. As seasoned divers with plenty of experience traveling solo, the experts at Bluewater Travel have put together a guide of liveaboards and dive resorts with single-friendly policies.

Destinations That Rival Raja: 3 Alternatives to Raja Ampat for World-Class Diving
Destinations That Rival Raja: 3 Alternatives to Raja Ampat for World-Class Diving

Article

Chris H

Destinations That Rival Raja: 3 Alternatives to Raja Ampat for World-Class Diving

Indonesia

Looking for world-class diving without the crowds of Raja Ampat? This article highlights three standout alternatives — North Sulawesi, Alor, and Halmahera — each offering vibrant reefs, rich biodiversity, and unique underwater experiences. From muck diving in Lembeh to untouched reefs in Halmahera, discover where to go next for your ultimate dive adventure.

Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)
Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)

Article

ChrisH

Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)

Indonesia

Planning a liveaboard dive trip? This ultimate 2025 packing list covers everything you’ll need – from must-have dive gear and personal items to handy extras that make life onboard smoother. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned diver, this checklist helps you dive in fully prepared.

Belize Dive Resorts vs Liveaboards
Belize Dive Resorts vs Liveaboards

Article

ChrisH

Belize Dive Resorts vs Liveaboards

Worldwide

Belize is one of the Caribbean’s best dive destinations — but should you explore its reefs from a shore-based resort or a liveaboard? This guide compares both options to help you choose the perfect dive holiday in Belize.

Learn to Dive with Bluewater Travel
Learn to Dive with Bluewater Travel

Article

JennyH

Learn to Dive with Bluewater Travel

Worldwide

Want to explore the world's oceans and discover the amazing life beneath the waves?

Find Your Next Adventure