Any longtime globe-trotter will tell you the key to international dive travel is research and preparation. In this new column, seasoned international traveler Terry Ward offers advice on the most pressing, immediate issues for traveling divers.

Q: With Hawaii reopened for tourism, what can I expect as a diver looking to plan a trip there soon?

A: Hawaii enacted one of the strictest lockdowns early in the pandemic, which helped slow the number of new cases in the islands. Since October 15, travelers have been welcomed back, with the option to bypass the 14-day quarantine by showing an approved negative COVID-19 test on arrival. For a view from the ground, I rang up Kelly Donovan of PADI Travel, who lives on the Big Island, for her take on what to expect if you’re planning a dive trip to the islands.

“Because tourism is such a big part of the lifestyle here and everything we do, everyone has taken the importance of keeping Hawaii safe for all and protected very seriously,” Donovan says.

All PADI Dive Centers in Hawaii are now back open, she says, and operators are increasing the number of trips going out daily. Donovan recommends day divers download the new PADI Adventures app to locate dive centers and book trips right from your phone (you can even pay in the app). PADI Travel’s website is the place to book resorts and liveaboards.

As for Hawaii’s diving, you might find it better than ever. “The ocean has gotten a little rest,” Donovan says. “I’m hearing reports of amazing manta ray, whale shark and monk seal sightings, as well as lots of turtles. The people who are coming now are getting in some great diving.”

More Info:

hawaiicovid19.com/travel travel.padi.com
travel.padi.com

Q: With so many websites popping up when I search for general COVID-19 travel restrictions, it can be confusing. What are the best resources for specific travel requirements for individual countries right now?

A: It’s easy to get sidetracked by a decoy site attempting to pose as official. But every country has an official government website, with COVID-19 and travel information. Pay attention to the URL (Italy’s official government health site, for example, ends with .it), and ensure you’re on a country’s official tourism page.

PADI is also making it easier to find official resources online. Donovan says its new webpage is a one-stop shop with links to official COVID-19 travel pages for every dive destination in the world (listed by country) as well as local government links for citizens and official airline coronavirus links for all major carriers. “Because of the rapidly changing nature of things, we also advise travelers check with their home embassies regarding restrictions on travel,” Donovan says.

More Info
blog.padi.com/2020/10/27/covid-19-diving-travel-restrictions-by-country