Yes, scallops have eyes—way more than you probably realize. And they use them in a truly unique way. This mollusk might be a lot more complicated than you think.
Formed in 1953, Lake Tenkiller now draws divers from around the landlocked state. Though it appears unassuming on the surface, a trove of attractions lurks just below.
OK, so you’ve got your open water certification—now what? Book a trip to one of these dive spot, where the currents are minimal, the colors vibrant and life is thriving.
A flexible itinerary, uncrowded dive sites, close-knit camaraderie and a classic Bahamian dive experience make for an unforgettable week at sea aboard Cat Ppalu.
From the Austin Smith wreck to dramatic wall dives and the Lost Blue Hole, discover why the Exuma Cays offer some of the Bahamas' most rewarding diving.
With just 12 guests, a flexible itinerary and a crew that tailors each trip to conditions and diver preferences, every voyage feels personal from the first dive to the last.
Liveaboards are not just about the diving these days. Of course, you’ll log incredible bottom time, but the highlight reel will also include the topside activities, the hush of night crossings and the camaraderie forged in shared adventure.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the sponsors and are not an endorsement nor do they reflect the opinions of PADI or any of its publications.
Every day, Ocean Torchbearers around the world prove that conservation isn’t something left to scientists, governments, or NGOs alone. It’s something divers do together. This month, we’re sharing new ways to take action—from AWARE Week and the Shark & Ray Discovery Challenge to new science, global recognition, and simple opportunities to help protect the ocean wherever you are.
2026 AWARE Week
AWARE Week 2026 is almost here, and we want you at the heart of it.
From 12–20 September, join a global community of divers taking real action for the ocean. Organise an event, rally your local dive community, and make your week count.
As an Ocean Torchbearer, your next dive could help shape the future of shark and ray conservation.
This AWARE Week, we’re launching the Shark & Ray Discovery Challenge - a new way to celebrate the divers helping build the world’s largest diver-led shark and ray database. Log 20 different shark and ray species through the Global Shark & Ray Census to earn recognition as a Global Shark & Ray Census Pioneer and receive a limited-edition certification card available only to the first participants to complete the challenge.
As an Ocean Torchbearer, every species you log helps build one of the world’s most important shark and ray datasets.
For decades, divers have explored the underwater world. Today, they’re helping protect it—and the world is taking notice. PADI has been recognized by TIME as one of the world’s most influential sustainable companies, but this recognition belongs to a much larger movement. Every dive logged, every piece of debris removed, every shark sighting recorded, and every action taken by Ocean Torchbearers like you is helping redefine what it means to be a diver. Together, we’re proving that the diving community is one of the most powerful forces for ocean conservation on the planet.
As an Ocean Torchbearer, this recognition belongs to you as much as it does to us.
Every year, millions of divers and snorkellers enter the world's coral reefs — and what they do down there matters.
PADI and The Reef-World Foundation share a simple belief: the dive industry can be one of the ocean's greatest allies, but only when environmental standards are taken as seriously as health and safety. That belief has driven our partnership for eight years and led to the launch of PADI Eco Center, our designation for dive operations leading the way through Green Fins, the world's only evidence-based environmental standard for diving and snorkelling. This partnership is proof that when the dive community has the right standards and tools, it becomes a real force for healthier reefs.
As an Ocean Torchbearer, every environmentally responsible dive helps protect the reefs we all love to explore.
Help Shape the Future of Marine
Protection in Spain
Have you dived in the Balearic or Canary Islands during the past five years?
PADI AWARE and the Med Sea Alliance are gathering diver insights to better understand how recreational diving supports local economies, contributes to conservation, and benefits from Marine Protected Areas.
By sharing your experience through this short survey, you’ll help strengthen advocacy efforts for healthier oceans and more effective marine protection, and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a PADI AWARE swag bag.
As an Ocean Torchbearer, your experience can help shape the future of the places you love to dive.
Protecting the ocean doesn’t always require getting in the water. Sometimes it starts with adding your name. These two campaigns take less than two minutes, but together they help demonstrate public support for stronger ocean protection.
As an Ocean Torchbearer, your voice can be just as powerful as your dives.
Learn more about the launch of our Global Shark and Ray Census in the video below
Keep the Momentum Going
Every story in this newsletter has one thing in common: people choosing to take action.
Whether you’re logging shark sightings, joining AWARE Week, signing petitions, or helping improve ocean science, you’re already making a difference. As an Ocean Torchbearer, you can also help make this work possible year-round. Monthly supporters provide the reliable funding that powers conservation programs, citizen science, grants, policy work, and community action around the world.
If you’re looking for one more way to protect the ocean, we’d be honored to welcome you as a monthly supporter of PADI AWARE.
PADI
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