Scuba Diving
North of the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Henningsvær plays to the strengths of its surroundings. Framed by dramatic, jagged mountains and the icy Norwegian sea, this Lofoten fishing village attracts hikers, climbers, cold plungers, and divers alike. Two of these divers — Norwegian couple Matias Nordahl Carlsen and Alexandra Anker — repeatedly zip up their dry suits for more than just sport. Since the pandemic, Carlsen and Anker have been repurposing self-collected sea urchins into colorful table lamps. The idea began when Anker accidentally illuminated a decorative sea urchin with her phone flashlight while working at Henningsvær Bryggehotell. The result? Lofotlys, which serves a role in both Henningsvær’s business ecosystem and Norway’s environmental one.
As a kid growing up near the ocean, the movie that I resonated with the most was The Little Mermaid. I wanted to be Ariel, but, in reverse. Unlike Ariel striving to transition from a life underwater to on land, I wanted to live underwater, where the fish are, to see them swimming. So it’s only natural that later in life, I finally took the plunge (pun intended) to make this a reality by getting my PADI Open Water scuba certification.
With numerous dive sites, underwater terrain that has not yet been fully explored, and an incredible sense of eco-diversity, Raja Ampat is a magical place.
Join Tonya Fitzpatrick of World Footprints for an enchanting afternoon dive at the Georgia Aquarium. This unique underwater adventure features Tonya swimming gracefully with Nandi the Manta Ray from South Africa, along with several majestic whale sharks and a variety of other marine species.
The Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium, offers one of the most extraordinary scuba diving experiences. Conducted in a very safe and responsible manner, this dive ensures the protection of the animals with a strict "no touch" policy and the presence of three dive masters among the dive party.
For all of you diving enthusiasts, Ian and Tonya have a real treat for you! They're joined by underwater photographer Christy Gavitt, who shares some of her favorite diving destinations in the world's most exotic locales, and offers some advice for those of you who have always wanted to learn how to scuba. Plus a special valentines gift: Ian and Tonya have some great ideas for some last-minute romantic getaways.
