Scuba diving is more than just a sport—it’s a journey into wonder, a pathway to personal growth, and a gateway to building meaningful connections. For LGBTQIA+ divers, it can also be a powerful tool for visibility, empowerment, and advocacy. That’s the heart behind our club’s initiative: 26 dives in 26—an invitation to make 26 dives in the year 2026, and in doing so, deepen your experience, broaden your horizons, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
Whether you’re newly certified or a seasoned diver, committing to 26 dives in a year is a transformative goal. It’s not just about logging numbers—it’s about building confidence in the water, expanding your skills, and connecting with a vibrant, supportive community of LGBTQIA+ adventurers who share your passion for the ocean.
Building Confidence Through Experience
Every dive is a chance to grow. The more time you spend underwater, the more natural and intuitive diving becomes. You learn to trust your gear, your training, and most importantly—yourself. With each descent, you gain a deeper understanding of buoyancy, navigation, and marine life behavior. You become more comfortable in varying conditions, from calm tropical reefs to drift dives and night explorations.
Confidence underwater translates to confidence on land. As LGBTQIA+ individuals, many of us know what it means to navigate spaces where we don’t always feel seen or safe. Diving offers a unique kind of empowerment—it’s a realm where skill, respect, and curiosity matter more than anything else. By diving often, we build not only technical proficiency but also a sense of personal strength and resilience.
Advancing Dive Levels Through Education
While fun is the cornerstone of 26 dives in 26, education is a key pillar. As you accumulate dives, you’ll naturally be ready to pursue advanced certifications. Whether it’s Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or specialty courses like underwater photography, wreck diving, or coral restoration, each new level opens up exciting possibilities. Our instructor members are ready to help you achieve your goals!
Our club encourages members to take advantage of educational opportunities throughout the year. We partner with inclusive dive shops and instructors who understand the importance of creating safe, affirming learning environments. Advancing your dive level isn’t just about gaining credentials—it’s about unlocking new adventures and becoming a more capable, confident diver.
Having Fun and Broadening Horizons
Let’s be clear: diving is fun. It’s thrilling, meditative, and awe-inspiring. It’s about floating weightlessly among schools of fish, discovering hidden creatures in coral crevices, and sharing laughter with your dive buddies during surface intervals. It’s about travel, exploration, and the joy of discovering new dive sites—from local shore dives to bucket-list destinations around the world.
26 dives in 26 is designed to be joyful. We organize group dives, themed events, and travel opportunities that make it easy to hit your dive goals while having a blast. Whether it’s a weekend trip to the Florida Keys, a night dive under the Blue Heron Bridge, or a liveaboard adventure in the Caribbean, every dive is a chance to make memories and deepen friendships.
Building Community Among LGBTQIA+ Divers
At the heart of our club is a commitment to community. Diving can be isolating if you don’t feel welcome or represented. That’s why we’ve created a space where LGBTQIA+ divers can connect, support one another, and celebrate their identities. Our events are inclusive, affirming, and designed to foster genuine connection. And yes, we have several straight members who fall into the category of Allies.
Through 26 in 26, we’re building a network of divers who uplift each other. We share stories, swap gear tips, and cheer each other on as we reach our goals. We celebrate milestones—first dives, new certifications, personal breakthroughs—and we show up for each other, both in and out of the water.
Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Dive Industry
Representation matters. Our club is committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the broader dive industry. That means partnering with dive shops, instructors, and travel operators who are committed to equity and respect. It means speaking up when we see discrimination and working to ensure that all divers—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression—feel safe and valued.
Through 26 dives in 26, we’re raising visibility. Every dive we log, every photo we share, every story we tell helps normalize LGBTQIA+ presence in the diving world. We’re showing that we belong, that we’re passionate, skilled, and proud. And we’re inviting the industry to meet us with open arms.
Practicing Marine Conservation to Protect Our Oceans
As divers, we’re witnesses to the beauty and fragility of the underwater world. We see coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and habitat loss firsthand. That’s why marine conservation is a core part of our mission. We believe that protecting the ocean is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege.
26 dives in 26 includes opportunities to engage in conservation efforts. From reef cleanups and citizen science projects to coral restoration dives and educational workshops, we’re taking action to preserve the places we love. We dive with purpose, knowing that every small effort contributes to a larger movement to save our seas.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a new diver or a seasoned pro, 26 dives in 26 is your invitation to dive deeper—literally and figuratively. It’s a chance to grow your skills, expand your community, and make a meaningful impact. It’s about joy, adventure, and pride.
So, grab your gear, mark your calendar, and commit to 26 dives in 2026. Let’s make this year unforgettable. Let’s dive into confidence, community, and conservation—together.