Shipwrecks might be sad, scary, or hard to see… Or they might be your favorite type of dive site. Every scuba diver is different. Either way, we love to see ocean life bounce back—like this amazing sea star, looking like an underwater flower.

Read more about this dive on the SSI blog!

#edgesofearth #vanuatu #scubadiving #wreckdive #underwater #shipwreck #oceangate #fyp #oceanlife #scuba #deepsea #oceananimals #wildlife #divessi #traveltiktok #weirdtok #weirdanimals #bottomoftheocean #nature @Girls that Scuba @GoPro @Vanuatuisland.org @DivingDiaries @OceanX

In a remote corner of Belize’s barrier reef, nearby to the iconic Great Blue Hole, we encountered a marvel that seemed both timeless and surreal—a massive loggerhead turtle, easily over a century old. This was a creature that had likely witnessed the ebb and flow of the reef’s health, riding out the changes of the last hundred years in silent resilience. Surrounded by schools of reef sharks and towering groupers, this ancient turtle drifted by us in such a calm manner, that it felt almost symbolic. Seeing this old soul was a humbling reminder of why places like this are worth every ounce of effort to protect. Reaching this dive site takes a day-long journey, but encounters like these make any trek worth it. A dive that doesn’t just offer beauty but a connection to the ocean’s ancient history, is one that stays with you for a lifetime. Diving Lighthouse Reef left us with a sense of gratitude. We may never experience the marine abundance Cousteau witnessed here as one of the first explorers of the region, but thanks to Belize’s dedicated marine management teams, there’s still much to cherish and protect. The lesson is simple: visit these places, dive them, appreciate them, and above all, help preserve them. Because some experiences, like getting to witness a loggerhead turtle that’s withstood the test of time, are irreplaceable. Read about our time diving some of Belize’s best sites by visiting STORIES in our bio and heading to BELIZE. #belize #scubadiving #diver #scuba #cayecaulker #barrierreef #greatbluehole #bluehole #greatbarrierreeffoundation #resilientreef #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #coralreefs #coral #protectourreefs #MPAs #marineprotectedarea #loggerheadturtle #turtle #divessi #wearessi

Nice to meet ya, TikTok. #newtotiktok #ticktoknewbie #oceanexploration #adventuretravel #divers #diveexpedition

Did you know we’re seriously obsessed with dumplings? Like, can’t-stop-thinking-about-them level obsessed. So, when our 10-day scuba diving expedition in Hong Kong coincided with some of the worst rainstorms in 40 years, it wasn’t all bad news. Instead, we turned the city into our personal dumpling tour, hopping from one incredible spot to the next. 🥟⁠ ⁠ #hongkong #dumplings #hongkongfood #foodie #hongkongcuisine #dining #eatinginhongkong #nomnomnom #instafood #instagood #eatinginhk #pekingduck #noodles #cantonese #schezwan #ilovefood

Ever tried freshly caught Ama snails for lunch? In the small coastal villages of Toba, Japan, dining at an Ama seafood hut is a window into an ancient way of life. The Ama freedivers, known as the “women of the sea,” have spent generations harvesting shellfish, seaweed, and other ocean treasures without modern scuba gear. Their skills, honed over centuries, are shocking, as they are at times diving to depths of 30 meters to source their food. If you ever find yourself in Japan, make your way to Toba’s coastline. Meet the Ama, taste their harvest, and experience a piece of history and way of life that’s dying due to climate change and the pressures of our modern world. Want to eat and dive with the Ama? You can! Visit STORIES in our bio and head to TOBA/JAPAN to find out how. #japan #toba #tobajapan #freediving #womenfreedivers #freedivers #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #climatechange #oceanharvesters #harvesting #ocean #oceanconservation #shellfish #seaweed #seaweedharvesting #shellfishharvesting #sustainableseafood #shechangesclimate #chopsticks #japanesefood#asmr

In the remote waters of Toba, we had the rare opportunity to dive with the Ama—Japan’s legendary all-women freedivers who have mastered the ocean’s depths for centuries. These remarkable women, often in their 60s and 70s, descend without modern gear to harvest shellfish, seaweed, and more, carrying on a tradition rooted in survival and deep respect for the sea. Diving alongside Kiku Ezaki and Aiko Ohno, two of the Ama’s younger members, we witnessed the delicate balance they navigate between honoring their heritage and confronting modern challenges. From climate change’s visible impact on their harvest to the dwindling numbers of Ama divers, their story is one of resilience and hope. As Kiku reminded us, every dive is a testament to perseverance, and every choice we make matters in protecting the oceans they’ve relied on for generations. Visit STORIES in our bio and head to TOBA/JAPAN to read about our time diving with the next generation of Ama. #japan #toba #tobajapan #freediving #womenfreedivers #freedivers #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #climatechange #oceanharvesters #harvesting #ocean #oceanconservation #shellfish #seaweed #seaweedharvesting #shellfishharvesting #sustainableseafood #shechangesclimate

Found along the coast of Mie Prefecture, Toba is a region shaped by its connection to the ocean. Its nutrient-rich waters, sheltered bays, and unique interplay of warm and cool currents make it ideal for cultivating marine life like shellfish, seaweed, and pearls. This geography has sustained traditions like pearl farming and the Ama divers’ centuries-old practice of freediving to harvest the ocean’s bounty. As the birthplace of the Ama, this small town in Japan is a living testament to the relationship between people and nature. These all-women divers have perfected their craft, making the ocean both a source of income and freedom, as well as a way of life. Collaborating with: @kaitoyuminclub, @aikophotography & @okami_kiku #japan #toba #tobajapan #freediving #womenfreedivers #freedivers #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #climatechange #oceanharvesters #harvesting #ocean #oceanconservation #shellfish #seaweed #seaweedharvesting #shellfishharvesting #sustainableseafood #shechangesclimate

Did you know that Japanese giant salamanders are among the world’s largest amphibians, growing up to 1.5 meters (almost 5 feet) long? Known as “living fossils,” they’ve remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. Their wrinkled skin, beady eyes, and secretive nature make them fascinating yet elusive creatures, usually hiding beneath rocks in fast-flowing streams. Listed as a national treasure in Japan since 1948, these salamanders are vital to the country’s biodiversity. But their survival is under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and crossbreeding with imported Chinese salamanders. Conservationists like Ito Yoshihiro spend their free time protecting these gentle giants. They’ve identified over 300 salamanders in Gifu’s waterways and are developing methods to tag and study their populations, ensuring the pure-bred species endures. What makes them even more remarkable? These creatures can live up to 70 years or more! Which is even more of a reason why Ito and his colleagues are obsessed with protecting these ancient, rock dwelling species and the ecosystems they call home. To read more about our time diving for giant salamanders and the man behind their conservation, visit STORIES in our bio and head to GIFU/JAPAN. #japan #gifujapan #gifu #giantsalamanders #salamanders #conservation #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #streams

When lightning strikes at night, the underbelly of the fishing industry shines bright. While out on a joy ride to find needlefish, we saw something a bit more startling instead. Illegal fishing vessels were heading way too close to protected areas, as the boats were having a hard time catching anything in the very waters they depleted. Collaborating with; @conservationcambodiasea @ssi_international @blueoceansprogram #cambodia #marineconservation #oceanconservation #fishing #overfishing #bottomtrawling #climate #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #storm #thunder #imaginedragons #lightning #illegalfishing #poaching

One night on the island of Koh Ach Seh, what began as a peaceful excursion to observe needlefish at night, turned into a clash with the raw power of nature. As lightning cracked and thunder echoed across the ocean, our small boat raced past illegal fishing trawlers creeping dangerously close to Marine Conservation Cambodia’s (MCC) protected waters. ⁠ ⁠ By the time we made it back to the island, the storm was in full force. Torrential rain, fierce winds, and rising floodwaters were a visceral demonstration of the precarious balance between human efforts and nature's unpredictability. Yet, the MCC team barely missed a beat. By morning, they were back at it—spotting dolphins, assessing trawler activity, and strategizing ways to combat illegal fishing. ⁠ ⁠ On Koh Ach Seh, conservation is their way of life, no matter what storms come their way. Read about our time on the true frontlines of conservation by visiting STORIES in our bio and heading to KOH ACH SEH/CAMBODIA.⁠ ⁠ #cambodia #marineconservationcambodia #oceanconservation #fishing #overfishing #bottomtrawling #trawling #destructivefishing #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #storm #thunder #lightning

Following a grueling four-hour drive from Phnom Penh, we arrived in Kep, Cambodia. Though exhausted after our journey from Hanoi, Vietnam, our voyage was still far from over. Next, we were to embark on a boat ride out to the remote island of Koh Ach Seh, a crucial stop on our expedition. Found near the border between Cambodia and Vietnam, the small landmass was the kind of hidden gem you only learn about through word of mouth. Far from the hectic streets of Phnom Penh, this was a place where isolation reigned supreme. Here, tourism was scarce, overshadowed by a stark reality. The ocean, once alive with life, now bore the scars of relentless human exploitation. The scant tourism that existed paled in comparison to the prevalence of fishing operations. And not the sustainable, small-scale local kind of fishing, but rather the illegal kind that ravages marine ecosystems. Read about our expedition to this remote island and collaboration with Marine Conservation Cambodia. Visit STORIES link in bio and head to KOH ACH SEH/CAMBODIA. #cambodia #marineconservationcambodia #oceanconservation #fishing #overfishing #bottomtrawling #trawling #destructivefishing #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #diving #scubadiving #ocean #wearessi #divessi #ssi

Sangat Island in Coron, Philippines, is a rare find in today’s world of overtourism. Hidden among the stunning Calamianes Islands, this remote location is a short boat ride away from the mainland. From its solar-powered boats to its locally sourced, sustainable food, Sangat has made a conscious effort to preserve its surroundings. The island’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures that its pristine beaches and marine life remain untouched by the heavy footprint of mass tourism that has taken Coron by storm. Especially after being featured as “The Most Beautiful Island in the World,” by @condenasttraveller in 2016. Sangat serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we travel with intention. While tourism can harm fragile environments when done carelessly, it can also be a force for good—especially when partnering with local teams dedicated to preserving their slice of paradise. If you’re going to go to Coron, you need to dive the WWII shipwrecks, eat the local cuisines and explore the nearby reefs, but make sure you go with operators that know the best practices in sustainable travel … they will show you the right side of coming to a place that is so beautiful yet so impacted. Read all about exploring Sangat Island. Visit STORIES in our bio and heading to CORON/PHILIPPINES. #philippines #sustainabletravel #regenerativetravel #consciousexploration #edges #climatebetter #climateexpedition #globalexpedition #protectwhatyoulove #edgesofearth #coron #coronphilippines #travel #tourism #overtourism #sangatisland #sangat