Welcome to the November 2025 edition of TheScubaDirectory newsletter, where we explore the incredible world beneath the surface of the ocean. In this month's edition: - Destination Spotlight: Curaçao
- Mares Turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a Dive Computer
- Solomon Islands Expands Ocean Protection
- The World’s Largest Artificial Reef
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New on TheScubaDirectory | Destination Spotlight: Curaçao |  | Image Credit: Dave Drury on Unsplash | 🌊If you’re dreaming of warm water, vibrant reefs, and relaxed island vibes, Curaçao deserves a spot at the top of your dive list. Tucked between Aruba and Bonaire, this southern Caribbean Island offers some of the best shore diving in the world. With crystal-clear visibility, healthy coral, and an easygoing pace both above and below the surface. 🐠Divers can explore everything from shallow reef slopes and colorful sponges to dramatic drop-offs just a short swim from shore. For those who prefer boat dives, dozens of sites along the island’s leeward coast showcase Curaçao’s famous calm conditions and minimal currents. 🌴Beyond the diving, Curaçao’s Dutch-Caribbean culture, pastel-colored architecture, and lively food scene make it just as rewarding topside. Whether you’re planning a full dive trip or adding a few underwater adventures to your vacation, Curaçao offers that perfect mix of accessibility, beauty, and adventure. We’re off to Curaçao in January — tell us which dive sites we shouldn’t miss! 📍Curaçao Dive Sites | Been Diving or Snorkeling Lately? |  | Your insights make a real difference! 🙏 Please take a moment to review a dive site, snorkel spot, or dive shop. Your input helps everyone! | | |  | Industry News | Mares Turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a Dive Computer |  | | | Mares has unveiled a new app that gives Apple Watch Ultra owners a powerful new underwater tool. The app essentially transforms the smartwatch into a full-featured dive computer offering the kind of data and tracking you’d expect from dedicated dive tech. Highlights: - Uses a proven decompression algorithm (Bühlmann ZH-L16C) with customizable safety settings.
- Includes a dive logbook with charts and GPS tracking for your entry and exit points.
- Compatible with Nitrox, plus built-in compass and heart-rate tracking.
- Free to download, with dive functionality unlocked through an additional subscription cost.
This launch marks another step toward all-in-one dive wearables. Great news for divers who want less bulk and more versatility.
Learn More | Solomon Islands Expands Ocean Protection |  | Image credit: Jack Drafahl from Pixabay | The Solomon Islands has announced one of the largest marine conservation efforts in the Pacific, setting plans to protect 24 million hectares of ocean. Supported by a grant from the Bezos Earth Fund, this initiative aims to balance environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The new program will create a detailed marine spatial plan, strengthen monitoring and enforcement, and establish a long-term fund to ensure the health of coral reefs, fisheries, and marine habitats. Local and provincial leaders are central to the project, helping design protections that align with traditional stewardship and community needs. For divers, this means brighter prospects for biodiversity and healthier reefs across the Solomon Islands. It’s a promising example of how conservation and tourism can work hand-in-hand. Read More | The World’s Largest Artificial Reef |  | The iconic 990-foot ocean liner SS United States is being transformed into what will become the largest artificial reef in the world off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Once the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic, the SS United States will soon have a second life beneath the surface creating a massive new habitat for marine life and an amazing destination for divers. The ship is being carefully cleaned and stripped of hazardous materials before its planned sinking later this year, ensuring it meets strict environmental standards. When the project is complete, divers will be able to explore a site stretching from about 55 feet to nearly 180 feet deep, offering routes for both recreational and technical divers. Beyond its ecological benefits, the reef is expected to draw thousands of visitors annually, boosting local tourism and turning Florida’s Gulf Coast into one of the most talked-about wreck-diving destinations in the world. Read More | | | Thanks for reading! If you have any comments or suggestions for this newsletter please contact us at admin@thescubadirectory.com. Happy Diving, Logan Brown | | |  | |
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