Welcome to the October 2026 edition of TheScubaDirectory newsletter, where we explore the incredible world beneath the surface of the ocean.

In this month's edition:

• 8 Best Dive Sites in Belize
• October Dive Brief
• Would You Dive With an Augmented Reality Mask?
• “Lost” Coral Reef Rediscovered After 60 Years

New on TheScubaDirectory

8 Best Dive Sites in Belize

From the famous Great Blue Hole to the walls of Lighthouse Reef and the coral canyons off Ambergris Caye, Belize has an incredible variety of diving.

We’ve rounded up 8 of the best dive sites in Belize, based on diver reviews and ratings on TheScubaDirectory.

Explore the 8 Best Dive Sites in Belize →

October Dive Brief (Preview)

October looks different this year. The Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet, while Indonesia's extended dry season is keeping conditions favorable in Komodo as Raja Ampat begins its prime season.

Best bets right now:

• Red Sea (Egypt): warm water, excellent visibility, and more comfortable temperatures above the surface
• Raja Ampat: the main diving season begins as conditions improve
• Belize: grouper mating season begins, with warm water and a quiet Atlantic hurricane season so far

Want the full October Dive Brief, including the best destinations right now, seasonal shifts, and timing insights?

Get the full October Dive Brief →

Industry News

Would You Dive With an Augmented Reality Mask?

Image credit: arexvision.com

Dive computers have moved from our wrists to our masks. AREX is developing a new dive mask that puts dive data directly into a diver’s field of view using an augmented reality display.

The mask is designed to show information like depth, dive time, compass heading, and decompression data, with an optional marine life identification feature that can help identify what you’re seeing underwater.

The project recently launched on Kickstarter, with the first masks expected to ship in 2027.

See the AREX AR Dive Mask →

"Lost" Coral Reef Rediscovered After 60 Years

Image credit: Gérard Zinzindohoué

More than 60 years after researchers thought a deep-water coral reef off the coast of Benin, West Africa was dead, scientists returned with modern sonar and underwater cameras and discovered living coral communities.

Found about 54 m (177 ft) below the surface, the reef is home to multiple types of coral and reef fish. Researchers believe there may be much more still waiting to be explored along this stretch of West Africa’s coast.

Learn more about the discovery →

Planning a dive trip?

PRO gives you monthly dive briefs, planning tools, and insights to help you plan better dive trips.
👉 Get the full Dive Brief →

Thanks for reading! If you have any comments or suggestions for this newsletter please contact us at admin@thescubadirectory.com.

Happy Diving,

Logan Brown