New Frontiers: Blending Dive Travel with Adventure and Culture
In July 2024, Deep Blue Adventures published an article encouraging dive centers to consider diversifying by becoming adventure centers. If you haven’t read it yet, you can view it here. West Shore Scuba serves as an excellent example of this concept as they continue to diversify offerings that go beyond the blue.
In looking at the dive travel industry as a whole, Ron noted that many destinations offer beautiful oceans, abundant marine life, and solid dive infrastructure—places like Bonaire and Cozumel are widely accessible to North American divers. However, he wanted to create experiences that went beyond the standard dive trip, appealing to the adventurous spirit while remaining cost-effective. This mindset led to the development of unique itineraries, such as a trip to Baia, Italy. In June, his group will take 18 travelers to dive among ancient Roman ruins, participate in a pizza-making class in Naples, and even have the option to take a train to Rome for additional exploration. The goal is to provide more than just diving—offering travelers a well-rounded experience that blends culture, history, and adventure.
Inspired by this concept, Ron is planning additional unconventional dive adventures. One of these is a trip to Homestead Crater in Utah, where divers can explore geothermal waters inside a volcanic formation. To enhance the experience, the trip will also include activities like snowmobiling or skiing in Park City led by one of his experienced staff members. These unique offerings cater to divers who crave adventure beyond traditional warm-water locations.
The company is also expanding its portfolio with safaris and dive trips, such as an upcoming expedition to Mozambique that combines world-class diving with a safari experience. Another distinctive adventure takes divers to Malaysia, where they will stay on a converted oil rig that serves as a floating hotel. This location offers direct access to diving around the rig and excursions to Sipadan, one of Malaysia’s premier dive destinations. By incorporating off-the-beaten-path elements, these trips appeal to divers who seek extraordinary experiences beyond the standard liveaboard or resort stay.
Ron’s team includes carefully selected experts to help develop these trips. For example, Lauren, a dive professional with extensive experience in Thailand, will be leading a backpacker-style dive trip through the country. Unlike five-star resort experiences, this itinerary is designed for travelers looking for an affordable, adventurous dive journey. By leveraging Lauren’s firsthand knowledge of Thailand’s hostels, dive sites, and local culture, the trip offers an authentic, budget-friendly way to explore the region.
At the same time, traditional dive destinations remain a core part of the business. The company continues to run successful trips to Bonaire, Dominica, Cozumel, Grenada, and even long-haul destinations like the Maldives. These larger-scale trips cater to divers seeking familiar, well-established dive vacations, while the new, adventure-driven trips provide fresh opportunities for exploration and perhaps even a way to get travelers who are apprehensive about diving to still come through his shop and be exposed to the wonderful world that awaits.
Final Thoughts
Ron had so much amazing and useful information, it was just so difficult to narrow it down! As such, Deep Blue wanted to provide some space for some last remarks that weren’t mentioned above that may be able to help other dive centers in the evolution of their travel programs…
- “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” – Nelson Mandela. This is another quote that Ron lives by. For him, failure does not exist – it’s just an opportunity to learn and do better in the future. This is applicable to running a trip, promoting classes, or beyond!
- A key asset to a successful travel program is having a great team player, and that’s exactly what Deep Blue Adventures provides. They specialize in securing the best deals, creating custom packages that cater to travelers’ needs, and offering a one-stop-shop that goes beyond just accommodations. From booking airfare and car rentals to arranging excursions, adding travel insurance, and more, they ensure all aspects of your trip are covered. With a 24/7/365 emergency line, travelers are supported around the clock. Their strong relationships with suppliers allow dive centers to focus on what matters most—building connections with clients—while Deep Blue Adventures takes care of the details. You can book travel on your own, but when their services don’t cost you a dime, generate you an income, offer a single-point coordination, and are able to match or find better deals, why would you handle your own travel?
- It’s always important to lead by example. If you offer an event such as Dive Against Debris, you should be first in the water, last out. If you run a fundraiser, you should be the first donation before inviting others to join the initiative.
- During this interview, not once did Ron mention money as a motivating factor. When it was acknowledged, his response was humbling and admirable. He emphasized that his passion for diving and travel is so much bigger than financial gain. While he acknowledges that money is necessary to sustain life, it’s not the driving force behind his pursuit of these passions. Ron is a firm believer in the idea that if you do what you love, the money will follow.
- West Shore Scuba warmly invites anyone interested in joining one of their group trips to reach out! Regardless of where you’re from, or how experienced you are in diving, you’re always welcome to be part of the adventure. When asked if anyone could join one of his trips, Ron responded, “Absolutely! If you’re a diver or a wannabe diver, I want to know you!” Looking ahead, West Shore Scuba is excited to announce their 14th annual Bonaire trip will have 2 weeks to choose from, scheduled for the end of January and the beginning of February 2026. They also have a variety of trips to choose from throughout the year. For more information and details, please visit https://westshorescuba.com/trips/ or don’t hesitate to email info@westshorescuba.com.
Ron’s approach to dive travel is not just about business—it is about creating life-changing experiences, fostering a sense of community, and continually pushing the boundaries of what dive travel can be. Whether through traditional Caribbean trips, innovative adventure travel, or deep-rooted partnerships, the mission remains the same: to inspire divers, provide exceptional experiences, and grow the industry in meaningful ways. The team at Deep Blue Adventures is pleased to help West Shore Scuba put together an array of exciting offerings for their travel program. For those interested in starting their own travel program, Deep Blue Adventures would be honored to help. You can reach out to a travel specialist and set up a time to meet by emailing info@deepblueadventures.com or calling 419-517-6309. Ron Willis has kindly offered for dive centers that are looking for advice on starting or fostering their travel program to reach out to him at info@westshorescuba.com
Ron Willis opened West Shore Scuba in landlocked Enola, PA, in 2012 with a vision to bring the underwater world to those who had never experienced it. Since then, he has grown the business into a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center, earning recognition as a PADI Gold Course Director. Leaving behind a corporate career, Ron chose to follow his passion for scuba diving—one that he now shares with the world. For him, living the dream means waking up excited for another day to introduce others to the magic of diving. With a deep commitment to his community, he looks forward to inspiring new adventurers and expanding the love for scuba every day.
Thank you for following along with this month’s feature of Deep Blue Connections: Journeys to Success featuring West Shore Scuba! Missed the first 2 parts? Check out part 1 here and part 2 here.
Photos courtesy of West Shore Scuba and Ron Willis.
