I’ve been lucky enough to see so much of the world. Travel has always been a big part of who I am, opening my eyes to incredible people, landscapes and cultures. The best memories often begin when you step out of your comfort zone and dive into something new.
In 2022 that spirit of adventure went deeper when I discovered scuba diving. While travelling in Malaysia and Indonesia, my other half, already a diver, persuaded me to give it a go. I earned my PADI Open Water certification in Tulamben, Bali, and after that first dive I was hooked. Diving has changed the way I see the world, and every dive brings fresh challenges, new encounters and the chance to meet people who share the same passion for the ocean.
Another love of mine is photography. Whether it’s capturing the stillness of a coral reef or the energy of a new city, I enjoy documenting the moments that make travel special. Although I like ticking another country off my map, it’s really about the stories that come with each trip rather than just collecting stamps.
This site is my way of pulling together my passions for travel, diving and photography. It’s a place to share the dive destinations I’ve explored, the dive shops I’ve used, and the photos that bring those experiences to life.
You’ll only find real experiences here. From tips on dive shops to notes on accommodation and transport, my aim is to give an honest view of what it’s like to dive and travel in these places.
While diving is at the heart of it, I also share glimpses of the world above the surface. Some of my best memories are made in the moments before and after a dive, such as enjoying local food, exploring new landscapes or meeting people along the way. For me, travel and diving always go hand in hand.
This site is also how I keep my own journey alive. Instead of a traditional logbook, I update my map and these pages with each new dive destination. It’s a personal record of the places I’ve been lucky enough to visit and hopefully a way to inspire others to start their own adventures.
Away from diving, I also work as a freelance web builder at Digital Parker, where I focus on helping small and micro businesses with websites and SEO. When I’m not travelling or working, I enjoy keeping Betta splendens in aquariums, a hobby that keeps me connected to the underwater world even when I’m at home.
If you’re ready to pack a bag, dive into adventure and explore the world from a whole new angle, you’re in the right place. Life’s too short to stay on the surface.
Rick Parker
Always up for an adventure, preferably one with a wetsuit.
Travel has always been a big part of my story. This map highlights the countries, towns and islands I’ve explored over the years. Each one has its own memories, stories and sometimes even a few dive adventures. It’s a snapshot of the journeys that shaped my love of travel and the ocean.
Here’s a closer look at the places I’ve been lucky enough to dive so far. Each destination offers something different, from coral gardens in Bali and steep walls in Sabah to tiny macro critters in Malaysia. Scroll through the slider to explore my dives and see what makes each location special.
Warm-water diving, colourful reefs and island life across Barbados, Dominica and Sint Maarten, each offering something a little different.
Wild Pacific diving from Uvita, with Caño Island known for larger marine life, while the surrounding rainforest adds incredible wildlife above water.
The Galápagos delivers challenging, unforgettable diving, with strong currents, schooling hammerheads, sea lions and some extraordinary marine encounters.
Warm Red Sea diving around Hurghada and Marsa Alam, with colourful reefs, abundant marine life and memorable dugong encounters.
From Bali’s volcanic reefs and macro diving in Tulamben to Mola Mola encounters around Nusa Penida, Indonesia offers superb variety underwater.
Okinawa combines warm subtropical waters, colourful reef life and fascinating smaller species, making it a very different side of Japan.
Jeju Island brings diving into a completely different setting, with this destination guide still to come on Underwater Parker.
From Sipadan and Mabul to Tioman and the Perhentians, Malaysia offers turtles, sharks, colourful reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity.
Ponta do Ouro combines natural shark encounters, colourful reefs, excellent macro life and a relaxed beach atmosphere in southern Mozambique.
From thresher sharks at Malapascua to macro diving and tropical reefs, the Philippines offers huge variety between its islands.
Aliwal Shoal delivers sharks, wrecks and reef diving, with ragged-tooth sharks and oceanic blacktips amongst its biggest attractions.
Warm tropical diving around the Phi Phi Islands, with limestone scenery, colourful reefs and plenty of marine life to discover.
Nha Trang offers accessible tropical diving, colourful reef life and a relaxed introduction to exploring Vietnam beneath the surface.