About Underwater Parker

How Travel, Scuba Diving and Photography Shaped My Journey

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. Each dive brings fresh challenges, new encounters, and the chance to meet amazing people who share the same passion.

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. I’ll admit, I do like ticking another country off my map, but for me it’s more about the stories that come with each trip than just collecting stamps.

Why I Created Underwater Parker

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 you 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: the local food, the landscapes and the people you meet along the way. For me, travel and diving 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 record of the places I’ve been lucky enough to visit and 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.

Where I’ve Been Diving