If you love PADI scuba diving and want to plan a dive trip, there are simple and easy ways to make your planning painless. Because the PADI Travel Network has more than 200 resorts as partners in over 90 destinations world-wide you will know that you will find the level of service you want in the hottest dive destinations in the world.

PADI has developed a network that can be joined by lodging providers and resorts as well as dive centers and facilities that provide recreation. Similar to the 'star' rating used for hotel, this rating system works so that the PADI scuba diver will know they will find a quality dive experience and lodging in a location that will cater to the needs of the underwater sportsperson.

Even if you choose to plan your PADI scuba dive trip on your own, you'll find lots of help fro PADI because their network members display in their advertising and brochures the emblems they have earned from PADI, assuring you of the quality experience you can expect from these resorts, dive centers and recreational facilities.

When you see the PADI Resort symbol, you'll know that you are in contact with one of over 3,000 members of the network. These resorts specialize in serving scuba divers, snorkel enthusiasts and others that love water sports. These resorts commonly offer instruction in both scuba and snorkeling, have equipment maintenance and rental facilities associated with them and can help you book a dive tour or interesting excursion.

However, only those establishments that display the PADI Gold Palm Resort emblem have earned the very highest rating from PADI. These exception resorts have rated high in customer service and satisfaction, environmental awareness, concern for diver safety and much more. These, the very finest of the PADI scuba dive resort network, are located all around the world in popular dive destination and very exotic places. You'll find a great dive experience when you choose to stay at one of the many Gold Palm Resorts.

PADI Dive Centers are retail locations that sell scuba diving equipment to the dive enthusiast. They may also include rental and repair of equipment, compressed air, dive and snorkeling activities and opportunities to reserve transportation on dive trips. These centers have been certified by PADI and offer PADI certification training courses. Located in more than 175 countries, you'll find a center in the location you wish to visit, ensuring you that you'll enjoy the quality services PADI provides at your local dive center near your home.

PADI 5 Star Dive Centers, however, have excelled in providing what the scuba diver needs and wants in both educational programs and equipment. These 5 star centers must also actively be involved in environmental awareness. These dive centers have gone above and beyond the requirements to qualify as a PADI dive center, taking the extra steps to ensure the highest level of safety and services.

If you see the symbol for a PADI Career Development Center (CDC), you'll know that this dive center is a 5 star dive center but also provides instructor-level training. These centers help the leaders in the dive industry meet their goals in education and career paths.
During your planning, you might encounter an emblem for a PADI Recreational Facility. This indicates that you have located a business that has a body of water used by divers and snorkel enthusiasts. The members of this network provide for the needs of PADI scuba divers at their facility. These services include safety features, oxygen and first aid equipment, emergency response information as well as facilities such as rest rooms and changing areas. You'll probably find an area for renting and repairing dive equipment, compressed air services, as well as underwater platforms used in diver training. A PADI Recreational Facility often has picnic and camping areas. These facilities are places to practice your skills, learn about new dive venues and have some fun before, during and after your dive

PADI scuba dive trip planning is so easy when you understand the meaning of the symbols displayed by various establishments that you may want to visit. Lodging at a PADI resort means you'll find other divers there and make friends quickly. By looking for PADI Dive Centers, you'll know that safety comes first and you'll find the service you have come to love.