So You Want to Live in Paradise

The purpose of this article is to give you a perspective of what it’s really like living the dream, being a dive instructor and living in Paradise.

Like you, I to had what some would call a “real job” some 18 years ago! I had real clothes that I always spent money on to make sure that they were the most fashionable of the time. I drove nice cars that were mostly financed by the banks. My jobs over the years involved working in the publishing business, farm work, every aspect of the restaurant business and even a short time at a large retail outlet.

Back then internet wasn’t around but there was no shortage of newspapers and magazine articles that gave you a glimpse of various exotic locations. I too worked hard to save my money in order to visit these wonderful places when vacation time rolled around, and like yourself I always thought, wow, wouldn’t it be great to live here!

I would experience the cultures of far away countries and hidden tropical islands. I learned to dive and experience mother natures beauty in creating this extraordinary ocean playground. I encountered the turtles, various species of sharks and eels, the manta rays, Eagle rays and the Southern Stingrays. Every location was a sea of dreams painted over a moving canvas.

When holidays were over and I was stuck in my office cubical, it was the rich vibrant colors of the corals and tropical fish, the diverse terrains and the abounding sea life that would all play a major roll in my quest to live my dream.

It all seemed fantastic to me living on a tropical island, lounging by a pool sipping on refreshing cocktails, sleeping in every morning after partying into the wee hours of the night, just diving and living my dream and not a care in the world.

Wow!!!!! What a wake up call when I entered into the world of being a dive instructor living and working in paradise.

My stylish wardrobe changed immediately and now consist of a half dozen board shorts, a dozen t-shirts, half of which are company issued, no more having to choose which shoe’s I’m going to wear, it’s either bare feet or sandals. As a Dive Instructor it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have a loan for a new sports car, your new mode of transportation is now navigating the local bus system along with the chicken and goats, walking the beaches to work, riding a bicycle, scooters or motor bike. Sure some dive instructors have cars, but it’s no longer a status symbol. There are no sipping cocktails by the pool in a lounge chair; they are all reserved for the paying tourist. No time for that, we are all busy behind the scene working preparing boats, filling tanks and signing up guests in order for them to experience the dynamic diving that we have grown to love. As a dive instructor, you will work hard. It’s unlikely that you will get rich, but you will make it rich with life’s experiences.

You need to be prepared to accept the culture and values of a foreign country, the long distance travel involved in seeing family and friends. In many tropical location the food will be a new adventure in itself. Mother Nature does bring in some nasty weather from time to time. You need to be aware of the occasional tropical storm or hurricane. Be sure to check out the local health care system, and you want to make sure that your choose a destination that is safe and typically crime free.

There are companies out there that will combine your dive training with other activities such as surfing, wake boarding, kite surfing and kayaking that will give you exposure to a variety of sports. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the globe and make life time friends. As an instructor it’s easy to pick up a second language. So start living, unshackle yourself from your office cubical and become an instructor.

Once you choose to become a dive instructor, you have the ticket to travel. After all, it’s a Lifestyle, and when life becomes a Beach, then live it!

Contributed by: Ash McKnight
PADI Course Director
www.goprocayman.net

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