As Thanksgiving comes, it’s time we reflect on what we’re most thankful for as divers. And although 2020 has been a whirlwind, there are still many reasons that scuba divers can be thankful.

1. Good buddies

Know someone who is always down to dive? Keep him or her close! The best buddies are flexible with their plans, responsible and helpful in the water, and great at communicating. If you’ve got a reliable partner in dive, consider yourself #blessed.

2. Amazing Visibility

You know you’re in Hawaii, but you swear you can make out the Great Barrier Reef way off in the distance — the viz is just that good. There’s nothing better than hitting the right site at the right time, when conditions line up and you can see forever.

3. When Travel Goes Right (Especially in the year 2020!)

Your plane landed on time and all of your luggage made it? You hit the jackpot! Traveling can induce stress like nothing else, but when all goes smoothly, it’s often the most exciting and rewarding aspect of the dive life.

4. Marine Encounters

From massive whale sharks to diminutive fairy basslets, there’s something special about each creature you meet in the big blue. The distinct personalities of many creatures — playful pinnipeds, curious turtles, shy crabs — never fail to amuse.

5. Calm Conditions

Nothing puts a damper on a day of diving faster than getting seasick. Choppy seas are the bane of many divers — and don’t get us started on dives being canceled because of inclement weather. But when seas are glassy, the boat ride to and from your dive site can be one of the best parts of a day.

6. The Escape

To keep your head above water, sometimes you have to go underwater. There’s no answering phone calls or checking your email (or arguing with your family over politics) below the waves. The world melts away, allowing you to destress and just enjoy some time for yourself.

7. Divemasters Who Know Every Inch of the Reef

They know exactly the right holes to look in to find elusive creatures, which identical-looking rock piles are home to jawfish and can spot a camouflaged frogfish from a mile away. How do they do it?! We don’t know, but we wouldn’t trade them for the world.

8. How Awesome We Are

Let’s be honest — one of the best parts of diving is telling people that we do it. Sharing our photos and experiences not only make us look really cool, but they also have the ability to inspire non-divers to gain interest in marine conservation or even get certified themselves.

9. Post-Dive Drinks

Picture yourself reclining on the top deck of a fabulous liveaboard, a margarita in hand, the setting sun painting the sky like Picasso. Sounds pretty good, right? Whether on an exotic vacation or just grabbing a beer at the local beach bar, there’s nothing we’d rather do to top off a day of diving.