Unforgettable Scuba experiences
ScubaCo Diving & Travel was born from a lifelong love for the ocean, a passion for people and a dream to create extraordinary dive and travel experiences.
At ScubaCo, we offer bespoke scuba diving experiences on the world-famous Aliwal Shoal, one of South Africa’s top dive sites. From shark dives and snorkelling trips to full scuba certifications and one-day experiences, we create unforgettable ocean adventures tailored to our guests. We like to call it “the business class of scuba diving” – exceptional service, safety and comfort, all while exploring the wonders of the underwater world.
We’re passionate about sharing the magic of the underwater world with divers of all experience levels. Founded by a team of certified dive professionals and ocean enthusiasts, we offer unforgettable scuba diving experiences, top-tier training, and a strong commitment to safety and marine conservation.
One of the highlights of the year is the annual Sardine Run, where we move our entire operation to the Eastern Cape just south of Coffee Bay. It’s here we host guests from around the world to witness the planet’s largest marine migration – an awe-inspiring experience that truly needs to be seen to be believed.
Whether you’re a first-time diver or an advanced adventurer, our experienced instructors provide personalized guidance and world-class instruction in stunning dive locations. We believe diving is more than a sport – it’s a gateway to discovery, connection and respect for our oceans.
Join us and explore vibrant reefs, encounter incredible marine life and become part of a global community of ocean lovers.
Our values at ScubaCo
Family
We are a Family Company.
Guests
We believe in fantastic scuba diving opportunities for our guests.
Care
We care for people and our reef system.
Ocean
We believe in looking after the ocean.
Passion
We have a passion for scuba diving.
A little about Tamara McArthur
Hi, I’m Tamara Jayne McArthur, founder of ScubaCo along with Dean Wright. I first learned to scuba dive when I was 20 and that moment sparked a dream of one day owning my own dive and travel company. After qualifying as a scuba diving instructor, I set off on what I thought would be a 5-year journey to dive and explore as much of the world as I could. Fourteen years and 106 countries later (yes, that’s a whole other story!), I returned home and settled in beautiful KwaZulu-Natal with my fiancé, Dean Wright. Together, we started ScubaCo Diving & Travel, and what a journey it’s been!
I grew up in Durban and spent my early career diving in places like Sodwana Bay, Thailand, the Caribbean and eventually working on cruise ships for over a decade. I became a Destination Specialist, helping guests create dream holidays across the globe. That global experience, combined with a deep love for diving, shaped the way I now run ScubaCo – with energy, joy, and a personal touch.
I’m proud to be a RAID Course Director (Instructor Trainer) – one of the few in South Africa – able to train new generations of scuba instructors. Over the years, ScubaCo has received multiple business excellence awards, and we’re honored to hold 5-star guest ratings across TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook. Your experience matters to us and we go the extra mile to make sure your time with us is unforgettable.
We’re also proud to own Feral Marine, our second business, which builds 8-meter dive boats, handles marine repairs, and serves as a Suzuki Outboard dealership in the region.
And outside of the wetsuit? I’m a proud mom to our energetic and amazing son and I feel incredibly lucky every day to live this life-surrounded by the sea, doing what I love and helping people discover the joy of diving.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: follow your dreams, work hard and never stop smiling. Positivity is contagious and when you dive with us, you’re not just a guest – you’re part of our ScubaCo family.
