From New Zealand to Greece, these beloved dive shop dogs welcome divers with tail wags, cuddles and unforgettable travel memories.
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Dogs aren’t usually the first animal that comes to mind when you think of scuba diving.
However, these furry friends can make a dive trip especially memorable. It’s not uncommon for scuba diving centers to have a resident dog, whose tasks include watching over the dive gear, guarding the shop, and enjoying the wind in their fur aboard the dive boat. It’s a ruff life.
“Every great dive shop has its own personality, and often, that personality has four legs,” said Kristin Valette-Wirth, chief brand and membership officer for PADI Worldwide, told USA TODAY in a statement. “Meeting a beloved dive shop dog is more than a fun travel moment; it’s an authentic welcome into the local dive community.”
These animals may not be part of the scuba diving itself, but their presence often leaves a lasting imprint on the divers. They provide a warm welcome, emotional support and tail wags to every participant.
“Dogs have a remarkable way of helping us relax, connect and feel at ease, setting the tone for an experience that supports wellbeing before we even enter the water,” Valette-Wirth continued. “It’s also a reminder that some of the most memorable parts of a dive adventure happen before the dive itself.”
Here are some of the most famous dive shop dogs around the world.
Covi
Covi joined the Dive Zone Tauranga team as a four-month-old puppy during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s always there to greet new divers and calm any nerves. His tail wags are an integral part of celebrating new dive certifications.
Baby
With his fluffy coat and teddy bear adorableness, Baby has built a reputation as being Singapore’s most famous scuba dog, according to PADI. He’s usually found on a dive boat as they head out to Pulau Hantu, two islets with pristine diving waters.
Sam
Sam watches over every diver at Johnson Sporting Goods as the self-appointed lifeguard during pool sessions. There’s only one rule every diver has to follow: don’t steal his precious tennis ball.
Louie
This English cream golden retriever’s calm personality and love of cuddles can settle any first-time diver’s jitters. He’s a hard worker, with his official titles being Senior Shop Dog, Chief Greeter and Professional Hug Distributor.
Amie
Amie joined the Andy’s Scuba Diving team about seven years ago, as a rescue who was found abandoned in the jungle. She’s a beloved dive shop dog in Phuket, known for her sweet demeanor.
Sammy
As a dog who loves to swim, Sammy fits right into the scuba diving lifestyle. When divers are doing their pool training, Sammy will jump in and swim laps around them.
Chug
Small but mighty, Chug is a chihuahua-pug mix who welcomes guests eager to dive in Honolulu’s waters at Sunshine Scuba.
Archer
Archer was rescued from the streets of Koror, Palau’s largest city, with serious injuries. He was found to be deaf, and his owners communicate with him through hand signals. Now he’s living a joyful life, joining divers on the boat as it heads out for the day.
Jib
Jib is the Fun Supervisor and Professional Hugger of the team. He has so many fans that the dive shop is making their own merchandise of him. He’s a rescue dog who hangs out at the dive shop or onboard the boat as it heads out to sea.
Milo
Milo is the guardian of the family-run Blue Adventures Diving in Crete. When divers return from exploring the stunning Mediterranean waters, Milo is the one to welcome them back with cuddles and tail wags.
Kathleen Wong is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY. She’s the author of “The Conscious Traveller Hawai’i” and is based in Hawaii.