Mermaids, Morays & Memories - Women's Dive Day 2026

July 18, 2026 marked the 12th annual PADI Women’s Dive Day, a worldwide celebration that brings the diving community together through connection, adventure, and inclusivity. Since its debut in 2015, the initiative has inspired more women to discover scuba diving while evolving into a global event that welcomes everyone—regardless of gender, age, experience, or background—to share a passion for exploring and protecting the underwater world.

^{Top Row(from Left): Jeffrey Roth, Leah Bamford, Al Menendez, Rudy Lopez
Bottom Row: Antonella Gonzalez , Maria Zarzalejo, Hilda Balbi, Laura Geselbracht , Deborah London, Adriana Campa, Ann Spagnolo, Maureen DIchara Niland}

This year, members of Active Divers joined the festivities with a special dive at the Neptune Memorial and Emerald Reef in Miami, FL, hosted by Divers Paradise. The date also marked a special day for long-time member, Jeffrey Roth, who was celebrating his birthday. Although the day started out with some heavy rain, the weather finally cooperated and cleared away as the boat departed for a serene day of diving.

Dive 1 - Emerald Reef

With calm 2–3 foot seas, 50+ feet of visibility, and warm 84° water, Emerald Reef greeted us with near-perfect diving conditions. Descending into the clear blue, schools of tropical fish shimmered through the reef, darting effortlessly around coral outcroppings. Beneath a rocky ledge, a nurse shark enjoyed a quiet afternoon nap while a spiny lobster peered cautiously from its hidden shelter. Nearby, a juvenile spotted stingray gracefully glided over the sandy bottom. As the dive came to a close, a masterfully camouflaged scorpionfish blended so perfectly into the reef that it almost escaped notice providing the perfect finale to an unforgettable first dive.

Dive 2 - Neptune Memorial Reef 

Following a short surface interval, we descended into the haunting beauty of the Neptune Memorial Reef. Resting in 45 feet of water, this underwater city has evolved into a vibrant artificial reef where marine life flourishes among its weathered columns and archways. With over 50 feet of visibility, every corridor seemed to reveal a new surprise. Barracudas hovered motionless like silent sentinels guarding the ancient-looking passageways, while southern stingrays disappeared beneath the sand, leaving only subtle outlines to betray their presence. A large permit and an equally impressive jack cruised effortlessly through the structures before vanishing into the blue. Throughout the dive, dense schools of fish swirled around the reef, transforming the underwater memorial into a living, ever-changing seascape that never fails to leave divers in awe.

To top everything off the group was treated to some delicious marine-themed strawberry cupcakes courtesy of Deborah London as we headed back to the dock.  

--Safety Officer Rudy Lopez

^{Underwater photos by Rudy Lopez and Hilda Balbi}