How to become a dive holiday group organiser

Qualified divers, dive clubs and friendship groups, plus beginners wanting to try a course on holiday.

A margin built into the trip price or a commission from partner dive centres and hotels. You can add extra fees for kit hire or course upgrades.

• Good organisation and attention to detail
• Diving experience and a feel for good dive sites
• Friendly, trustworthy customer service

• Package travel rules: if you combine travel and accommodation (or other services) into a package, you will usually need financial protection such as bonding, insurance or a trust account. Check with Trading Standards, a trade body such as ABTA, or a travel law specialist
• ATOL: this applies only if you sell flights as part of the trip. If it does, check with the Civil Aviation Authority whether you need your own licence or can work under another holder's. Land-only trips are not covered by ATOL but may still be packages
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and whether you need travel trade cover; bonding and cover can be a significant upfront cost
• Customer deposits: keep them safe and be clear on cancellation terms
• Diving carries real risks, so work only with reputable, insured dive centres and check their safety record

Estimated startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your insurance, website, and any financial protection you need. Bonding and cover can be a significant upfront cost, so get quotes before you plan trips.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many groups you run, trip prices and how many divers book. This is revenue before costs, and it is not guaranteed.

Check package travel rules, as combining travel and accommodation usually needs financial protection. Check ATOL with the Civil Aviation Authority if you sell flights, plus insurance, how you hold customer deposits, and the safety record of partner dive centres.