Topic: Press Release
Sun Divers Launches Eco Academy in Celebration of PADI AWARE Week
New three-tier education pathway combines PADI certifications, conservation training, and a higher standard of ocean stewardship
ROATAN, HONDURAS, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 — In celebration of PADI AWARE Week September 12-20, Sun Divers Roatan is launching the Sun Divers Eco Academy, a new three-tier training pathway designed to transform dive education from a series of individual certifications into a more complete journey of skill development, exploration, and ocean stewardship.
As Roatan’s first PADI Eco Center, Sun Divers has long integrated conservation into its mission, operations and diver education. The Eco Academy builds upon that commitment by making environmental awareness and action an intentional part of a diver’s development — from their first certification through continuing education training.
“The Eco Academy is a scuba certification curriculum that reflects who we are as Sun Divers,” said Natalie Shuman, owner of Sun Divers. “We believe divers should leave us not only more confident and capable in the water, but more connected to the ocean and motivated to protect it. We wanted to create a certification pathway that recognizes that progression and makes conservation an integral part of what it means to be a skilled diver.”
A New Way to Progress as a Diver
The Eco Academy consists of three progressive levels, each combining complementary PADI certifications and local conservation experiences:
Eco Explorer — The foundation of the journey. Open Water students can pair their initial certification with PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy and PADI AWARE training, developing the skills and environmental awareness to become more responsible divers from day one.
Eco Adventurer — Designed for certified divers ready to expand their capabilities. The program combines PADI Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air Nitrox, and an active conservation experience through either Roatan Marine Park’s Lionfish Hunting program or PADI Dive Against Debris.
Eco Leader — The highest level of the Academy, focused on safety, leadership, and conservation. Divers complete PADI Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response, Emergency Oxygen Provider, and the PADI AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty.
All participants will also be introduced to the GreenFins Diver E-Course and Code of Conduct.
Rather than simply accumulating certifications, students progress through the Eco Academy by developing practical skills and participating in experiences that connect their training to the health of the marine environment.
More Than Just a PADI Certification
The Eco Academy is also designed to make continuing education feel like an achievement worth celebrating.
“There’s something powerful about giving divers a sense of accomplishment beyond the certification card,” said Shuman. “We want students to feel proud of what they’ve achieved and to see continuing education not as a checklist, but as a journey toward becoming the kind of diver who has the utmost respect for the natural world every time they explore underwater.”
Through bundled courses, students can also earn multiple certifications during a single trip while receiving special package pricing and a more intentionally connected learning experience.
Conservation at the Core
The launch during PADI AWARE Week reflects the Eco Academy’s central philosophy: divers are not simply visitors to the underwater world. They are part of its future.
From learning buoyancy techniques that help prevent accidental contact with coral to participating in marine debris surveys, lionfish management, and shark and ray conservation education, the Eco Academy gives students opportunities to translate what they learn into meaningful action.
“PADI AWARE Week is the perfect moment to launch the Eco Academy because conservation has never been something we wanted to keep separate from dive training,” said Shuman. “It belongs in the classroom, on the boat, underwater, and in the choices we make as divers.”
For more information about the Sun Divers Eco Academy, visit: https://sundiversroatan.com/courses/#eco-academy-package
About Sun Divers
Sun Divers Roatan is the island’s first-ever PADI Eco Center, offering small group, eco-friendly diving adventures and training in Half Moon Bay, Roatan. The dive shop combines a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with top-tier instruction, high-end equipment and boats, and a passion for ocean exploration and protection.
Sun Divers is a Green Fins member and actively supports marine conservation and community initiatives throughout Roatan, welcoming guests of all skill levels to join their Dive Tribe and make a positive impact on Roatan’s reefs and community.
Sun Divers Roatán Launches Revamped Homepage Showcasing the Island’s First PADI Eco Center and World-Class Diving Adventures
Sun Divers Roatán, the island’s first-ever PADI Eco Center, has launched a newly redesigned homepage that highlights its blend of world-class diving and meaningful ocean conservation.
Located on the sands of Half Moon Bay, the PADI five-star dive center combines relaxed Caribbean hospitality with top-tier professionalism and a deep commitment to reef protection.
“We strive to be the beacon and model for eco dive centers, marrying concierge-style adventures with ocean protection,” said owners Natalie and Shannon Shuman.
The refreshed homepage brings together the key elements that set Sun Divers apart:
- Concierge-Style Diving: Small groups of no more than six divers per guide, full gear handling, and personalized dive site tracking allow guests to explore Roatán’s 100+ dive sites without repetition.
- Conservation Leadership: As Roatán’s first PADI Eco Center, Sun Divers engages divers in coral restoration, citizen science initiatives and Dive Against Debris events. Annual beach cleanups have removed over 2,000 pounds of trash from Half Moon Bay’s shores and the dive center fundraises year-round for local NGOs.
- Scuba Training: A complete range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster is offered in multiple languages, with small groups and experienced instructors focused on safety and confidence-building.
- Community Impact: Programs such as ROA Girls Dive! have awarded over 50 certifications and dive experiences to local girls, , while their Annual Charity Golf Tournament helps fund the SOL HappyTummies nutritional program year-round.
The new homepage also features real guest stories, interactive dive site guides, practical travel tips, and streamlined Dive & Stay packages designed to simplify vacation planning.
Visit Sun Divers Roatán online to explore the new website and book your next unforgettable diving adventure today.
About Sun Divers Roatan
Sun Divers Roatan is the island’s first-ever PADI Eco Center, offering professional, eco-friendly diving adventures and training in Half Moon Bay, Roatan. The dive shop combines a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with top-tier instruction, high end equipment, and a passion for ocean conservation, welcoming guests of all skill levels to join their Dive Tribe and make a positive impact on Roatan’s reefs and community.
Sun Divers Roatan Brings the Magic of Mermaiding to the Caribbean with the Inaugural Mer-May-d Marathon
Roatan’s First-Ever PADI Eco Center Hosts a Multi-Day Celebration of Mermaiding, Ocean Wellness, and Conservation
Sun Divers Roatan, the island’s first PADI Eco Center and a PADI Five-Star Dive Center, is launching the inaugural Mer-May-d Marathon, a multi-day celebration of freediving, ocean wellness, and marine conservation taking place May 16 – 27, 2026, at Half Moon Bay.
The event introduces the PADI Mermaid Program to Roatan through recreational courses, a professional Instructor Development Course (IDC), and a community beach cleanup, welcoming ocean lovers of all experience levels to explore a new way of connecting with the sea.
The Mer-May-d Marathon is made possible through a collaboration with guest instructor Alanna Canaran, a science communicator, ocean educator, and producer for Ocean School, whose work centers on building meaningful relationships between people and the ocean.
Mermaiding is a freediving-based discipline that blends breathwork, water confidence, “Blue Mind” wellness, and expressive underwater movement. Practiced on a single breath, it emphasizes calm, presence, and flow, making it both accessible and deeply restorative.
Event Highlights:
- May 16–27: Recreational PADI Mermaid Courses (Discover, Basic, Full Mermaid)
- May 20–25: Total Mermaid Transformation IDC for professionals and instructors
- May 25: Beach cleanup, Meet a Mermaid experience, and sunset happy hour
The Mer-May-d Marathon reflects Sun Divers’ commitment to conservation through citizen science, coral restoration, and community-led initiatives. It also offers a valuable professional pathway for dive pros, wellness practitioners, and ocean educators looking to expand into a fast-growing discipline.
Open to beginners and experienced ocean enthusiasts alike, no prior freediving experience is required, only comfort in the water and curiosity.
Space is limited and course spots will fill up quickly. For bookings and inquiries, contact Alanna at alannacanaran@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at 1(902)789-8197.
About Sun Divers Roatan
Sun Divers Roatan is a PADI Five-Star Dive Center and Roatan’s first-ever PADI Eco Center, delivering world-class scuba diving adventures with a sustainable twist. Known for small groups, concierge-style service, and uncompromising safety standards, Sun Divers removes friction from the dive experience while building confidence and trust at every step. Conservation is embedded into daily operations through hands-on initiatives and long-standing partnerships, inviting guests to actively protect the reef while becoming part of a welcoming Dive Tribe that feels like family.
Sun Divers is a Roatan Marine Park sponsor, partner of the Bay Islands Conservation Association, and co-founder of Roatan’s reef-safe sunscreen coalition. The company has been honored with TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for eight years and has won the Golden Buoy Award for conservation fundraising every year since 2019.
