Currently based on Gili T, Georgina is a dive instructor passionate about showing people the beauty of the underwater world and advocating for its protection.

Having started as a dive instructor on the islands in 2019, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster! However, over the past year or so she has still managed to help the oceans, explore as much as she could, still loves her dive job and now can’t wait until people can come back to explore more of the ocean with her this year…

If you were an animal what would you be?

I would be a checkerboard wrasse! They’re curious, colourful and a little bit goofy!

What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

My favourite thing to do is scuba diving! Although I work as an instructor, on my days off all I want to do is dive. Having an hour in the ocean with just my thoughts is therapeutic plus I love just watching the underwater world pass me by!

What is your first memory / experience of the ocean?

I remember once snorkelling on holiday and finding a honeycomb moray eel! I was so fascinated by it I spent about 30 minutes just watching it. My parents always said they could here me shouting with excitement through my snorkel!

How did you get interested in sustainability / eco living and / or the ocean?

Since I have been travelling and witnessed the true scale of the problem I have been inspired to help make a difference. Especially seeing how much plastic pollution is in our oceans, it’s imperative we makes changes so we still have a beautiful ocean in the future.

What do you find hardest about advocating for the ocean and / or sustainability?

The hardest thing for me is sometimes feeling my efforts aren’t working! I think as individuals it’s easy to think ‘what is the point, nothing is changing’. The truth is though even small changes make a huge difference. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing people who are also passionate about conservation! There are always there to remind me to stick with it, together we can make a difference.

What is your favourite place to visit?

My favourite place ever is the Maldives, the ocean there is so full of life!

Where do you want to travel next and why?

I want to visit French Polynesia! My dream is to dive with whales and hundreds of sharks! Apparently the reefs there are pretty much untouched.

What keeps you motivated and inspired?

The amazing people around me! Also knowing any plastic I remove from the ocean or don’t use at all is another piece that won’t be going in the ocean.

What advice would you give someone reading this who wants to start helping the ocean?

Start small! It can be unbelievably overwhelming trying to change everything at once. Maybe make a change a week or every two weeks. These gradual changes will make it easier to stick to.

Check out Georgina’s IG @georgina_swain to follow along with her ocean journey and get a glimpse into Gili T island life …