Journey Underwater: Transforming Scuba Diving Into a Mind-Body Wellness Practice

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) Imagine this: you step into the calm blue waters, and the world’s noise fades away. Underwater, there's nothing but the gentle rhythm of your breath, the ebb and flow of the ocean, and an undeniable sense of presence. For many, scuba diving is simply a way to visit the underwater world. But for Dr. Calina Ouliaris, co-founder of Journey Underwater, it’s something much more profound: a somatic practice that transcends the typical thrill-seeking activity. Journey Underwater is reshaping how we approach scuba diving—making it not just a sport but a transformative experience for the mind, body, and soul.

A Vision Beyond Sport

Journey Underwater wasn’t born from a traditional dive shop model. It emerged from a deep desire to create something that would cater to people seeking more than just an adventurous getaway. Dr. Ouliaris, a consultant psychiatrist, wanted to build an inclusive space where scuba diving could be a tool for mindfulness and wellness. Together with Simon Lugan, a yoga instructor and seasoned scuba professional, she founded Journey Underwater, which specializes in scuba diving as a somatic practice.

The core philosophy of Journey Underwater is its Dive In™ framework, a groundbreaking approach that combines breath, movement, attention, and environmental awareness, all aimed at enhancing mind-body connection. Recognizing that most people don’t dive regularly, the Dive In™ framework extends its practice beyond the water. This holistic approach encourages participants to engage with the principles of Dive In™ both on land and in the water—creating a more reflective and mindful experience that can transform every dive into an opportunity for personal development.

Breaking Traditional Boundaries

The concept of integrating wellness into scuba diving is revolutionary, and it wasn’t easy to bring this vision to life. The dive industry, dominated by high-volume operations and performance-driven models, didn’t leave much room for the personalized, mindful approach Dr. Ouliaris was advocating. But through persistence and a clear focus on safety and wellbeing, Journey Underwater is carving out a niche in the world of diving, attracting those who might not otherwise consider it—like families, older persons, and people dealing with chronic stress, burnout or trauma.

The company’s model is designed for tailored individual and small-group experiences, offering a more intentional experience than the standard dive tour. With an emphasis on psychological and physical safety, Journey Underwater ensures that every participant feels supported, regardless of their background and diving experience. Their Dive In™ framework has become a cornerstone of this approach, offering a method for individuals to approach the water with confidence, calm, and a deeper awareness.

The Exclusive Dive In™ Framework

One of Journey Underwater’s most distinctive offerings is the Dive In™ e-learning course. Serving as the foundation of the company’s teaching philosophy, the program introduces participants to the principles of scuba diving as a somatic practice—on land, before they ever enter the water.

In addition to theory, the course includes practical exercises that participants are encouraged to explore for just ten minutes a day. The structure emphasizes spending time with a single exercise each week, allowing participants to develop familiarity gradually rather than moving quickly through the material. An accompanying app provides easy access to these exercises, making it possible to engage with the course across different settings and routines.

The flexibility of the online format allows people worldwide to participate at their own pace, whether at home, while traveling, or between dives. By combining theoretical context with structured experiential learning, the course supports confidence and awareness, helping participants approach the underwater environment with greater intention and attention to safety.

The Dive In™ framework is also recognised by the world’s leading scuba diving training organization, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), as a distinctive specialty: “Dive In™: Scuba for Wellness.” 

A Transformative Experience for All

What sets Journey Underwater apart from its competition is its deep commitment to inclusivity and personalization, creating a space for the most nervous or hesitant to experience the magic of the underwater world. The company has a particular focus on supporting individuals or families who may need extra care in the water, offering a calm, reflective space for those returning to diving after difficult experiences or those simply seeking a more mindful, intentional dive.

Journey Underwater's experiences are also designed to be transformative long after participants leave the water. The Dive In™ framework encourages reflection both during and between dives, creating an ongoing journey of personal growth. It’s not just about scuba diving as an activity; it’s about how diving can serve as a tool for enhancing overall wellbeing and mindfulness.

The flexibility of the e-learning course makes this approach accessible to anyone—regardless of location, dive center affiliation, or previous experience. Divers who engage with Journey Underwater can return to the course at any time to revisit its core principles and continue integrating them into their everyday lives.

Connecting Mind and Body Through Scuba

Dr. Ouliaris believes that the connection between mind and body is crucial for anyone wanting to experience diving on a deeper level. “When scuba diving, the state of your mind influences your breath and in turn, your body’s physical position - highlighting the mind-body connection in real time. Scuba diving provides a unique opportunity to ground back into your body and immerse yourself in the present moment. Our approach makes it possible to experience this before even entering the water,” she says. The Dive In™ framework is about creating a relationship with the water that is intentional, thoughtful, and supported. It’s about diving with awareness, integrating the lessons of the water into life on land, and building a healthier, more mindful approach to both the ocean and everyday life.

For Journey Underwater, the ultimate goal is to offer a transformative experience for all participants—one that’s both enriching and reflective. By taking a personalized, somatic approach to scuba diving, they’ve created a new pathway to wellness through the water. This new model ensures that everyone can experience the ocean in a meaningful way, and it’s a movement that’s slowly gaining attention across the global diving community.

Dive In and Transform Your Diving Experience

If you’ve always felt that scuba diving could offer something more than just adventure, Journey Underwater offers you a chance to explore that potential. Whether you’re a seasoned diver looking for a deeper connection or a beginner ready to discover a new approach to wellness, Journey Underwater has created a path for you to dive in—both literally and figuratively.

To explore Journey Underwater’s approach and experience the transformative Dive In™ framework for yourself, visit their website at www.journeyunderwater.com. Start your journey towards a more mindful, reflective diving practice and discover the calming power of the underwater world today.