Our Methodology

The Scoring Framework

Every dive site on OktoDive is evaluated across 12 weighted categories with specific sub-criteria, each scored 1–10. No vibes. No guesswork. No pay-to-play rankings. Just data.

Our Philosophy

The OktoDive Score is our product's credibility. Designed with an analytical chemistry background, every score is transparent and reproducible. A dive site with beautiful Instagram photos but poor visibility and overcrowding gets a low score. Period.

We log all data sources for every sub-criterion. We flag sites where scores are based on marketing claims alone versus verified evidence. We re-score quarterly.

The Formula

Score = (Marine_Life × 0.12) + (Coral × 0.10) + (Visibility × 0.10) + (Variety × 0.09) + (Temp × 0.05) + (Depth × 0.07) + (Operators × 0.09) + (Topside × 0.08) + (Access × 0.06) + (Value × 0.08) + (Crowding × 0.06) + (Social × 0.10)

Each category score is the mean of its sub-criteria (each 1–10). Final score is out of 100.

Score Tiers

9.0 – 10.0World Class
Gold Badge
8.0 – 8.9Exceptional
Silver Badge
7.0 – 7.9Highly Recommended
Bronze Badge
6.0 – 6.9Good
— Badge
Below 6.0Listed, Not Endorsed
— Badge

The 12 Categories

Marine Life Diversity

12% weight

Species count, pelagic encounters, endemic species, macro life, megafauna probability, seasonal variation, coral fish density.

Coral & Reef Health

10% weight

Coral coverage %, bleaching status, reef type diversity, conservation efforts, reef resilience, water quality.

Visibility & Conditions

10% weight

Average visibility, current strength, thermocline, surge and swell, predictability, water clarity factors.

Dive Site Variety

9% weight

Number of named sites, dive type diversity, depth range, wreck availability, cave/cavern access, night diving quality.

Water Temperature

5% weight

Annual temperature range, wetsuit requirements, seasonal variation, comfort across diver types, thermocline impact.

Depth Range & Access

7% weight

Beginner-friendly shallows, advanced deep options, shore vs boat ratio, technical diving support, liveaboard access.

Dive Operator Quality

9% weight

Number of operators, certification agencies, equipment condition, safety record, guide quality, nitrox/tech support.

Topside Experience

8% weight

Accommodation quality, food quality, nightlife and culture, non-diving activities, infrastructure, companion friendliness.

Getting There

6% weight

Airport distance, transfer service, flight connections, visa requirements, in-country transport, climate considerations.

Value & Cost

8% weight

Average dive cost, accommodation range, food costs, gear rental value, hidden fees, overall budget tier.

Diver Volume & Crowding

6% weight

Annual diver visits, permit systems, max divers per site, seasonal patterns, underwater congestion, booking advance required.

Social Proof & Reputation

10% weight

Google reviews, TripAdvisor rating, review volume, ScubaBoard sentiment, magazine rankings, YouTube video count, social engagement.

Data Sources

Dive Site Data

  • Official tourism boards & operator websites
  • Google Places API (ratings & reviews)
  • TripAdvisor ratings and review analysis
  • ScubaBoard forum sentiment analysis
  • IUCN species databases

Market Data

  • Grand View Research
  • Future Market Insights
  • Mordor Intelligence
  • DEMA (Diving Equipment & Marketing Association)
  • PADI Corporate Statistics

Questions?

We believe in transparency. If you have questions about our methodology or want to suggest a dive site for review, reach out.

hello@oktodive.com