Doing more than just diving...Wicked Diving's community programs

Wicked Diving is always trying to find new ways to help our community. Whether our Whale Shark Research, supporting Summer Camps or helping teach the children of Burmese migrant laborers...we back our good intentions with work and service. Firmly committed to donating 10% of our profits each year to various projects that improve our community and/or environment - we have chosen to supply all our liveaboard guests with handmade, organic soaps. These soaps are biodegradable as well as very pleasant smelling and feeling. They are also made by a women's cooperative north of Khao Lak. Their story is below...

On the 26th December 2004, the village of Ban Talae Nok was irreversibly changed - with the Tsunami devastating the lower part of the village, taking many lives as well as destroying houses, boats and the school.

In the aftermath, villagers struggled to cope, not just with the challenge of rebuilding their lives, but with the flood of Tsunami aid. With no boats remaining - their traditional livelihood was indefinitely on hold, and with no way to know which promise of aid would prove reliable, families were left feeling powerless, until a soap-making workshop was offered.

When the government offered a workshop on soap making, 19 women applied hoping to gain some new skill and an income. The cooperative approached the North Andaman Tsunami Relief for help with marketing and business development. By offering a practical and reactive approach the women have worked to build group dynamic and find sustainable markets.

With the continuing support of the North Andaman Tsunami Relief, Andaman Discoveries and Wicked Diving (among others) the soap cooperative has flourished and now produces a range of fantastic soaps that are available on the liveaboard and for purchase in our shop.

To all those who buy and enjoy these amazing soaps, you are doing so much more than just buying a product: you are empowering the producers to achieve self reliance.

When you join Wicked Diving trips - you do more than just dive or snorkel - you make a difference!

Similan Diving