DIVE BUDDY LIMITED
Dive Buddy Limited operates a mobile-first two-sided marketplace connecting recreational divers worldwide with dive buddies, dive centres, and real-time dive site information. The 2024-launched platform monetizes via booking commissions, Featured Dive Centre subscriptions, branded merchandise, and partner advertising.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersHighbridge, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What DIVE BUDDY LIMITED does
Dive Buddy Limited is a UK-based mobile platform, founded in 2023 and headquartered in Highbridge, that operates a two-sided global marketplace connecting recreational divers with dive buddies, dive centres, and curated real-time dive site information. The company serves two primary customer segments: individual recreational divers seeking to log dives, find compatible buddies, book experiences, track marine life sightings, and manage dive gear; and dive centres that use the platform to gain international visibility, manage bookings, validate diver logs, and process payments. The mobile app launched in 2024 on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and is also accessible via direct download from divebuddyapp.com.
The platform's core product suite comprises a Dive Log with centre-validated entries, a buddy finder with secure messaging, an integrated booking system, a Dive Sites directory with community-supplied real-time conditions, a Dive Centres directory with reviews and scheduling, a Marine Life Tracker that contributes to conservation datasets, a Dive Gear Management module with maintenance notifications, an Exclusive Offers section, and a User Verification system using selfie and government ID matching. The Dive Centre Management Platform adds SaaS-style functionality for operators — profile management, integrated booking, live dive updates, and a Featured listing tier limited to one centre per area. Technology infrastructure is built on Firebase (Google Cloud) for app hosting, secure database storage, authentication, and messaging; Mapbox for mapping and location search; Stripe for payment processing; and Google/Apple Analytics for usage insights.
Dive Buddy monetizes through four revenue streams: marketplace commissions on bookings (7.5% standard rate, stepping down to 2.5% for dive centres that refer 40+ new users per month), Featured Dive Centre subscriptions (£300 per year, reduced from a £600 standard price), branded merchandise sales (mask straps from £8.95, bundles up to £26.99, plus keyrings and travel towels), and flexible partner advertising with no long-term commitment. Distribution leverages a product-led growth strategy — the app is free to download with no user booking fees and free dive centre registration — supported by app store optimisation, an educational blog, social media across Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/LinkedIn, an email newsletter, and an ambassador program offering cash-for-referrals. The company appears bootstrapped with no disclosed institutional investment, revenue, or headcount growth data.
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DIVE BUDDY LIMITED
- Legal name
- Dive Buddy Limited
- Website
- https://divebuddyapp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Dive Buddy Limited operates a mobile-first two-sided marketplace connecting recreational divers worldwide with dive buddies, dive centres, and real-time dive site information. The 2024-launched platform monetizes via booking commissions, Featured Dive Centre subscriptions, branded merchandise, and partner advertising.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Diving Marketplace Platform
- NAICS
- Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Diving Experiences (Scuba Dives, Dive Trips, PADI/SSI Courses) (THAJAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications) (THAAAIAA)
Keywords
Where DIVE BUDDY LIMITED is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Highbridge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel
Revenue model
- Booking Commission: Dive Buddy earns revenue through commission on each dive booking made through the platform. Commission rates are non-refundable. Standard rate is 7.5% reducing to 2.5% for dive centres that refer 40+ new users per month. Users pay no booking fees.
- Featured Dive Centre Subscription: Dive centres can purchase Featured status for premium visibility. Currently offered at £300 per year (reduced from £600 standard price), billed annually at £25/month. Includes reduced commission rates, top search placement, home screen visibility, priority support, and promotional benefits.
- Merchandise Sales: Online store selling Dive Buddy branded merchandise including mask straps (£8.95), keyrings (£3.95), travel towels (£21.99), and bundles (£12.99-£26.99). Ships from UK with various shipping options.
- Advertising and Sponsorship: Partners can advertise their brand or services to the engaged diving community through various advertising options including sponsored placements, banner ads, and exclusive offers sections. Pricing is flexible to suit different budgets with no long-term commitment required.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free App Access |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Dive Centre Listing |
| Subscription | Annual | Featured Dive Centre |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mask Strap Products |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Merchandise Bundles |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Travel Towel |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Keyring |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Advertising Packages |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dive Buddy operates a mobile platform connecting recreational divers with dive centres worldwide. The app provides dive logging, buddy matching, real-time dive site conditions, marine life tracking, gear management, and integrated booking with secure payments. The platform also offers dive centres tools for visibility, booking management, and promotional partnerships through a separate Dive Centre Management Platform.
Product overview
Dive Buddy Limited operates a unified platform connecting divers with dive centres, buddies, and dive site information worldwide. The offering consists of three interconnected segments: (1) A consumer mobile app serving individual divers with core features including Dive Log, Find a Dive Buddy, Dive Booking, Dive Sites, Dive Centres directory, Marine Life Tracker, Dive Gear Management, Exclusive Discounts, and User Verification; (2) A B2B SaaS-style Dive Centre Management Platform with add-on modules for Featured listings, integrated Booking System, and Live Dive Updates; and (3) An e-commerce shop selling branded merchandise including mask straps (P. Sherman, Dive Master, Instructor, Logo variants), Quick-Dry Travel Towels, Keyrings, and Bundle packages. Additional offerings include Partner Advertising services, an Ambassador Program, and Marine Conservation Partnerships. The platform also connects dive centres with a global community through its booking commission model, with reduced rates for Featured Dive Centre partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dive Buddy Mobile App A mobile application connecting recreational divers with trusted dive centres, dive buddies, real-time dive site conditions, marine life tracking, and integrated booking. Free to download with core features at no cost and zero booking fees for users.
- Dive Centre Management Platform A B2B platform for dive centres, dive schools, and scuba instructors to manage profiles, bookings, availability, team members, and customer communications. Includes profile management, booking management, live updates, and direct messaging.
- Dive Buddy Branded Mask Strap A neoprene dive mask strap featuring the Dive Buddy logo or branded designs. Made from 100% polyester fabric laminated neoprene. Available in multiple variants: P. Sherman, Dive Master, Instructor, and Dive Buddy Logo, each offered in dark blue, black, and pink.
- Quick-Dry Travel Towel A compact, ultra-absorbent microfibre travel towel featuring the Dive Buddy logo. Quick-drying, lightweight, and suitable for travel, diving, or beach days. Available in Navy Blue or Grey, including a breathable zip case with Dive Buddy branding. Priced at £21.99.
- Dive Buddy Keyring A durable PVC keyring featuring the Dive Buddy logo and 'Dive Deeper, Together' slogan. Designed for attaching to dive bags, keys, or backpacks. Priced at £3.95.
- Dive Mask Strap Bundle A value bundle offering two neoprene dive mask straps at a discounted price of £12.99 (original £17.90). Customers can mix and match designs for customisation or keep one as a backup.
- Travel Towel and Dive Mask Strap Bundle A combo bundle pairing one lightweight, fast-drying travel towel with one premium dive mask strap at a discounted price of £26.99 (original £30.94). Designed for divers on the go.
- Partner Advertising Advertising and sponsorship services for brands and organisations to promote products, services, or initiatives to Dive Buddy's engaged diving community through targeted in-app placements, sponsored placements, banner ads, and exclusive offers sections. Pricing is flexible with no long-term commitment required.
Companies that use DIVE BUDDY LIMITED
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature8 records
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Inside The OceancoreDive Buddy features Inside The Ocean as an eco-partner on its platform, promoting marine conservation internships to its user base. Users can book eco internships through Dive Buddy with no booking fees.
- Inside The OceancoreInside The Ocean is a marine conservation program in Koh Tao, Thailand, offering eco internships. The partnership allows Dive Buddy users to book conservation internships and contributes to marine research. Dive Buddy promotes Inside The Ocean as its Dive Centre Eco Partner, featuring them on the Marine Conservation page and offering booking through the app. The program includes coral restoration, coral monitoring, fish identification, turtle conservation, and mangrove monitoring projects.
- StripecoreStripe serves as the payment processor for all transactions on the Dive Buddy platform. Dive Buddy uses Stripe for secure payment processing of dive bookings and merchandise purchases. Dive centres are required to set up their own Stripe accounts to receive payments. Stripe charges transparent fees per transaction and supports multiple payment methods and currencies.
- Firebase (Google Cloud)coreFirebase provides app hosting, secure database storage, and messaging services for the Dive Buddy platform. Firebase is used as the primary backend infrastructure for the mobile application.
- Mapbox, Inc.coreMapbox provides map and search functionality within the Dive Buddy application, enabling the Explore Map feature and location-based services for finding nearby dive centres and dive sites.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Diviac: Mobile dive logbook app that lets divers record dives and discover/plan dive trips. Direct competitor with overlapping feature mix of logging, buddy management, and trip discovery.
- Diveboard: Global dive logging and social platform with a worldwide community of divers sharing dive logs, photos, and reviews. Closest direct competitor combining dive logging, social features, and a global user base.
- Dive The World: Long-running online dive centre directory and booking marketplace connecting travellers with dive centres worldwide. Direct marketplace competitor addressing the same booking flow.
- MyDiveGuide: Diving social and marketplace app offering dive logging, buddy finding, and dive centre discovery with booking workflows. Highly comparable two-sided platform to Dive Buddy.
Broad incumbents
- PADI Travel: The travel and booking arm of PADI, the world's largest recreational scuba certification body. Operates a global dive travel marketplace and is the largest incumbent in this space.
- SSI (Scuba Schools International): Large international scuba diving certification body that also operates MyDiveGuide and digital tools for divers. Incumbent competitor with its own ecosystem of apps and member centres.
- Aggressor Adventures: Major global dive liveaboard and resort operator with its own booking platform and fleet. Incumbent operator with integrated booking capabilities.
- Liveaboard.com: Established liveaboard and dive resort booking marketplace with global inventory. Closest incumbent competitor on the booking side of the market.
Others
- Divers Alert Network (DAN): Global dive safety organisation providing insurance, medical information, and a diver-facing app. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct booking/logging competitor, but reaches the same diver audience.
Regional players
- BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club): UK-based national scuba diving training and membership organisation with club network and certification programs. Relevant peer as a UK-rooted body serving a largely UK membership with comparable dive-community focus.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED social profiles
Digital presenceDIVE BUDDY LIMITED financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DIVE BUDDY LIMITED
What does DIVE BUDDY LIMITED do?
Dive Buddy operates a mobile platform connecting recreational divers with dive centres worldwide. The app provides dive logging, buddy matching, real-time dive site conditions, marine life tracking, gear management, and integrated booking with secure payments. The platform also offers dive centres tools for visibility, booking management, and promotional partnerships through a separate Dive Centre Management Platform.
Is DIVE BUDDY LIMITED a public or private company?
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was DIVE BUDDY LIMITED founded?
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED was founded in 2023. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is DIVE BUDDY LIMITED based?
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED is headquartered in Highbridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does DIVE BUDDY LIMITED make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Booking Commission is the primary driver. The others are featured Dive Centre Subscription, merchandise Sales and advertising and Sponsorship.
Who are DIVE BUDDY LIMITED's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Diviac, Diveboard, Dive The World and MyDiveGuide. Broad incumbents are PADI Travel, SSI (Scuba Schools International), Aggressor Adventures and Liveaboard.com. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is listed as an others. BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club) is listed as a regional player.
Does DIVE BUDDY LIMITED have an API?
No public API is recorded for DIVE BUDDY LIMITED.
What industry is DIVE BUDDY LIMITED in?
DIVE BUDDY LIMITED's product category is Diving Marketplace Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJAJAD, Diving Experiences (Scuba Dives, Dive Trips, PADI/SSI Courses), with a secondary code of THAAAIAA, Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications). Its NAICS code is 48721 and its SIC code is 7900.