Today we’d like to introduce you to Maira Thomas.
Hi Maira, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in Mexico, where I worked as a PADI Master Instructor.
When I moved to Dallas in 2016, it was only natural that I found myself back in that world, working with a local dive shop and connecting with the diving community there.
When the pandemic upended life for everyone, I took the opportunity to step back and reassess my path. My time at the Dallas dive shop had opened my eyes to something missing in the scuba world: a true sense of community, especially beyond formal training. There weren’t many spaces for divers to continue learning, connecting, and growing together once their courses were over.
And for women, that gap was even wider. Diving is often labeled a male-dominated sport, but I wanted to understand why. What was holding women back from joining or staying in the sport?
So, I created a Facebook group and invited every woman diver I knew. At first, I didn’t think much of it; I just wanted a supportive space where women could ask questions, share experiences, and talk openly without judgment or being talked over. Dive training is largely generalized, and most instructors are men, so it felt important to have a community focused on the unique experiences and challenges women face in diving.
I also wanted to share something close to my heart: the hidden, breathtaking dive destinations in Mexico.
That’s when I started organizing trips, to connect divers, build confidence in women, and open the doors to the world traveling for Scuba.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Managing the growth of the business has been the most difficult. Our niche is personal, carefully planned, and unique scuba diving trips, which makes it very difficult to delegate.
It’s taken us a few years to find a balance of how many trips, staff, processes, and travel we can do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mar Hosted Trips?
Mar Hosted Trips is a boutique travel company offering curated group adventures to unique destinations around the world. We specialize in designing unique group adventures, largely for solo travelers to come together to make new dive buddies and friends.
Our women’s dive community: Scuba MAR Maids is all about fun, support, and learning. From dive trips and training retreats to our lively online community, we’re helping more women dive in confidently while celebrating the power of female friendships. With over 6,000 members in our growing Facebook group, each Scuba MAR Maid trip ends with new dive buddies, lasting connections, and stories that stay with you.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I really enjoy the Hidden Brain podcast.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marhostedtrips.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scuba_marmaids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marhostedtrips
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marhostedtrips
Image Credits
Deep Underwater Photos
