Many people wonder about the differences between scuba and snorkelling. Here are five things to consider when comparing the two. Hopefully, this will help you make a decision on which one you would like to explore first.
Scuba Diving
When Scuba Diving, you'll need a certification in order to go underwater with specialised gear. Your qualification level determines how deep you can dive to see the world beneath the waves. Scuba diving takes you on a whole new adventure from the moment you hit the water, swimming amongst the different marine life over colourful reefs. The experience is unforgettable!
1. Scuba Courses
You will start with an Open Water Diver Course, enabling you to dive up to 18m deep anywhere in the world. After that, you can continue your scuba education with advanced diverand specialty courses to explore deeper waters or specialised diving like cave diving, wreck diving, or even night or altitude diving.
2. Scuba Gear
When scuba diving, you'll need soft gear & hard gear. Soft gear includes a wetsuit, booties, mask and snorkel, gloves, and fins. The hard gear consists of a BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, cylinder, weights, dive computer, and other extras like a DSMB (deflatable surface marker buoy), torch, and compass. You'll use your dive centre's gear on your Open Water Course. Once you're qualified, you can rent gear or purchase your own. It's advisable to buy your own soft gear as opposed to using rental options.
3. Scuba Excursions
Now that you've completed your course, you're ready to go and explore as a newly qualified Open Water Diver. The world is your oyster. There's no limit to what can be explored; go wherever the water takes you! One thing that most scuba divers do is plan trips solely to scuba dive world-renowned dive spots like the Red Sea, Egypt, Sodwana Bay, or Saint Helena Island.
4. Cost
The cost may vary depending on where you do your course, what they included in the price, and where you go on guided dives. Having your own gear or renting gear will also affect what a dive will cost you. Here's more info on buying or renting your scuba gear.
5. Benefits
This certification will never expire. If you do not dive for a period of 6 to 12 months, you may need to complete a short refresher course before getting back in the water. This is an adventure activity that allows you to explore all sorts of bodies of water to see what lies beneath. With Scuba Diving, you improve your mental well-being, and you get to explore a new hobby, a new world, and a new community and lifestyle. Here are 5 more benefits of scuba diving.
Snorkelling
When snorkelling, you get to explore the shallow waters of the ocean with little preparation and minimal gear. Snorkelling is a fun and exciting way to visit the underwater world, one breath at a time. Being able to make lasting memories while exploring the ocean and its fascinating creatures.
1. Snorkel Course
PADI offers a snorkelling course teaching you proper kicking methods, how to duck dive and when and how to equalise your ears and mask while snorkelling. This is not a mandatory course, but beneficial as you'll have a better experience in the end, knowing proper skills.
2. Snorkel Gear
This is an easy one! You only need soft gear, which includes an exposure suit, booties, a mask, a snorkel, and fins. The type of exposure suit and fins will depend on where you intend to snorkel, cold or warmer water. It's advisable to buy your soft gear as opposed to using rental options.
3. Snorkel Excursions
Most dive destinations have great snorkelling spots. A guide can be a great help in assisting with more complex excursions, like when you're snorkelling from a boat, or to provide their know-how on local marine life. You can also grab your gear and get in the water by yourself once you're familiar with the area and have spoken to a guide. Although we would suggest snorkelling with a buddy.
4. Cost
The cost may vary depending on whether you do your course, what they include in the price, and whether you go on guided snorkel excursions or by yourself. Having your own gear or renting gear will also affect what it will cost.
5. Benefits
Snorkel spots are usually easily accessible from the shore. Although there are places that you can only access by boat or with certain tides. You have fewer gear requirements, which will cost less to buy or rent. The gear is easier to travel with and carry to your snorkel spots.
You can explore the underwater world and have great adventures while snorkelling. There are shark snorkel excursions at Aliwal Shoal, for instance, or you can snorkel with the Cape fur seals and countless other opportunities like these in South Africa and the world.
Snorkelling can be a great introduction to scuba diving, as it will help you get familiar with and comfortable in the water.
Conclusion
You don't have to choose between Scuba Diving and Snorkelling. If you are a scuba diver, you'll know we never say no to a great snorkelling spot and take full advantage of every opportunity we get. If you are a snorkeller, you'll know what great memories you've made underwater, and I would try to persuade you to take it to the next step to become a scuba diver. If you are still standing on the shore, dreaming of exploring, what are you waiting for? Come on, get in and get under the water!!
Join us today, the ocean is waiting!
Article by Mari van Wyk
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Images supplied by @sealife_madeleinwolf
www.madeleinwolf.co.za
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