Snorkeling Vs Scuba Diving both are quite similar recreational activities which provides great diving experiences. People always start debating, Snorkeling Vs Scuba Diving – what to try or which one is good for them.
The first time, snorkeling or scuba diving seems the same activity, and hard to find the differences for the newbies. Yes, Both activities are done underwater but there is world of difference between them.
The first and foremost difference is your water position in underwater snorkelers remain on the surface or dive 5m in-depth of water. On the other hand, Scuba divers go beyond 5m to 40m in depth. Let’s understand what is snorkeling and what is scuba diving one by one.
Snorkeling
Hundred of years back, People across the world swam underwater for fishing and to get other marine treasures. At that time, Snorkeler gears were not made so divers control their breath underwater and exhale when they appear on the surface. These practices of diff people attracted other people and with the help of great minds, they started making snorkeler gears so that, divers can remain in the water for a long time.
This is an activity where you spend most of your time staying on the surface, even though, daring ones go below the surface to meet with large underwater species and explore several coral reefs. Check whether this snorkeling sports activity is for you.
You can learn How Snorkel Mask Works.
Why should you do Snorkeling?
Simple and easy
Snorkeling is a simple and easy activity for divers. Even if you don’t know how to swim you can still do snorkeling. There is no need to have advanced training before snorkeling because snorkeling is done in just 3m-5m in-depth of water.
I think it’s the best activity for beginners who are learning diving or swimming. You can get in and out of the water quickly and You can stay in the water as long as you want all day. There is no need to worry about traveling or flying right after or before snorkeling just like scuba diving. Moreover, it helps to increase breathing ability and burn calories too.
Almost everyone can do
Yes, You read right almost everyone can do snorkeling without having any training. There are a few tips snorkelers follow.
- Don’t touch coral Reef
- Don’t touch marine species like fish or turtles as they can hurt you.
- Don’t pee while snorkeling.
- Keep your snorkel gear above the water as the water can get in from the top of the snorkel.
- Wear a mask or goggles for clear vision.
Not risky as Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is risky and you need to get proper training and rules to follow before diving. On the other hand, I can not say there is no risk at all in snorkeling but if you follow safety hazards you will be safe.
- Never Snorkel alone
- Take support from the boat if needed
- Get supervision from the expert
Why should you not do Snorkeling?
Limited vision
The water is clear in-depth of 3m to 5m and you can spot small fish, seahorses, tuna, etc. However, at some diving spots, you face not clear water. This causes limited vision and the divers face hardship. Therefore you might miss the small creatures hiding beneath stones or corals.
Far away from in-depth creatures
You may enjoy snorkeling too much at the surface but you will miss all the adventure and big creatures that are dwelling in deep blue water. You will miss hard-soft corals, different colorful reefs, and water rocks.
Remain on Surface
No matter how well you dive you will also be on the surface if you are snorkeling. The most negative part of snorkeling is, You will need to go to the top to breathe again and again. Even if you are going with a professional underwater photographer the urge to breathe shall be annoying. And the limited perspective will not let you explore hidden treasures.
- Simple & easy
- Almost everyone can do
- Not risky as Scuba
- Limited Vision
- Far away from big marine creatures
- Remain on Surface
Scuba Diving
You might also think about it. What Does Scuba Stand for? S-C-U-B-A means “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus”. Dr. Christian Lambertsen set the name SCUBA in 1954.
As I discussed earlier, Scuba diving is just like snorkeling which is done underwater. In the past, the air was delivered to the divers from the surface via large tubes with the passage of time experts worked on scuba gears, and now with their help divers can carry their own air in large scuba tanks.
It sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Recreational scuba divers can observe marine life passively, take awesome photos, and explore some interesting sites including caves and shipwrecks.
A serious financial and training commitment is required, though. Many people avoid scuba diving because of its technical side; however, for others, it is all part of the fun. See whether you’re a good candidate for scuba diving by exploring its advantages and disadvantages!
Reason to go for Scuba diving
Unique Experience
Mind-blowing adventure, unique diving experiences, and hidden treasures always welcome expert scuba divers. You can dive below the water up to 30m-35m and see how oceanic life goes on.
Benefits of Scuba diving
- It improves blood circulation
- Helps to relieve stress
- Improves muscles
Pleasant view of Marine Life
Most people are unaware that scuba diving is quite relaxing once you’re in the water. During their dives, skilled divers try to avoid moving as much as possible. A lot of movements will result in you getting through your air quickly and ending up with a short dive (and, trust us, no one wants a short dive).
The more slowly and steadily you approach marine life, the more likely you are to encounter marine creatures not fazed by your presence (unlike when snorkelers suddenly duck down from the surface and frighten all the fish).
You can wait or find a spot where you can see magical moments happening, large species swimming and visiting their cleaning station. This actually gives a pleasant view.
Underwater Photography chance
Photographers who love taking underwater pictures always carry their underwater Cameras and Torchlight While Scuba diving as they have the chance to capture unbelievable spots and the most fascinating panoramas.
If you love underwater photography too you can learn how scuba diving works and get your certificate before diving. Then, you would be able to capture unforgettable moments of marine life.
Reason to avoid Scuba diving
Complicated for the newbies
Newbies, learners, or who do snorkeling should avoid Scuba diving. It is very complicated for newbies. As they scuba divers have to carry Scuba gear with them, Scuba Masks for clear vision, Scuba tanks for breathing, A dive computer to check the remaining Gas in Air Tanks, Fins for swimming, and most important Buoyancy control for floating underwater and many other types of equipment depending which type of Scuba diving you are going to do.
Special and specific training
Special and specific training is always needed before Scuba diving. Different Types of Scuba training are mandatory whether you are becoming Scuba, wreck, muck, or advanced dive master. You may read about Types of scuba diving.
Expensive activity
There is no doubt Scuba diving is an expensive activity that needs a lot of money spending on gadgets, gear, Tour guides, and diving spots.
Life risk diving
This Scuba diving activity is not for newbies. It may cause serious health issues and even certain death if you don’t follow safety precautions. Even expert divers face difficulties when the currents are strong. So, this is why you should do snorkeling on the surface rather than diving deep and encountering dangers.
- Unique experience
- Beneficial for muscles
- Pleasant view of Marine Life
- Underwater Photography chance
- Complicated for the newbies
- Expensive activity
- Special and specific training
- Life risk diving
Comparison Between Snorkeling VS Scuba Diving
Snorkeling Vs Scuba Diving: which one is safer?
Snorkeling has always been considered safer than Scuba diving. You get fresh air on the surface without keeping heavy gadgets and a Gas tank for breathing. On the other hand, Scuba diving has a lot of risk factors. However, If you are an expert diver you are not going to face any risks but exceptions are always there.
Snorkeling Vs Scuba Diving: Which one is easier?
Of course, Snorkeling is easier than Scuba diving. You don’t need any training but follow some tips while snorkeling. On the other side, Scuba diving is not easy. You need proper training, study, and practice in order to become a master in Scuba diving.
Snorkeling Vs Scuba Diving: Which one is better?
This is your choice now. If you like adventure and want to explore hidden exceptional views then Scuba diving is for you. Otherwise, you can snorkel around the corner of the ocean.
Snorkeling Vs Scuba Diving: Affordable or Expensive
It’s definitely more expensive to go scuba diving since it requires special equipment and training. A guide is usually a good idea if you’re diving into a new area, and medical insurance might be required if you get into any trouble. This makes Scuba diving expensive but passionate divers only choose Scuba diving no matter how expensive it is.
While many people opt for snorkeling tours on vacation, you can also grab your gear and go snorkeling without having to pay anyone. Moreover, costs are further reduced due to the lack of training and gear involved. This is why Snorkeling is an affordable activity. You don’t need to invest more and more in training and gear.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Conclusion
Finally, Now you can easily distinguish between Scuba diving and Snorkeling. How they are different from each other, which one is affordable, and how these activities are performed.
You can choose which one is right for you and you can plan your holidays accordingly. If you are searching for the best places for getting a good experience we have listed a complete list of diving in different countries you may check them out.
Please, Share your valuable feedback in the comment section. Thank You for reading and staying with LETS DIVE HERE!