There are few things as liberating as traveling on a cruise ship and getting the opportunity to explore new places every day. Did you know that some cruise ships have diving centers with pools, lockers and everything you need to start your journey under the sea? Snorkeling is one of the activities you can try on almost any cruise ship. It’s also something you can do almost anywhere there are bodies of water. Scuba diving, on the other hand, requires certification and training. But even if you don’t have the time or resources to get certified, there are ways that you can enjoy scuba diving without it being life-threatening. In this post we will cover everything you need to know about snorkeling vs scuba diving.
What is Snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a great way for both beginners and experienced swimmers to explore the underwater world without having to get certified for scuba diving. The main difference between snorkeling and scuba diving is that with the former you breathe through a tube called a snorkel. The snorkel is attached to an air source, which is provided by a swimmer who is also using a snorkel. Because of this, breathing underwater with a snorkel is not as difficult as with scuba diving.
Snorkels are typically shorter than scuba diving regulators, so if you are a taller person you may have more trouble with it. There are also many different styles of snorkels, so you can pick a design that is most comfortable for you and your skill level.
There are a few other things to keep in mind if you choose to snorkel over scuba diving. Because you have a limited view of what is going on above water, you also have a limited view underwater. You may also have more issues with surface and water current.
What is Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is a recreational activity that involves underwater diving using scuba equipment. First, you’ll put on a scuba diving suit, which is a wetsuit that is thicker and has special materials and zippers to help you be warmer underwater. Then you’ll attach your scuba diving regulator to your mouth and nose and attach your scuba cylinder to your back.
You can see underwater as well as you would above the water, and once you’re underwater you can breathe through your regulator and get all of your air from the scuba tank that is attached to your back. There are also scuba diving fins, which are designed to help you move quickly and efficiently underwater and help you swim back up to the surface if your fins are fitted with weights.
The Differences Between Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Is Snorkeling Good for Beginners?
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking about snorkeling as an introduction to scuba diving, but if you are in an area with calm water they are a great place to start. First, you won’t be able to go as deep as you would underwater with scuba gear. If you go too deep, you could suffer from decompression sickness, which is also known as the bends. That means that, compared to scuba diving, you won’t be able to see as many fish or other sea creatures at depth. Because you are staying closer to the surface with a snorkel, your air supply is also shorter, which means you may not be able to stay underwater as long.
Is Scuba Diving Good for Beginners?
If you are looking to start diving and want to go all in, scuba diving is the way to go. A scuba diving certification course will teach you everything you need to know to explore the water and see the underwater world. Once you are certified, you can go as deep as 40 meters below the surface and stay underwater as long as your air supply lasts. You will also be able to see more than you would with a snorkel, so if you are interested in seeing larger underwater animals, scuba diving is a great choice.
How to Choose Which Activity is Right for You?
If you are still trying to decide between snorkeling and scuba diving, you can narrow your choices down by thinking about your interests, your location and your skill level. If you are interested in seeing large animals underwater, scuba diving is the way to go. If you are interested in the marine life that exists near the surface, snorkeling is the activity for you. If you want to be able to go as deep as possible, scuba diving is the way to go. If you want to be able to see marine life at all depths, snorkeling is the activity for you.
Conclusion
Snorkeling and scuba diving are both great ways to explore the underwater world, but they are different activities with different rules and equipment. If you are interested in exploring the depths of the ocean, scuba diving is for you. If you want to see marine life near the surface of the water, snorkeling is the activity for you. If you are interested in trying scuba diving but want to do it in a less intensive manner, you can try scuba diving with a snorkel.
And if you are new to either activity, you will want to make sure to choose a location with calm waters and talk to others about the best way to enjoy each activity.
