Simultaneously beautiful and dangerous, the underwater world intrigues many people with its mysterious wonders. Two ways in which this splendid natural environment can be explored are snorkeling and SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving. Both activities are enjoyable and adventurous ways to delve into the incredible underwater world, and while they have some similarities (for example, both activities commonly involve the use of a mask, snorkel, and fins), they are also quite different from one another. Here, we will talk about their similarities and differences to help you decide which activity might suit you better.
The main difference between snorkeling and SCUBA diving is the depths at which the activities are conducted. Snorkeling allows one to observe the underwater sights (ranging from fish to coral reefs to marine plants) from just beneath the surface of the water, using a mask to see clearly underwater and snorkel to breathe with one’s face submerged. SCUBA diving, in contrast, allows one to breathe comfortably while entirely submerged in water. Thus, greater depths can be reached (for longer times) using SCUBA.
The amount of experience necessary for each activity is the second key difference between snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Almost anyone can snorkel or become a diver. However, knowing how to swim and being comfortable in the water is essential to taking part in either of these activities. Whereas snorkeling doesn’t require any previous experience and can take only a few minutes to learn, SCUBA divers are required to complete formal training (and divers need to maintain their diving equipment, overall good health, and fitness). SCUBA diving courses have a minimum age requirement of 8-12 years old, depending on the course. This makes SCUBA diving more expensive and demanding than snorkeling, and also less convenient as a family activity.
A third difference between SCUBA diving and snorkeling, and yet another reason why SCUBA diving is often significantly more expensive than snorkeling, is the types of equipment necessary for each. Snorkeling can be done with minimal equipment – only a mask and snorkel are absolutely necessary, although fins and a floatation device of some sort are often recommended in addition, for safety and added agility and control in the water. SCUBA diving on the other hand requires more (and more expensive) equipment, including a cylinder of compressed air for breathing, a regulator to convert that air to breathable pressure and provide it to the diver, a BCD (or buoyancy compensation device), a wetsuit to keep divers warm underwater, weights to help with descending, a mask, snorkel, fins, and in some cases, diving booties.
In conclusion, whether a person will prefer snorkeling or SCUBA diving depends on many factors, including their skill, budget, age, and personal preference. Snorkeling is a fantastic family activity for a beach vacation, as it is inexpensive, does not require a certification, and is accessible to anyone who knows how to swim. In contrast, SCUBA diving is more suitable to those who are willing and able to put more time and money into the hobby of their choice, but is well worth the effort, as divers get to experience the feeling of being a part of the marine world rather than watching it from the outside.