In a scuba diving vs. snorkeling battle, which sport wins? I love both sports but find myself always choosing to scuba dive over snorkeling…I’m a diver at heart and snorkeling just doesn’t provide the thrill and adrenaline rush that scuba diving does.
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Let’s compare, shall we:
Snorkeling is an excellent activity for a beach vacation. It is not expensive and does not require a certification. It’s accessible to anyone; it can be enjoyed by non-swimmers with life vests, children, and more. Snorkeling allows you to enjoy the underwater world from the surface of the water and diving down while holding your breath to get a closer look.
Scuba diving is a sport that requires a certification, good health and it is more expensive than snorkeling. There is much more effort involved to become a scuba diver; you have to maintain equipment, fitness and certifications.
This may sound too complicated to snorkelers but I’m here to tell you that you have to should give scuba diving a try. If you like snorkeling you will surely fall in love with scuba diving.
It may seem that breathing on the surface with a snorkel is easier than dealing with diving equipment, but it is surprising how much more comfortable breathing through a regulator can be. While snorkeling it can be very frustrating to deal with waves or splashes getting into the snorkel and into your mouth. While diving you don’t have to battle this issue.
Scuba diving gives you the feeling not of watching the marine life, but of being a part of it. You can go deeper and stay underwater for longer since you don’t have to hold your breath, unlike snorkeling. Scuba diving brings you so much closer to the underwater world and its unique and diverse collection of colorful sea animals.
Another positive in the battle of scuba diving vs. snorkeling: meeting fellow divers. While on a diving trip you will meet people with the same interests, which can blossom into lifelong friendships, taking you on diving adventures with diving buddies around the world. Diving makes you appreciate the ocean even more and will bring you in contact with people who can educate you about fragile underwater habitats and the importance of preserving them.
Should you give up snorkeling? NO! Both sports are awesome! The intention of this comparison is to encourage snorkelers who haven’t yet given scuba diving a try or are unsure of diving to look into dive certification. Snorkelers, join our dive tribe — you won’t be sorry.
