Scuba diving completely submerges you underwater, while snorkeling keeps you at the surface looking down. Snorkelvibe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. These are questions that we want to answer in this article. Scuba and snorkeling equipment are miles apart in terms of sophistication. Though they appear to be similar, there are some distinctions between snorkeling and scuba diving which are worth knowing before you take a dip under the sea: Following is how different snorkeling is from scuba diving. Snorkeling vs scuba diving. 1.’Snorkel-xel-ha’By Angelique800326 – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   Do you communicate your feelings and thoughts authentically – even if it’s risky? 2.’Buzo’By Soljaguar – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia. Side by Side Comparison – Snorkeling vs Scuba Diving in Tabular Form Scuba divers undergo training because of the risks and complexities involved in the diving process, which snorkelers don’t have to worry about. And I didn’t have to wait for Bob. We will be happy to help you ! However, if you are claustrophobic and the concept of compressed-air and heavy equipment freaks you out, or you simply want an impromptu sea adventure, you can pick up your snorkel and head to the beach and enjoy floating with the fish. Fortunately, you can rent all of the gear at your local dive center near you, during your vacations. While snorkeling and scuba diving share some characteristics, the differences are quite stark. The rest of your body is exposed to all sorts of dangers from under the water and from above. Both snorkeling and scuba diving are popular recreational activities that allow you to explore underwater attractions. That is about it, the very short list of the ways that snorkeling and scuba diving are similar. I learned that snorkeling was swimming on the surface of the water with a mask and breathing tube, cruising around individually, checking out the underwater life in its natural setting; sort of like underwater sightseeing. Both snorkeling and scuba diving are popular recreational activities that allow you to explore underwater attractions. Snorkeling is something done at resorts and in tropical locations. Snorkeling vs. Scuba Diving: Which One’s for You? Snorkeling usually takes place in shallow water where you can observe the underwater life from the surface of the water. Beginners are only allowed to dive up to 10 meters, which is not much different compared to snorkeling. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both fun and adventurous underwater activities that allow you to explore and admire the beauty of marine life—but they greatly differ in how they allow you to do it. Best Swimsuits for Snorkeling + Buy Guide. A scuba diver can get close to the surface and explore depths that snorkelers can’t reach. As mentioned, both activities have an impact on an individual’s health, with scuba diving having a more direct impact than snorkeling. This is more difficult to appreciate from the surface. However, In order to go scuba diving on your own, you must first take a scuba diving class and pass a certification exam. This allows you to see the underwater scenery from a very high level. It is hard to compare the two. With a snorkel, you need to stay close to the surface while with a scuba kit you are free to go as deep as you want. While both these activities require some basic swimming skills, scuba diving requires specialized training. The last way the two are different is in the equipment needed to snorkel and the equipment needed to scuba dive. Wearing sunscreen is essential while going snorkeling to avoid skin damage. Their gear consists of; The list above is a testament to how important scuba diving training is before jumping into the ocean. Both snorkeling and scuba diving require you to be able to swim to some degree. You must first learn how to scuba dive. Both snorkeling and scuba diving are popular recreational activities that allow you to explore underwater attractions. Send us a message ! Snorkeling Fins vs Diving Fins. Knowing how to swim or dive is not enough for scuba diving. I remember our first tropical vacation when I didn’t know the difference between the two. If that is where you plan to vacation next, you will want to stop in at Costa Rica Dive and Surf Dive Shop, located in Uvita, Puntarenas. It also lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Read on for the answers to all your snorkeling vs. scuba diving questions. It is important that you have training and prior knowledge of how to use it. 3 Reasons why Caño Island is a great Costa Rica diving destination. The snorkel tube might flood if they decide to dive underwater. Adventure seekers would argue that scuba diving is one of the best thrills the world can offer, and nothing can compare to exploring the dark and mysterious waters under the sea. The best part was that I didn’t even have to put my whole head under water and no training was needed. They can stay in the water for as long as they want, just as long as they keep emerging to breathe. A snorkel is a breathing tube that helps the swimmer to breathe inside the water. Scuba divers spend extended periods of time underwater, diving deep to the bed of the ocean or lake. Snorkeling is basically an underwater view from above and the scuba diving is an underwater view from within. Snorkeling involves exploring the underwater with the help of a diving mask, snorkel and swim fins. Well, needless to say, we went snorkeling and traded a rich and memorable experience for a quicker, shallower thrill. In diving you can go deeper and stay underwater for longer. Both, scuba diving and snorkeling affect the diver in some way. Scuba diving training includes learning how to handle equipment as well as learning how to prevent accidents and solve problems you may encounter underwater. The absence of a diving suit also presents a hazard from touching poisonous corals and other venomous creatures under the sea. Advantages of scuba diving. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } The Bahamas … This is too hard and I’m on vacation. Can you Snorkel with Glasses & Contact Lenses? 2. You will be wearing swim fins to aid in swimming and there is a mask of some type that will be worn. Snorkeling and scuba diving have one main thing in common. Moreover, they require some common equipment such as diving masks and swim fins. There are many ways to discover world underwater, the most common among them being snorkeling and Scuba diving. What is Scuba Diving if you want to know more about scuba diving, this is also a good article to read. Both, scuba diving and snorkeling affect the diver in some way. While scuba diving can cause sickness, underwater vision and have a direct impact, snorkeling has a more indirect impact. However, wearing a vest will not allow you to go a bit deeper to take a closer look at marine life. The scuba diving equipment is more complex and heavier compared to that of snorkeling. Scuba divers submerge themselves completely underwater with their eyes and nose covered by a diving mask. Do you persevere through the rough times? Snorkelers are hard to detect by jet-skiers, boats and other surface crafts and are therefore susceptible to injury. 1. Address: Uvita, Bahia Ballena 200 metros Norte de la entrada del Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Sector Bahia Ballena. Scuba diving is only safe after specialized training with complex equipment whereas for snorkeling you just need a simple full face mask or a traditional mask. Her areas of interests include language, literature, linguistics and culture. Or maybe you are evaluating to get a PADI certification, but you have doubts if snorkeling may be enough for you. The key difference between snorkeling and scuba diving is that the snorkeling involves floating underwater near the surface of the water with the help of a snorkel while the scuba diving involves diving deep underneath the sea using a scuba.. The divers breathe through their mouthpiece, leading to the tank on their back. The term snorkeling is derived from the German word “schnorchel” meaning ‘air intake.’ The snorkel was invented by Dutch Navy Lieutenant Jan J. Wichers in 1933, to supply fresh air into diesel-powered submarines.