Most of the time, when we think of the holidays we imagine a vacation to a tropical paradise, with sandy beaches, gentle waves lapping at the shore, fruity drinks in a coconut with a small umbrella, and bright sunshine. Curiosity makes us want to explore the world underwater. Now there are two ways to do this, scuba diving or snorkeling.
The greatest depth achieved by holding one’s breath is approximately 253 meters (0.15 miles).
The deepest dive with breathing tanks is approximately 332 meters (0.20 miles).
The greatest depth achieved by a mammal is approximately 2,992 meters (1.9 miles).
The deepest dive by a man-made submarine is approximately 10,916 meters (6.7 miles).
SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
The name SNORKEL is a derivative of the German word ‘Schnorchel’, meaning air intake.
SCUBA DIVING: Allows you to go deep inside the water, and stay underwater longer. The duration depends on the depth of the dive.
SNORKELING: Requires the snorkeler to remain near the surface of the water. The duration depends on the swimmer’s ability to hold his breath.
SCUBA DIVING: Training is about how to use the breathing equipment, safety procedures, and troubleshooting. Dive rental and sale shops require proof of diver certification.
SNORKELING: Requires no training. Repeated breath holding to dive to greater depths raises the bar on fitness.
SCUBA DIVING: Cave diving, wreck diving, ice diving, etc.
SNORKELING: Observing fish, algae, coral reefs, etc.
SCUBA DIVING: Decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, refraction, and underwater vision
SNORKELING: Not being spotted by jet skis and crafts, dehydration and hyperventilation, sunburn if done for long hours.
SCUBA DIVING: Make a dive plan, review hand signals, ascend maximum 30 ft per minute.
SNORKELING: Check weather, apply sunscreen, go with a buddy.
The battle of snorkeling vs. scuba diving will rage on for eternity, each with its own advantages and a plethora of sights to share. I would want to try both and then decide which one is meant for me.
