Scuba Diving vs Snorkeling

Katy2 · 08-27-2004

Can you get the Scuba Diving for Dummies instructions? Here in KC you can take classes (expensive). For the 45 year old novice is it just better to snorkel?

Mark in STL · 08-27-2004

I am the same age and I have a great time snorkeling. In Akumal Bay we have seen squid, huge schools of fish, sea turtles, etc. I'm sure diving is a great experience, but I don't have the time nor $$ to make it a hobby. To snorkel all you need is a decent mask, snorkel tube, fins, and snorkel vest and you are set.

**james** · 08-27-2004

do a search for discover scuba and you should find lots of information.

I've taken plenty of 45 year old novices on their first dives (I'm an instructor).

The occasional holiday dive is not an expensive proposition. Well worth it.

Katy2 · 08-27-2004

The great question of all: Brink your own snorkel gear or rent when i get down there? If we rent, who best quality equipment? I'll do that now James TKS

Rissask · 08-27-2004

We love to snorkel but on our next trip to Playa we are going to take a PADI 'Scuba Diver Course'...it is basically the first two days of the Open Water cert and is a cheaper alternative, while still giving you a card at the end so you can do future dives as long as there is a guide along. (We figured we will only be diving on vacation so that would work fine.) You could also take a 'Discover Scuba' course or a resort course for even cheaper to get a taste of what diving is like.

It will cost us about $190 US which is a lot better than the over $400 to get the Open Water cert.

Snorkeling is great but I have heard from many friends it simply doens't compare to scuba. There is so much more to see further down! But like Mark said, the Mayan Riviera area has some great snorkeling, we say tons of fish and turtles galore- if you haven't snorkeled try that first and go from there!

Rissask · 08-27-2004

Bring your own snorkel gear! Then you don't have to worry about renting- it can be pricey and is a PITA!

I am a strong swimmer and I don't need to use fins- saves room in the suitcase and the salt water makes you bouyant enough.

If you can get a 'dry' snorkel- they allow you to dive down and no water gets down the tube - good for if it is wavy too. And a decent mask that fits properly and won't leak!

newsuz32 · 08-27-2004

Someone told me there is also something called "snuba" for people who want more than snorkel, but not scuba certified. Is this well-known in the PDC area?

Rissask · 08-27-2004

I think they only do it at Xaret for extra money, maybe at Xel Ha too? Not sure.

Snorkeling on your own would be better than that- you are pretty restricted doing snuba.

Katy2 · 08-27-2004

Does Playa Info Guide have a suggested site for Scuba novices? All i can find is ATV Tours and the FAt Cat. i just found some good suggestions.

**denisea** · 08-27-2004

Use the advanced search feature. Type in "discover scuba". Then type in "James" as the username. This will bring up all previous posts that James has posted regarding the Discover Scuba program.

Snuba has also been discussed before. A search on "Snuba" will get you the info you are looking for quickly. Also if you google "Snuba" the first listing is for Snuba International which lists all snuba locations worldwide.

Katy2 · 08-27-2004

James since you are an instructor, do you supervise any Discover Scuba trips. Since october is still in hurricane season, is it best to just wait till we get down here and go find us an approved place?

STOGEY · 08-27-2004

I am 45 years old as well, and I just received my open water certification. I'm glad that I did it. I took one of the discover dives that they have at the AI that we stayed at last year. They have those discover dives almost anywhere you go, in the US or else where. Why don't you take one of those discover dives for yourself and see how you feel after. However for me one dive was not enough.

Jo · 08-29-2004

Being one of the folks who used to guide divers around the underwater world in Playa I will have to jump in on this one of course.

My personal opinion: while snorkeling is nice scuba is a whole different thing and wayyyyyyyyy better- not only regarding what you get to see, but also the feeling of "no gravity" is hard to be topped. Plus- while snorkeling you usually have to do more "fin-work" than when going on a nice dive with current. Just hanging in the current and floating by can be like meditation....so my vote is you definately should try scuba.

Regarding courses: what James said!!
Discover scuba is a good and not too expensive way to see wether you like it- and if you do you can usually slip right into an "Open Water" course.
I wouldn't be concerned with your age. As long as you are healthy there is no age limit, really......Leni Riefenstahl (filmmaker of dubious fame during the Nazi-aera...) turned to scuba when she was well in her seventies and published wonderfun underwater pics. So there you go......

Re: snorkel gear...if you have your own you should bring it. Rental gear is often good quality as well BUT with your own gear you know it really fits you and is comfortable.

Re: finding instructors/dive shops- I don't know where you are staying....but the bigger hotels usually have diveshops affiliated that are working well.
If you're not staying in a hotel "Abyss" at the Blue Parrot is not a bad call I'd say. There are plenty of dive shops around anyhow- and if things haven't drastically changed they should almost all offer discover scuba.

So- those were my two cents. Hope it helped a little......

oklahomajack · 08-30-2004

I come to Playa to Scuba along with other beach fun but while there in June I took the advance class, a little higher but not much, so I could go deeper,. The instructors in pdc seem to care more about what you learn than here in the states or at least where I got O.W. cert. at. Therefore when I am back in Dec. The 14 year old girl and 18 year old boy will be getting cert. in pdc. If you don't do it , you don't know what you will be missing!If you do get cert. while in PDC do it early into your vacation so you can dive multiple times before leaving.

Katy2 · 08-30-2004

What is the average cost for 2 people to learn Discover Scuba. We are staying at Xaman Ha Condo.

08-27-2004	#1 (permalink)
Katy2 toe in water Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Kansas City Missouri Posts: 45	Scuba Diving vs Snorkeling Can you get the Scuba Diving for Dummies instructions? Here in KC you can take classes (expensive). For the 45 year old novice is it just better to snorkel?

08-27-2004	#2 (permalink)
Mark in STL into ruins Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 78	snorkeling I am the same age and I have a great time snorkeling. In Akumal Bay we have seen squid, huge schools of fish, sea turtles, etc. I'm sure diving is a great experience, but I don't have the time nor $$ to make it a hobby. To snorkel all you need is a decent mask, snorkel tube, fins, and snorkel vest and you are set.

08-27-2004	#3 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Sweden Posts: 10,725	do a search for discover scuba and you should find lots of information. I've taken plenty of 45 year old novices on their first dives (I'm an instructor). The occasional holiday dive is not an expensive proposition. Well worth it. __________________ Get your own signature countdown image!

08-27-2004	#12 (permalink)
STOGEY Allah Akhbar Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: salisbury, mass. Posts: 10,574	scuba for novices I am 45 years old as well, and I just received my open water certification. I'm glad that I did it. I took one of the discover dives that they have at the AI that we stayed at last year. They have those discover dives almost anywhere you go, in the US or else where. Why don't you take one of those discover dives for yourself and see how you feel after. However for me one dive was not enough.

08-27-2004	#4 (permalink)
Katy2 toe in water Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Kansas City Missouri Posts: 45	The great question of all: Brink your own snorkel gear or rent when i get down there? If we rent, who best quality equipment? I'll do that now James TKS

08-27-2004	#5 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 32,820	We love to snorkel but on our next trip to Playa we are going to take a PADI 'Scuba Diver Course'...it is basically the first two days of the Open Water cert and is a cheaper alternative, while still giving you a card at the end so you can do future dives as long as there is a guide along. (We figured we will only be diving on vacation so that would work fine.) You could also take a 'Discover Scuba' course or a resort course for even cheaper to get a taste of what diving is like. It will cost us about $190 US which is a lot better than the over $400 to get the Open Water cert. Snorkeling is great but I have heard from many friends it simply doens't compare to scuba. There is so much more to see further down! But like Mark said, the Mayan Riviera area has some great snorkeling, we say tons of fish and turtles galore- if you haven't snorkeled try that first and go from there!

08-27-2004	#6 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 32,820	Bring your own snorkel gear! Then you don't have to worry about renting- it can be pricey and is a PITA! I am a strong swimmer and I don't need to use fins- saves room in the suitcase and the salt water makes you bouyant enough. If you can get a 'dry' snorkel- they allow you to dive down and no water gets down the tube - good for if it is wavy too. And a decent mask that fits properly and won't leak!

08-27-2004	#7 (permalink)
newsuz32 lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Beautiful Colorado ... Posts: 17	Someone told me there is also something called "snuba" for people who want more than snorkel, but not scuba certified. Is this well-known in the PDC area?

08-27-2004	#8 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 32,820	I think they only do it at Xaret for extra money, maybe at Xel Ha too? Not sure. Snorkeling on your own would be better than that- you are pretty restricted doing snuba.

08-27-2004	#9 (permalink)
Katy2 toe in water Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Kansas City Missouri Posts: 45	Does Playa Info Guide have a suggested site for Scuba novices? All i can find is ATV Tours and the FAt Cat. i just found some good suggestions.

08-27-2004	#10 (permalink)
denisea Forum Goddess Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: On the road to ruins... Posts: 7,033	Use the advanced search feature. Type in "discover scuba". Then type in "James" as the username. This will bring up all previous posts that James has posted regarding the Discover Scuba program. Snuba has also been discussed before. A search on "Snuba" will get you the info you are looking for quickly. Also if you google "Snuba" the first listing is for Snuba International which lists all snuba locations worldwide.

08-27-2004	#11 (permalink)
Katy2 toe in water Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Kansas City Missouri Posts: 45	James since you are an instructor, do you supervise any Discover Scuba trips. Since october is still in hurricane season, is it best to just wait till we get down here and go find us an approved place?

08-29-2004	#13 (permalink)
Jo Niiiice!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: With Quincy....... Posts: 6,150	Being one of the folks who used to guide divers around the underwater world in Playa I will have to jump in on this one of course. My personal opinion: while snorkeling is nice scuba is a whole different thing and wayyyyyyyyy better- not only regarding what you get to see, but also the feeling of "no gravity" is hard to be topped. Plus- while snorkeling you usually have to do more "fin-work" than when going on a nice dive with current. Just hanging in the current and floating by can be like meditation....so my vote is you definately should try scuba. Regarding courses: what James said!! Discover scuba is a good and not too expensive way to see wether you like it- and if you do you can usually slip right into an "Open Water" course. I wouldn't be concerned with your age. As long as you are healthy there is no age limit, really......Leni Riefenstahl (filmmaker of dubious fame during the Nazi-aera...) turned to scuba when she was well in her seventies and published wonderfun underwater pics. So there you go...... Re: snorkel gear...if you have your own you should bring it. Rental gear is often good quality as well BUT with your own gear you know it really fits you and is comfortable. Re: finding instructors/dive shops- I don't know where you are staying....but the bigger hotels usually have diveshops affiliated that are working well. If you're not staying in a hotel "Abyss" at the Blue Parrot is not a bad call I'd say. There are plenty of dive shops around anyhow- and if things haven't drastically changed they should almost all offer discover scuba. So- those were my two cents. Hope it helped a little......

08-30-2004	#14 (permalink)
oklahomajack life=playa Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: enid oklahoma Posts: 668	I come to Playa to Scuba along with other beach fun but while there in June I took the advance class, a little higher but not much, so I could go deeper,. The instructors in pdc seem to care more about what you learn than here in the states or at least where I got O.W. cert. at. Therefore when I am back in Dec. The 14 year old girl and 18 year old boy will be getting cert. in pdc. If you don't do it , you don't know what you will be missing!If you do get cert. while in PDC do it early into your vacation so you can dive multiple times before leaving.

register to remove these adverts

08-30-2004	#15 (permalink)
Katy2 toe in water Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Kansas City Missouri Posts: 45	What is the average cost for 2 people to learn Discover Scuba. We are staying at Xaman Ha Condo.