Scuba diving and snorkeling are two activities that have a number of factors in common. The most important factor is that both activities involve exploration of the underwater world. Both of these activities have other similarities and differences. Additional similarities include the knowledge of how to use masks, snorkels, and fins. Although they share these similarities scuba diving and snorkeling have some key differences to them.
Snorkeling Basics
Individuals that are interested in snorkeling are not required to have any special type of training. The main requirements for snorkeling include an ability to swim, and knowing how to properly use basic equipment that includes a mask, snorkel, and fins. Additionally, in order to go snorkeling since there is no oxygen tank involved, snorkelers also need to know how to hold their breath underwater. Knowing how to breathe underwater is only necessary in snorkeling if you submerge your head to a depth where your L or J shaped tube with mouthpiece is also completely submerged.
Typically, it is not recommended that the snorkel tube is submerged underwater as it can become flooded underwater. When this does happen, returning to the surface of the water or taking a deep breath and exhaling sharply will push the water out of the snorkel tube.
Scuba Diving Basics
Unlike snorkeling, there is special training and certification required in order to be able to go scuba diving. Additionally, scuba divers have additional equipment that snorkelers do not use. Scuba divers use a mask, fins, diving suit, a mouthpiece, and an oxygen tank with a regulator. Scuba divers do not need to be able to hold their breath underwater, as they have a source of oxygen that allows them to breathe underwater at much greater depths than snorkelers.
Scuba divers also have the ability to stay under the service of the water for greater periods. Whereas snorkelers tend to spend the major of their time in shallow waters, scuba divers go dive to greater depths to explore things snorkelers are unable to see because of their lack of equipment.
Scuba divers do face many potential health problems when they go for a dive that snorkelers do not face. There is the possibility for oxygen toxicity, decompression sickness, and other physical condition, in extreme cases death is possible. Proper training and knowledge of how things work when underwater can prevent the majority of these issues from occurring.
Scuba diving and snorkeling both offer fabulous adventures for those that are willing to enjoy these water activities.
Nelly Bee