Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Which Is Better?
When on a vacation you may wonder which activity to go for especially if you’ve never gone snorkeling or scuba diving. If you are just getting started in water activities you may have several questions about which is better or which to start with.
Snorkeling gives you a surface view of the underwater world using little equipment, at a very affordable price and no prior training is required. On the other hand, scuba diving allows you to fully immerse your body deeper into the water to explore other hidden features and creatures underwater. Scuba diving requires diving gear and equipment, prior training, and certification, and it can be quite expensive, especially for a beginner.
Scuba diving and snorkeling both have their fair share of advantages and some cons which I’ll discuss shortly in this article. If you have a deep interest in exploring the water and the world beneath, both activities are great.
From a beginner’s perspective, snorkeling may seem like the better option but this doesn’t necessarily mean scuba diving isn’t good. I think the sole decision lies with the individual, I love scuba diving but there are many times when I enjoyed snorkeling in certain locations more than scuba diving.
Below we’ll look into some differences, similarities, and other features in each activity to further help you decide on which to go for.
Let’s get into it!
Is Scuba Diving Easier Than Snorkeling
No, scuba diving is not easier compared to snorkeling.
Scuba diving especially for a complete beginner with no prior training can be very difficult and dangerous. Diving schools or agencies offer basic training (Discover Scuba Diving) to those wishing to explore the water a little deeper.
In Discover Scuba Diving classes you learn skills on how to use the equipment, how to descend and ascend to prevent injuries or the bends as well as how to behave and interact with the creatures underwater.
Snorkeling doesn’t require much training as it only involves floating on the water’s surface and enjoying the view below you.
Anyone can go snorkeling at any time as long as they can float in water. Even a non-swimmer can go snorkeling with no prior training.
Since snorkeling is mainly done on the surface, it’s easier to get out of the water or ask for help from your friends when trouble arises.
Snorkeling is easier given that snorkelers breathe normal air, unlike scuba diving where divers use compressed air which also increases the chances of absorbing more nitrogen.
Snorkelers don’t require a wetsuit each time they go snorkeling. Most of the time people snorkel in a swimsuit making it an easier and more convenient activity compared to scuba diving.
When taking a boat tour, you can easily jump into the water with a life jacket and a swimsuit especially if you don’t know how to float or swim. Those with swimming or snorkeling experience may not need a life jacket in most cases.
I love #scuba and the #oceans generally, and today my 5 yr old tried snorkeling for the first time. So proud pic.twitter.com/oqLzouLEdo
— Brett Hogan (@OnTheToe) January 24, 2021
Is scuba diving safer than snorkeling
Both activities are safe but more caution and proper use of scuba diving gear and equipment are necessary for utmost safety.
Snorkeling is safer than scuba diving since you are on the water’s surface breathing normal air and you can quickly get out of the water or raise your head above the water.
Getting out of the water quickly when scuba diving can result in diving injuries such as barotrauma, lung expansion, or decompression sickness. Divers ascend slowly allowing the body enough time to release the excess nitrogen absorbed when underwater.
This means that when challenges or risks arise when scuba diving you can’t simply get out of the water quickly as you would in snorkeling.
Training and certifications in scuba diving equip divers with the necessary skills to handle risks underwater while minimizing injuries.
Scuba diving is safer if the diver has proper training and knows how to handle different situations. Novice divers may find scuba diving riskier than snorkeling since they lack the skills.
READ MORE: What Is the Difference between Free Diving and Scuba Diving
What Is the Basic Equipment in Snorkeling
To go snorkeling basic equipment required is a snorkel, a mask, or a mask with a snorkel and fins.
The mask allows snorkelers to view underwater in a panoramic view. A snorkeling mask has a wider view window compared to a scuba diving mask.
Masks protect the eyes from salty water, objects, or water animals. Masks that come as a single unit of a mask and a snorkel can be easier to use compared to having a snorkel in the mouth. This of course differs among individuals.
The snorkel is large and goes from the mouth to the water surface making it easier to breathe. Sometimes water can get into the snorkel from small water waves. Simply remove your head from the water and clear the snorkel.
Fins are used to help you move forward by lightly kicking the water. I have seen many snorkelers go snorkeling without fins, of course, they were good swimmers and able to float on the water. For beginners, it’s advisable to wear snorkeling fins.
Other equipment and gear used in snorkeling include;
- Wetsuits
- Life jackets
- Snorkel camera
- Rashguard
Wetsuits help keep you warm when in water and may be necessary, especially when snorkeling in cold water. These however are not that common among many snorkelers, swimsuits are a preferred option.
Life jackets are necessary especially for beginners in snorkeling, they protect you from sinking. Generally, you are required to wear a life jacket when going on a boat tour and many guides will encourage you to put them on even when snorkeling for your safety.
Snorkel cameras are good for capturing memories of beautiful views. The cameras are usually small and very light so you can attach them to your mask or strap them to your head.
Rashguards help protect your skin from the sun or bruises from objects floating in the water.
The additional gear and equipment are not a must-have when snorkeling but no harm in including them as part of your gear.
If you just want to enjoy snorkeling all you need is a mask, snorkel, and snorkeling fins.
Read More: Best Snorkel Vest for Non-Swimmers
Basic Equipment in Scuba Diving
Basic equipment in scuba diving includes;
- A diving mask
- Wetsuit
- Aluminum air cylinder
- Diving fins
- Regulator
- BCD (buoyancy compensation device)
- Diving weights
- Diving knife
Divers must wear wetsuits to help keep them warm as well as protect them from harmful UV rays.
It’s difficult to keep your eyes open underwater, a diving mask help protect divers from injuring their eyes and helps them see underwater.
BCDs help in maintaining buoyancy while in water making diving easier. Diving weights counter the buoyancy to help the diver stay in water otherwise it would be very difficult to remain underwater and explore.
Diving fins are designed to help divers move around in the water without using up a lot of energy. The technology used in manufacturing diving fins allows strong and powerful thrusts each time the diver wants to move from one point to the next.
The air cylinder contains the air to use when diving which is made available through the regulator. This connects the air cylinder to the diver’s mouth.
Scuba divers also carry other equipment and accessories depending on the purpose of their dive. These include underwater cameras for videography/photography among others.
Good diving gear can be costly especially if you only go scuba diving once in 6 months. The good news is that you can rent the gear at scuba diving spots across the world.
Similarities of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Similarities in scuba diving and snorkeling include
- Both activities allow you to view and explore the underwater world
- Scuba diving and snorkeling are good activities to relax and have multiple benefits both physical and emotional. Water therapy is known to help individuals heal as it calms the body and mind.
- Both are common water activities for those wanting to explore the underwater world
- Nonswimmers can participate in both activities as they are easy to learn
- Both can be considered lazy sports
Differences between Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Scuba Diving |
Snorkeling |
| Divers breathe compressed air | Snorkelers breathe normal surface air |
| Allows you to explore deep underwater into caves, and shipwrecks | Only surface-level view of the underwater world |
| Scuba diving helps you interact with marine life as it allows close contact | Snorkelers can only watch the marine life in their habitat, there is not much close contact |
| Scuba diving is costly | Very affordable |
| Requires good health and physical fitness | Snorkeling doesn’t require maintaining a physical fitness routine |
| Scuba diving allows you to travel to different dive spots, meet new diver friends from all over the world | There isn’t much of a snorkel spot culture, snorkelers don’t have to travel a lot to snorkel |
| Divers can advance their diving skills and expertise.
Different diving levels present new skills and opportunities. | There isn’t much room for improvement or advancement of snorkeling skills since it’s all done on the water surface |
| Has certifications | No certifications |
| Requires prior training | No prior training required |
| Uses more specialized diving gear and equipment | No specialized equipment |
| Allows exploration of more water environments including frozen water in ice diving | You can only snorkel in clearwater |
Final Take
We’ve looked into the differences and similarities between snorkeling and scuba diving. Each activity has its pros and cons making each unique and fun in its own way.
When deciding whether to go snorkeling or scuba diving, the decision will be influenced by various factors such as funds available, gear available, diving depth, and skills. You can go snorkeling without any prior training but you will require some training to go scuba diving for the first time.
The decision on which is better scuba diving or snorkeling will vary from one individual to another. You can always start with snorkeling then sign up for scuba diving classes later.
Having both skills is even better meaning you can enjoy both activities anytime you want to.
I hope this article provides useful information for you.
Thank you and happy diving or snorkeling.
