Scuba

[BadMoon]

Has anyone done this yet? Me and my wife are taking a cruise next April and are thinking about getting our license.

 

[user 1190]

I think it would depend on where you are going if you need to go as far a scuba. Some places snorkeling can be just as enjoyable. I have done scuba before and I actually prefer snorkeling, unless it requires you to be deep to see things.

 

[BadMoon]

We are going to various islands. They all offer Scuba. I don't just want to put my head under. All said though to get a PADI certificate is pretty expensive not to mention the class fees. Is it worth it?

 

[BadMoon]

I think it would depend on where you are going if you need to go as far a scuba. Some places snorkeling can be just as enjoyable. I have done scuba before and I actually prefer snorkeling, unless it requires you to be deep to see things.

Also I don't get snorkeling. I mean I can just stick my head up. Why wear something that lets me breathe only a few inches above water. Again I am a newb at this. My wife is yelling at me telling me I need to go all out with everything. Honestly if I am going to go under water I want to go under. If that makes sense.

 

[user 1190]

I see your point, I use to think the same way. When I was a kid I wanted to scuba in Hawaii not snorkle , but instead of the cheapy ones you find at sporting goods stores I used a high end one and what a difference, no water coming down the tube. With a good snorkle you can swim around all day and never have to look up. You can still dive down to get closer looks and most of them will drain most the water and you can blow the rest out. I spend lots of time in the water and unless I need to go deeper then maybe 20-30 ft I would prefer a snorkle. I think that the reason I like snorkling more is the freedom, scuba gear is much more cumbersom and expensive. Scuba is awsome if you are going to be going deeper and is a huge advantage in some places, but in some places both can be just a enjoyable.

You could grab a top of the line snorkle setup for less then a scuba corse too.

 

[Cocoboloboy]

I've been on a few cruises and I always love snorkeling too. I've never done the scuba thing but snorkeling is definitely alot of fun. The best time was on Aruba. I was able to dive quite a few feet down and see lots of fish and eels and what not and float around for a couple hours on the surface just staring at all the cool wildlife right in front of my face.
Don't shy away from it. It's definitely not lame when you do it in the right place.

 

[user 1190]

Not to mention, you could grab a lil better underwater camera or maybe a good underwater case for your camera. Be careful of these ones that only can go a few meters, but like Canon and Olympus have cases for some of their cameras that can go up to 190 ft and cost a couple hundred bucks.

 

[BadMoon]

I think you guys sold me. Thanks for your help. It certainly will be much more cheaper to go that route as well. Which means more figures and what not. LOL! Thanks again!

 

[user 1190]

Just make sure you get a good snorkle, a dry one is the best. I bad snorkle can ruin it real quick. The Googles and the Snorkle will be the most impotant peices.

 

[nash]

mark snorkels in his bathtub

 

[Cocoboloboy]

mark snorkels in his bathtub

...with his "googles" on.

 

[user 1190]

mark snorkels in his bathtub

Nah, I do it in Hawaii, you remeber that place, nice weather, clear water, good surf. I heard that there is better snorkling in south Dokota. Is that true?

 

[BadMoon]

Thanks for the information. I definately will be buying my own mask and snorkel. Should I buy fins as well?

 

[user 1190]

Thanks for the information. I definately will be buying my own mask and snorkel. Should I buy fins as well?

That would depend. If you find some that fit your feet well and are comfortable I would say yes, or if you will get god use of them then yes. The only down side is they can take up a fair amount of room when packing.

 

[Mudshark]

I think you guys sold me. Thanks for your help. It certainly will be much more cheaper to go that route as well. Which means more figures and what not. LOL! Thanks again!

Snorkeling around on and near the surface is loads of fun, but if you really want to have a good time of it, think about getting yourself some decent fins and a snorkeling vest. That will give you a lot more control and make your snorkeling experience more enjoyable. Whatever you do, buy your gear at a regular dive shop! That way you'll be sure you're getting nothing but the best quality equipment. They can also answer any questions you may have.

You might want to wear plenty of sunscreen, too, 'cause you get fried extra quick when you're busy swimming around looking at stuff. The great thing about using tanks and a regulator is that you can stay down and enjoy it all without having to come up for air continuously. Taking an open water course isn't cheap, but it's one hell of a good investment if you plan to get into diving seriously. I've been a certified diver for over 30 years and I'd highly recommend it. It's like taking a tour on a different world, but that doesn't begin to describe how cool it is! Hope this was of some help to you!

P.S. You can find fairly lightweight fins for snorkeling nowadays. Dive shops also rent equipment, which can save you lots of bucks if you only go once in a while.

 

[BadMoon]

Thanks Mudshark!

 

[nash]

That would depend. If you find some that fit your feet well and are comfortable I would say yes, or if you will get god use of them then yes. The only down side is they can take up a fair amount of room when packing.

im more of a muff diver myself

 

[Fritz]

Go for it, you'll have lots of fun.

Since I'm in the Northeast, I don't get to do much tropical diving although I did it once in Hawaii and a couple times in Florida. Most of my diving has been on wrecks in fresh water lakes up to 100'. I'm licensed with PADI but haven't really had much time for it the last few years for various reason.

 

[BadMoon]

Fritz I am from the north east as well. That is why I can't wait to go south.