If you are planning an upcoming trip to Turks and Caicos, or anywhere tropical, you are probably trying to plan out how you will spend your time. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two popular activities to do in Turks and Caicos. They each give you the ability to admire the beauty of the underwater marine life in a unique and special way. And if you’re planning on visiting Providenciales, then you are in for a real treat! Our most popular excursion is the Snorkel & Conch Cruise, and this area has some of the BEST marine life around! So what are the main differences between snorkeling and scuba diving? Do you need experience to do either? Let’s explore so you can decide which you want to do!
Scuba Diving
Go Deeper
Scuba diving allows you to explore deeper under the surface since you will have a compressed air tank with you. Scuba diving can allow you to get closer to marine life and see other underwater attractions such as caves or shipwrecks if there are any in the area.
Get a “Smoother” Experience
In general, when you are scuba diving vs. snorkeling, you get to go further under the water’s surface, which means you don’t experience any “roughness” that you may get on the top when snorkeling. However, the deeper you are underwater, the more affected you are by the strength and direction of water currents. But with a good instructor, they should be aware of this and use it to your advantage to save air.
Necessary Skills & Preparation
When you decide to go scuba diving, there are some skills you will need. First of all, you will need to be confident in your swimming skills so that you can navigate your way underwater. But perhaps the most important way you will need to prepare is by undergoing paid formal training to be able to participate. You will need to find a diving agency where someone can teach you to become certified, and sometimes this will cost you a pretty penny. An entry-level course will teach you safety skills, how to navigate underwater, and how to use the breathing equipment. Once you have done this, you will complete your first open water dive under the guidance of your expert instructor. Once you’ve accomplished all of this, you will get an Open Water Diver Certification.
Who Can Learn?
Almost anyone can learn to scuba dive if you are over the age of about 12-15 (ages may vary). But, you do need to be somewhat fit and healthy. People who have heart or lung conditions, such as asthma, may not be able to participate. Women who are pregnant are also advised to avoid scuba diving. Check with the scuba company you plan to use about any health conditions you have before you pay for anything.
Snorkeling
View the Beauty Surrounding You
Snorkeling in Turks and Caicos allows you to take in the beautiful marine life such as coral reefs, fish, and even dolphins, from the surface of the water. While you may not think you can get as close to the marine life with snorkeling, you actually may see just as much activity from the surface! Many of the most playful and colorful fish stay closer to the surface than you might think!
Take Your Time
When snorkeling, you can spend as much time with your face down in the water as you want! Just don’t forget to reapply reef safe sunscreen or wear a rashguard, or you’ll end up with a burnt backside. With scuba diving, you will be limited to how long you can stay underwater since it requires an air tank. Hith snorkeling, you still have the option to dive deeper underwater for as long as you can hold your breath!
Necessary Skills & Preparation
Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling requires little to no preparation, other than knowing how to swim and being able to float! All you need is a mask and a snorkel! With snorkeling, there is no risk for decompression sickness like there is with scuba diving.
Who Can Learn?
Anyone can learn how to snorkel! It is as easy as learning how to stay afloat and breath through the mouthpiece!
Take a Snorkeling Adventure in Turks and Caicos
Caicos Dream Tours, located in Providenciales near Grace Bay Beach, offers Turks and Caicos tours personalized snorkeling, fishing, and water sports adventures for the whole family! The “Snorkel and Conch Cruise” Snorkeling Tour in Turks and Caicos is the most popular excursion, giving tourists a 4 hour trip to explore the island and see the incredible marine life up close and personal! Much of the Turks and Caicos island is home to dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and is surrounded by barrier reefs, making this one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in the world! Contact Caicos Dream Tours today to schedule your adventure!