What Is the Difference Between Snorkeling and Scuba Diving?

 

There are a lot of popular water sport activities around, which is why you might be asking "what is the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving?" If you think about it, there really isn't any major difference. Both activities require you to immerse yourself in the water in some way or another. This is because water acts as our largest organ, and it is responsible for providing us with oxygen. While diving provides the experience of breathing under the water or being underwater, snorkeling also provides an experience of being submerged at various depths.

These experiences all share the common ground of exploring strange and wonderful new things under the water. What separates snorkeling from scuba diving however, is the equipment used. In the ocean, there is a phenomenon known as buoyancy. This refers to the air pressure within the water that helps it rise to the surface and stay afloat. This is completely different than breathing air in a scuba diving regulator, and the diver needs to make sure that their air pressure is correct when they are under water.

There are basically two ways to accomplish this task; the first is by using a breathing mask and air compressor, or regulator. The second is by breathing air through a tube, usually on a set of lead weights. In either case, the diver will need to maintain a steady supply of air, because both high and low pressure underwater require different amounts of air pressure to stay afloat. Since the air is being used to propel you underwater, it needs to be replaced regularly, which is where the snorkeling equipment comes into play.

The next piece of equipment is the snorkel. The snorkel is a tube-shaped apparatus that allows divers to breathe underwater. Because diving equipment is heavy, it needs to be placed very close to the diver. When air pressure is low, a tube in the snorkel can push air up to the diver, keeping him/her underwater. When air pressure is high, the tube has a reservoir that can be filled with air before another tube is used to take a breath.

Lastly, scuba diving has its own sets of equipment. Two of the most common are snorkels and tanks. Snorkels are basically an above-water vessel that allows the user to explore under the water, much like a boat would. They are larger than normal boats, often times containing several cabins for relaxation or to hold meals. For scuba diving, a tank is a specially-designed container with a water pump and filter that hold the water.

If you were just beginning to learn about scuba diving, you would probably be wondering what the difference is between snorkeling and scuba diving. It is important to understand the differences between the two before beginning your first session. As you get more comfortable with your ability to dive, you will be able to take it to new depths and discover new things. But for now, enjoy the beauty of the oceans and the tranquility of the water.