The best diving and snorkelling tours
Diving and Snorkelling
How to go diving - some helpful snorkelling tips
In 2020, it was reported that there were 2.59 million scuba diving participants in the USA, most of which were casual (1.88 million).
With 80% of the world's oceans remaining unexplored, diving and snorkelling are two popular ways to experience an adventure like no other.
From Australia's Great Barrier Reef to Hawaii's famous beaches, we even offer more unique snorkelling experiences like sea snorkeling in the coral reef of Mesoamerica - an outstanding cenote and cave just waiting to be explored!
Ready to dive in?
According to the experts at Royal Life Saving Australia, there are a number of steps you can follow to ensure a safe diving or snorkelling experience.
Diving & snorkelling safety tips
Before diving or snorkelling, consider getting a medical check - preferably by specialist diving doctor. This is strongly advised for people aged 45 years and over and for anyone with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, a heart or respiratory condition, a neurological condition (eg, epilepsy), or ear or sinus problems. When choosing your equipment, ensure that it fits correctly. It may feel strange if you're new to diving or snorkelling...but that's what the operator is there for! Ask the experts if you have any questions.
On the day
Ensure you are feeling well enough for diving (and free from the effects of alcohol or drugs). We also suggest checking the weather forecast, current weather, and water conditions before you go.
Be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back and ALWAYS stick to the buddy system when out in the water. Hydration is also super important...so drink up!
When you get to the location
Look for and read any safety signs and even ask locals for advice about the conditions and potential hazards.
Spend some time observing the water conditions before diving or snorkelling also, although the tour operator will also be there to ensure conditions are safe enough to partake in the tour.
Diving & Snorkelling FAQs
What’s the difference between scuba diving and snorkelling?
The difference between scuba diving and snorkelling is really quite simple - being how deep you go into the water. Snorkellers enjoy viewing the underwater world while floating close to the surface, however scuba divers stay underwater longer as they maneuver their way around with an oxygen tank, exploring coral reefs and marine life.
This 4 Day Learn to Dive Certifcation course starts with two days of classroom/dive pool training conducted at Port Douglas' only purpose-built PADI 5 Star IDC dive facility, and is then followed by two days of practical training on the Great Barrier Reef - conducted onboard a modern dive and snorkel catamaran, with access to some of the regions most pristine dive sites.
Alternativly, snorkeling is a great experience for the whole family and a good place to start before learning to scuba dive. This Turtle Canyon Snorkel and Swim tour in Honolulu is perfect for all ages, giving the whole family a chance to experience Hawaii's magnificent marine life.
Can non-swimmers go snorkelling?
While you don't necessarily need to know how to swim in order to go snorkelling, having confidence in the water definitely helps.
The use of floatation aids like snorkel vests and floaties are usually available to help keep swimmers afloat; although snorkelling generally happens in shallow areas where swimming is not required anyway.
What animals might you see when snorkelling?
This all depends on where and when you snorkel.
For example, this Snorkel Tour of Julian Rocks Marine Reserve in Byron Bay gives you the opportunity to snorkel alongside sea turtles, manta rays and tropical fish.
While over in Hawaii, this Night Manta Snorkelling Experience has been named by the Travel Channel as one of the 10 things you must do in your lifetime, and is a unique and singular experience where you can swim with creatures as large as 16ft...at night!
Can children go snorkelling?
Yes!
What should you not do while snorkelling?
The best advice we have for anyone snorkelling...do not touch anything.
We also suggest using your fins to propel you (rather than swimming with your hands) and also remaining aware of your surrounding environment, current changes and your neighbours...both of the human and aquatic kind.
Book your snorkelling and diving tour today!
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Why wait? It's time to take the dive.