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Do your friends all say this: "How come there are two types of diving: floating on the surface and sinking to the bottom? They both feel like diving, so what's the difference?"
snorkeling
Deep Dive
There are actually two types of diving: snorkeling and deep diving. This is a common topic for most tourists, who often want to learn about diving but don't know where to begin. Don't worry, here's a mother's guide to snorkeling and deep diving. Read this to enrich your diving knowledge and impress everyone around you!
Snorkeling is a relatively relaxing water activity. Participants typically float on the surface, breathing in and out through a snorkel, observing coral reefs, schools of fish, and the underwater landscape. Snorkeling is typically practiced in shallow waters and requires no oxygen tanks or specialized training, making it suitable for most tourists. If you're interested in diving, snorkeling is a good starting point.
Snorkeling is done in shallow waters, primarily to observe the creatures in the coral reef ecosystem. Although their species and sizes are not as abundant and large as those seen during deep diving, they are still very colorful.
1. Tropical fish: Colorful tropical fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, etc. swim near the coral reefs.
2. Coral Reefs: The corals in shallow water areas are mostly vibrant and colorful soft corals and hard corals.
3. Sea turtles: In some coral reef reserves, you may see young sea turtles swimming around.
4. Benthic organisms: Starfish, sea urchins, shellfish and other small invertebrates are common sights when snorkeling.
1. The three essentials for snorkeling (mask, snorkel, and fins)
2. Diving socks (to prevent coral scratches)
3. Dry clothes (sun protection)
Mermaid, this legendary mysterious creature, has been full of various fascinating legends since ancient times. Those stories, whether sad or romantic, make people fascinated.
Speaking of mermaids, there's a place called Mantanani Island in Malaysia in Southeast Asia. Are there really mermaids there? It evokes endless reverie of mystery and beauty in many people.
Mermaid Island is a famous island in Sabah. It is quiet and beautiful. It got its name because "mermaids" once appeared in the nearby waters - actually wild manatees.
The pristine natural landscape here is a photographer's paradise. The soft white sand beaches, the welcoming Longusi people, and the swaying coconut trees all offer stunning photo opportunities. The sand is white and fine, and the water is crystal clear, practically visible to the bottom. Far from mainland interference, the island's birds have no natural predators, making it a natural haven for a diverse range of species.
The most distinctive feature here is, of course, snorkeling. Because it is far away from the land, the marine ecology around Mermaid Island is very well protected. Snorkeling allows you to see colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of tropical fish on the seabed.
Kanawa Island is a jewel in the Flores archipelago of East Nusa Tenggara. Despite its mere 32 hectares, Kanawa Island boasts unforgettable natural beauty. This small island is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and underwater wonders.
This is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Not only are the beaches beautiful and charming, but the nearby underwater park is also a diving destination not to be missed. The turquoise waters nearby merge with the azure ocean, creating a breathtaking scene.
The island's coral gardens are a major attraction. The waters are crystal clear, and the coral reef ecosystem is healthy and abundant, a treasure trove of marine biodiversity. Divers can admire a dazzling array of corals, as well as tropical fish, turtles, and other marine life. The coral reefs, in particular, boast a diverse array of shapes and vibrant colors, creating a dreamlike underwater world.
In short, Kanawa Island is a small but beautiful place. Its natural scenery and underwater wonders make it a rare tourist destination for both beach lovers and diving adventurers.
This tropical paradise consists of three charming islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. Located on the northwest coast of Lombok, they have turquoise waters, white sand beaches and abundant marine life, making them perfect for snorkeling and relaxing vacations.
The waters of the Gili Islands are crystal clear, allowing snorkelers to admire vibrant coral reefs and a rich marine life in shallow waters, including tropical fish, turtles, and even reef sharks. The most unique snorkeling spots include the following.
1. Turtle Point: This is one of the favorite places for snorkelers. Green turtles can be seen leisurely foraging in the seagrass almost every day.
2. Bask Nest Sculpture: This is a highlight of Gili Meno. The sculptures are submerged in water and surrounded by corals, making it a popular photo spot for snorkeling and free diving.
The Gili Islands are not only a snorkeler's paradise, but also renowned for their laid-back atmosphere. Without the hustle and bustle of a major city, or even cars or motorcycles, visitors can only travel around the islands on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage. In the evenings, beachfront bars and restaurants host bonfires and parties, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning sunset.
Although the Gili Islands are suitable for snorkeling all year round, the dry season from April to November is the best time. Tourists who want to relax and have a vacation should remember to go during this period!
Raja Ampat has one of the richest and most diverse marine habitats in the world, with crystal clear waters and warm waters that nurture countless colorful marine life.
Diving into this magical sea, you'll feel like entering a vibrant underwater kingdom. You'll see a variety of corals, each shaped like a deer's antlers or a tree branch, gently swaying in the water like a dreamlike forest. These corals are not only home to marine life but also stunning works of art gifted to us by nature.
Dugongs are a unique species in this sea. Dugongs, also known as "mermaids," are gentle creatures with large, round bodies. They feed on seagrasses and are often found in shallow waters.
If you are lucky enough to see dugongs in the waters of Raja Ampat, you will be captivated by their adorable appearance. They swim slowly in the sea, occasionally surfacing to breathe and diving underwater to feed, adding a mysterious and romantic atmosphere to this sea area.
Besides dugongs, Raja Ampat is home to a wealth of stunning marine life. Schools of colorful tropical fish swim around you, adorning the underwater world like sparkling gems.
Giant sea turtles slowly swim by, the lines on their bodies seeming to record the traces of time, exuding an ancient and mysterious atmosphere. There are also strangely shaped octopuses, snarling lobsters, and various unnamed marine creatures, making every dive full of surprises and touching moments.
Raja Ampat is not only known for its spectacular underwater world, but also for its stunning natural scenery. The pristine white beaches are like an endless painting, their fine, soft sand shimmering with golden light under the sunlight.
Strolling along the beach, you can feel the gentle sea breeze and listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, as if all your worries are being washed away by these gentle waves. The island's lush tropical rainforest is a treasure trove of nature, home to a variety of rare plants and animals.
Deep diving, also known as scuba diving, involves carrying oxygen tanks and using equipment such as a regulator, allowing divers to breathe freely underwater and explore the deep underwater world. Due to its unique characteristics, deep diving requires high technical and physical fitness, and professional training and certification. There are also additional safety regulations to consider, such as depth and time limits, as well as mandatory safety stops.
Usually, deep diving allows you to go 30 meters or even deeper into the seabed, and get close to large marine life and mysterious shipwrecks.
Since deep diving allows people to reach deeper into the ocean, you will have the opportunity to come into contact with more mysterious and large marine creatures. These deep-water species are often not seen in shallow waters, making your deep-water diving experience even more shocking.
1. Large marine life: including sharks (such as gray reef sharks and hammerhead sharks), manta rays, sea turtles, etc.
2. Deep sea corals: The coral reefs at depths are rich in species and have deeper colors.
3. Seabed shipwrecks and cave creatures: Some shipwrecks are surrounded by schools of fish and benthic creatures, such as lionfish, moray eels, etc.
4. Cold water creatures: During deep diving, you may sometimes encounter a sudden drop in water temperature, and the biological community will change accordingly. Various unique creatures in the deep water area will appear in your field of vision.
1. Scuba equipment mask
2. Counterweight
3. Flippers
4. Wetsuit
5. Computer watch
6. BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
7. Regulator
8. Diving accessories (flashlight, inflatable buoyancy column, reel, diving knife, ding ding rod, etc.)
Many tourists may be unfamiliar with the concept of a BCD. What is it and why have they never heard of it? Please read the following carefully to fully understand this essential piece of diving equipment.
BCD, short for Buoyancy Control Device, is a core component of diving equipment, used to help divers control their buoyancy in the water, maintaining neutral buoyancy at different depths, and ascending or descending.
The main components of BCD:
1. Backplate and shoulder straps - BCDs are usually equipped with a backplate and shoulder straps to secure them to the diver and keep them in place during underwater activities.
2. The bladder - The bladder is the core of your BCD. Buoyancy is adjusted by adding or removing air. When inflated, the bladder expands, increasing buoyancy; when deflated, it contracts, reducing buoyancy.
3. Inflation/Deflation Device - The BCD is equipped with an inflation and deflation device, including a manual inflation button, a low-pressure inflation valve, and an exhaust valve. These devices allow the diver to precisely control the amount of gas in the air bag and thus adjust the buoyancy.
4. Waist and chest straps - These straps are used to further secure the BCD, ensuring stability and comfort when the diver is underwater.
Sipadan, also known as Sipadan, is an island near Semporna, known as "God's Aquarium." Once a dormant volcano, how did it become a secret destination for holiday diving?
Sipadan's popularity was actually boosted by a film from the last century: the 1964 French Oscar-winning documentary film "World Without Sun," which unveiled Sipadan's allure. The film depicts a world completely new to humanity: the seabed.
When it comes to exploring the underwater world, deep diving is undoubtedly a good opportunity for ordinary people to enjoy the beautiful sea view.
Sipadan is a treasure trove of deep diving. Jack Storm, Sea Wolf Storm, and Ghost Tomb, names that would shock most people, are unparalleled underwater landscapes.
Take Ghost Tomb, for example. This natural cave system is located near the Drop Off site, at a depth of approximately 15 meters. This complex cave system has numerous branching caves, and sea turtles sometimes swim into the caves to rest. Upon waking, they may find themselves unable to find the exit and end up trapped. Consequently, the caves are home to numerous sea turtle skeletons, earning them the nickname "Ghost Tomb."
For example, in Sea Wolf Storm, you are in a weightless sea, with thousands of fish swimming around you, and the shimmering fish scales create a magnificent and dreamy underwater world for you.
All the beautiful views of Sipadan are on the seabed. After all, the islands exposed to the sea are small and can be visited in less than 20 minutes.
Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. It has clear waters and is suitable for family trips.
A shining pearl of Southeast Asian tourism, it skillfully blends magnificent natural scenery with fascinating cultural attractions. Here, your journey might begin with exploring ancient primates in the dense jungle; then you can immerse yourself in the unique architecture of the island; finally, on a beach, you can empty your mind and enjoy a moment of tranquility and beauty.
The Balicasag Fault is one of the world's most famous submarine faults, said to have a 1,000-meter drop to the bottom. This dive site is characterized by its drastically plunging cliffs, from shallows to the bottomless depths. Divers can experience the instantaneous change from shallow water to deep sea, a powerful visual and diving experience that has attracted countless diving enthusiasts.
Balicasag Island's underwater world is equally vibrant, boasting a dazzling array of corals, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, starfish, and other marine life. You'll also have the opportunity to witness spectacular jackfish storms. The waters are crystal clear, offering exceptional visibility. Sunlight penetrates directly to the seabed, accentuating the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life. Divers can experience the thrill of swimming alongside the marine life, feeling as if they've entered a vast natural aquarium.
Okinawa, located at the southernmost tip of Japan, is a chain of islands. Once an independent kingdom, it is also the birthplace of karate. Here, you can explore the unique island culture and bask in the warm subtropical sunshine. With an average annual temperature of around 23°C, even in winter, you can enjoy the warm sunshine and soothing sea breeze. Walk along long, fine white sands and through magnificent mangroves, discovering the traces of Ryukyu history.
The marine biodiversity here is extremely rich, making it a dream destination for diving enthusiasts. Here, you can dance with the storm of hammerhead sharks and experience the ultimate charm of deep diving.
Yonaguni Island, part of Okinawa, is famous for its hammerhead shark storms. From January to March, when hammerhead shark sightings are most likely, divers have the opportunity to swim alongside schools of them. Like a well-trained army, these sharks gracefully swim around you. Their unique appearance, with broad heads and towering dorsal fins, makes you marvel at the wonders of nature's creativity.
Tulamben in Bali is known as one of the 50 most beautiful diving spots in the world. Its clear water and high visibility make it an excellent place for deep diving.
One of Tulamben's most distinctive features is its underwater wreck of the USS Liberty, a World War II-era shipwreck. Located just 40 meters from shore, the wreck has become a vibrant underwater ecosystem, attracting approximately 400 species of fish, including sharks, dragon-headed parrotfish, giant groupers, and other large marine life. With depths ranging from just 5 meters at the shallow end to 30 meters at the deepest, the wreck is suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Besides the wreck, Tulamben boasts several dive sites, including Coral Garden, Batu Kelepit, and Batu Niti, each with its own unique underwater landscape and biodiversity. For example, Coral Garden is a vibrant underwater oasis where divers can spot reef dwellers such as clownfish and parrotfish. Batu Kelepit, with its underwater canyons and crevices, is a haven for macro photographers.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, Tulamben offers dive sites suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced professionals. The gentle currents and warm water temperatures, typically ranging from 26°C to 29°C, provide comfortable diving conditions. Visibility at the dive sites typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, offering excellent underwater visibility.
Tulamben is also a great place to see sunfish. From July to October each year, these graceful ocean giants rise to shallower waters due to cooling water temperatures, offering divers the opportunity to get up close and personal with them. During this time, divers can also expect to see manta rays, reef sharks, and other tropical fish.
This is one of the world's famous diving sites, attracting diving enthusiasts from all over the world for its spectacular underwater stalagmites and rich marine life.
The Blue Hole Dive is a full-day trip with three dives, including the Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye Wall, and Long Caye Aquarium. It's a unique experience for those wanting to experience the Blue Hole. The dive depth is approximately 40 meters, and an Advanced Owl (AOW) certification is required.
This itinerary is ideal for experienced divers and is considered one of the "must-see" diving destinations. Tourists who are not yet advanced divers are encouraged to upgrade their diving level first.
Snorkeling is relatively inexpensive. Apart from the cost of basic equipment (such as snorkeling mask, snorkel and fins), there are usually no additional charges. There is also no time limit, making it very suitable for tourists who want to experience the underwater world in a relaxed manner.
Deep diving is charged per dive, with fees varying depending on whether the diver holds a certification. Without a certification, participants can only take a trial dive, with depths ranging from 0 to 10 meters, costing approximately 300 to 350 yuan per dive. Open Water Diver certification allows diving to 18 meters, while AOW (Advanced Open Water Diver) certification allows diving to 30 meters. The cost of these dives is approximately 250 yuan per dive.
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest diving training organization, providing diving courses and certifications for all levels from beginners to professionals.
Among them, OW (Open Water Diver) and AOW (Advanced Open Water Diver) are two very popular diver levels in the PADI system.
OW is the entry-level diving level that allows divers to free dive to a depth of 18 meters. The main course includes the following.
1. Theoretical learning: including basic knowledge of diving physiology, diving equipment, diving planning, diving techniques, diving environment, etc.
2. Restricted Water Diving: Practice diving techniques in a swimming pool or similar environment.
3. Open Water Diving: Diving practice in a real ocean environment, usually including four dives with a depth of no more than 18 meters.
After completing the OW course, divers can engage in recreational diving worldwide.
AOW is an advanced course of OW, which allows divers to dive to a depth of 30 meters. The AOW course consists of 5 dives in total, including 5 adventure diving projects, 2 compulsory courses and 3 electives.
1. Compulsory subjects:
1. Deep Dive: At a depth of no more than 30 meters, you'll experience a series of fascinating experiments that will allow you to experience the effects of water depth on pressure, color, gas intoxication, no-stop time, and gas usage. Most importantly, you'll strictly adhere to the computer's instructions and develop a sense of layered diving.
2. Underwater Navigation: You need to be able to use a compass for "four-way navigation" and "triangulation navigation", and you also need to understand the methods of natural terrain navigation (sun, underwater environment, depth, landmarks).
2. Elective subjects (select at least 3):
1. Night Diving: Dive at night and experience a different underwater world.
2. Wreck Diving: Explore underwater shipwrecks.
3. Underwater Photography: Learn how to take photos underwater.
4. Peak Neutral Buoyancy: Improve diving skills and learn to better control buoyancy.
5. Search and Recovery: Learn search techniques and methods to recover lost items.
6. Enriched Air Diving: Learn the benefits and techniques of diving with enriched air.
7. Fish identification: Increase understanding of marine life.
After completing the AOW course, divers can dive to a depth of 30 meters and can dive safely in more diving environments.
By now, tourists are undoubtedly well-versed in scuba diving and snorkeling. Are you eager to experience it for yourself? Now, close your eyes and imagine what you'll encounter when you don your wetsuit and goggles and descend into that mysterious blue world.
