You’ve probably heard that 71 percent of the earth is covered in water. Did you know that the ocean holds about 96 percent of it? SCUBA diving has grown in popularity and accessibility since many people can readily explore the ocean all around the world. Whether you are on vacation or live near the sea, this fun, non-competitive underwater sport is ready to take you on an adventure.
Some people may not know there are a variety of SCUBA diving courses available to them. You can either learn to dive from or maximize the day by diving from a boat, sometimes reaching harder to get to spots.
Here we go over the pros and cons of both SCUBA diving types so that you can choose the right venture for your first time:
Shore Diving
Pros
Shore diving is a great way to save a little money when SCUBA diving. You walk to your dive spot which allows you to avoid the added cost associated with traveling by boat.
Learning to SCUBA dive from the shore means you can avoid a longer trip. Reaching the destination can be a lot quicker than riding in a boat which means you can learn to dive without it becoming a half day or an all-day thing.
You can drive yourself to some sites and venture out on your own if you’ve already received your SCUBA diving certification. This means you get to enjoy your under the sea journey without an itinerary though some are tide dependent.
We have a world famous Shore Diving right here on Singer Island in Florida. The Blue Heron Bridge is world renown for macro photography, it’s only 23 feet deep and a short walk from the parking lot to the water.
Cons
You may find it harder to reach the dive site while in your gear. The dynamic of entering the water can feel restrictive since you have to suit up before going in.
It may be strenuous to get back to shore especially if you are tired from your SCUBA lessons or leisure dive. The gear can feel a lot heavier if you're already tired from the expedition.
You might see less when shore diving because most shore dive sites don't feature shipwrecks or pelagic fish.
Also, snorkels…bleh. When we’re drift diving here in Palm Beach County, snorkels aren’t as helpful as they are before or after shore dives or anchor dives from a boat.
Boat Diving
Pros
Allows you to reach sites that are hard to access from the shore. These sites typically offer more diverse ecosystems or even shipwrecks.
Learning to dive on a boat is great because you don’t have to worry about lugging your gear around. Instead, the boat ride can be a time to relax and take in the views until you reach your destination.
Depending on what your tour offers, some SCUBA diving lessons allow you to take off your gear and hand it to the boat crew. This extra touch can make it easier to get on the boat if you are extremely tired after your SCUBA lessons or if you have knee or back issues.
There is some space for extra gear on the boat, so if an unexpected problem arises you have the option to easily exchange any malfunctioning gear. Extra gear will make sure you have proper experience and get the most out of your trip. There is also more room for more emergency equipment and access to the United States Coast Guard to aid if the need arises.
Most boat diving lessons provide you with food and drinks after your underwater adventure. A lot of people enjoy these amenities since the activity can stir up your appetite and thirst.
Cons
The conditions of the water could add challenges to safely reaching your dive site. Safety is crucial to enjoying your SCUBA diving adventure, so unsafe conditions could cause your tour to cancel or move to a different dive site.
Learning to SCUBA dive on a boat can make it more challenging for you if the waves aren’t calm. Bigger waves could make you feel seasick or make it difficult for you to balance as you put on all your gear.
In addition, it can be much harder for you to enter the water and begin your lessons if the weather is creating big waves.
Learn To SCUBA Dive With Dreaming Sea Divers
This list is a great way for you to decide what kind of diving is best for you after certification or perhaps during your courses. The pros and cons of shore diving in comparison to boat diving are ultimately relative to the individual experiencing the adventure. No matter what you’re looking for, Dreaming Sea Divers makes sure you have fun learning the fundamentals while exploring safely.
With most classes that we offer, Dreaming Sea Divers includes some shore diving and some boat diving so you get to learn for yourself which you like better and you can see first hand the pros and cons.
We created Dreaming Sea Drivers to make sure you become a confident SCUBA diver. We offer a series of courses tailored to supplement your diving knowledge. Whether you are visiting West Palm Beach or a local to Florida, allow us to give you private SCUBA diving lessons or a private guide from shore or boat. Our goal is to give you an exciting and relaxing experience you'll never forget.
Contact us today to book your next SCUBA diving classes!
