Do you enjoy being a part of nature? Looking at the wonderful creatures up close, especially those under the sea? Then why not try scuba diving?

Scuba diving is swimming underwater while using self-contained breathing equipment (such as carrying an oxygen tank on your back, which feeds through a tube to your mouth piece).
 
By carrying this source of compressed air, the scuba diver is able to stay underwater longer than with the simple breath-holding techniques used in activities such as snorkeling, and is not hindered by air lines or tubing to a remote air source.

The scuba diver usually swims underwater by using fins that are attached to their feet. However, some scuba divers also move around with the assistance of a DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), commonly referred to as a "scooter", or by using surface-tethered devices called sleds, which are pulled by a boat.

Scuba diving is relatively easy to pick up and be certified for – they start off easy by teaching you in bodies of water such as swimming pools before moving onto the ocean. There are several precautions that need to be observed such as being able to swim, and knowing how to breathe through your mouth and not your nose.

There are also basic rules to abide by, and techniques to learn such as clearing your mask underwater, and knowing not to ascend too quickly as to avoid suffering from ‘the bends’ (decompression sickness, which can be fatal). These are only a few of the risks involved in underwater excursions via scuba diving.

For more resources on where you can learn to scuba dive, rent or buy equipment, and the best places to experience the underwater world, check out the Traveller Trail's Travelogues and  Directory for more information on scuba diving.