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Tips for Scuba Diving on Holiday
If you are headed to a tropical destination or just somewhere with lots of marine life, one of the most popular activities is to go scuba diving. It is an experience unlike any other – to be submerged beneath turquoise waters, witnessing the brilliance of Mother Nature. Although it should certainly be at the very top of your list, diving is not to be taken lightly. There are certain steps that you will be required to take in order to make sure that you have a great time and also remain safe. Here are a few tips that you can follow:
Choose the Right Dive Center
If the place that you are headed to is known for scuba diving, then there are probably going to be a large number of dive centers up and running. You should be warned that not all of these places would be licensed or, in fact, all that reliable. It is vital that you use quality equipment that has passed numerous safety checks. You should also only be diving with professionals who will not only be able to teach you properly but will also be able to protect you. It is a good idea to do some research ahead of time or to only visit centers that are internationally recognized.
Take Lessons
It is quite common for many people to take lessons while they are on holiday. This is a great idea if you have a lot of time to spare. However, if you will not be in that location for long, it is best to get the lessons out of the way ahead of time. Regardless of where you live, you should be able to find a place to get diving lessons. If you start early enough, you may even be able to get your certification. By figuring out all of the proper techniques, learning how to use dive computers, and understanding the basics, you will save time. Therefore, all that there will be left to do on your holiday is to have fun!
Do Your Research on Marine Life
It is best to start preparing your dive trip as early as possible. Perhaps even before you have made any other travel plans. A good place to begin is to have some idea of the kind of marine life that you wish to see. For instance, are you hoping to catch a glimpse of dolphins? Or, maybe you would rather swim with sea turtles. Making a list of the type of marine animals that you want to see will let you know where you should go and even what time of the year is best to travel. Nevertheless, always contact the locals at the destination you want to visit. They will be able to give you more up to date information regarding such things so that you will less likely to be disappointed.
Study the Area
Along with marine life, it is important for you to become familiar with that particular area. Here, your research is going to need to get a little in-depth. For instance, it’s obvious that you need to know the weather patterns. At the same time, however, you should also check in about what the currents might be like during that specific period. This is especially important if you are new to scuba diving. For individuals, who aren’t strong swimmers, it is best to start off in waters that are typically quite calm. News reports can be quite handy in determining if there have been any previous accidents or incidents in the area.
Make the Holiday Long Enough
The ocean does not adhere to anybody’s schedule. This means that even spots that are typically popular for certain types of marine life, may be notoriously unreliable. As such, it is quite possible that it may be
a while before you actually get to see what it is that you went there to witness. Also, you will have to take the weather into account as it may not always be calm enough for you to dive. This is why you should always make sure that the vacation is long enough. To be on the safe side, plan to stay in your scuba diving spot for at least two weeks. This way, you will almost certainly able to get your wish.
Bring Your Own Gear
Now, obviously, if you are traveling a great distance, lugging a diving tank around with you is out of the question. Still, it is worth it for you to make sure that you take at least a few items with you. At the top, of this list should be masks and fins. This is because they require a proper fit and it is best if you get ones that are a perfect match for you. If you are worried about how much space such items will take up in your suitcase, don’t worry. This is because there are now plenty of ‘travel size’ options available, particularly among fins. These are typically smaller and lighter than the traditional versions so that you will have an easier time carting them around.
Going Solo is an Option
It can be difficult to imagine that some people actually go on scuba diving vacations by themselves. However, this actually occurs more often than you might think. If you can’t find someone willing to go with you, just head out by yourself. That being said, it is important to take necessary precautions when doing so. First, you may want to rethink your holiday destination. For instance, if that region is known to have high crime rates, it is best to stick to a safer area. As a solo traveler, you are much more likely to be a target. It is important to never venture out into the open ocean water alone. Instead, hit up a local dive center to see if there are any other single divers who require a buddy. Also, if you are diving alone, make sure that the beaches are family friendly and that there will always be people around you.
These are some of the things to keep in mind if you are hoping to go scuba diving while on holiday.
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