A Guide to Scuba Diving on Holiday

Going away on holiday is a time to let your hair down, have some fun and possibly even have an adventure or two. Depending on where you decide to go on holiday, you might have the option of going scuba diving. Scuba diving on holiday can be a fantastic way to see the beauty that makes your holiday destination unique. There is an astounding world of beauty to be found underwater and scuba diving offers you the chance to see that beauty firsthand.

As adventures go, scuba diving can be a fairly inexpensive addition to your holiday, especially if you bring your own gear (masks, wetsuit, etc), although it is probably in your best interest to rent oxygen tanks from the facility you choose to go diving at, as they are heavy and awkward to carry and prohibitive to fly with.

When scuba diving in an unknown place, it is a wise idea to familiarize yourself ahead of time with the diving area, with the demands of the dive and with the expectations of safety that one must maintain. Many places require you to have diving experience or to have taken a diving class that certifies you to dive. If you do not have experience, many places offer classes at a fee, but beware that some of these operations are shady at best and will not prepare you for the scenarios you might encounter while diving. It is worth considering obtaining your certification, or at least taking a class that will you familiarize you with the basics of diving prior to your trip.

As for the diving trips themselves, you might want to consider investing in a waterproof camera as you are sure to find many moments and scenes that will be worth documenting. If you plan to dive frequently, it may be worth investing in your own wetsuit (you will also know it has been cleaned to your satisfaction) and snorkeling mask, both of which are easy items to fit into your suitcase.

Be prepared to see aquatic life during your scuba diving experience; this can range from corals (protected by law in many places, so don't harvest under any circumstances) to fish, crabs, anemones and sharks. While scuba diving you are, indeed, no longer on your home turf. Treat the ocean as you would your boss's house; with respect and awe and just a little bit of restraint. You'll be ensured you won't regret it.