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What Is The Difference Between PADI And NAUI Scuba Diving Certification – 2

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Scuba diving is a great hobby if you love the idea of spending time in the water and exploring an entirely different world than what you’re used to.  You get to move freely beneath the waves, which makes you feel like you’re one of the many creatures that share this beautiful environment.  If you’re thinking about scuba diving yourself, however, you’ll be needing more than just the right equipment. You’ll also need to get a certification card, or a C-card.

Much like how you’ll need a driver’s license to drive a car, the certification card basically acts as your license to scuba dive, and depending on your skill level, acts as proof that shows you actually know what you’re doing. Certain establishments, like dive centers and scuba dive shops, will be looking at your certificate often.  You’ll be needing certification in order to not only dive in certain areas, but also to buy or rent diving gear, without which you can’t dive at all.

Unlike a driver’s license, however, where you can get your certification from one centralized agency, there are numerous places where you can get you scuba dive training and certification.  There are many diving certification agencies out there that offer dive training, but it’s more prudent to choose one that is universally recognized as a reputable agency.

Two of the major certification agencies are the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).  Both these agencies are recognized by many scuba diving operators globally, and certification from one or the other can get you a long way.  But having more than one certifying body can be a bit confusing, so to help you out, we’ll be enumerating the differences between NAUI vs PADI, and help you decide which one works best for you.

What Training and Certification Agencies Offer

Before we dive into the actual differences between NAUI vs PADI certifications, let’s explore what agencies like these actually offer.  Dive certification agencies basically train people how to scuba dive, and to give them C-cards to show as proof that they’ve done their training.  These certifications will give you a decent amount of autonomy on where you want to dive, and which establishments you can work with or get equipment from, depending on the level of your certificate, which is anywhere between beginner to professional.  The best part is, unlike other certifications or licenses, scuba diving certifications do not expire, though you may need to keep yourself active to keep your diving logbook updated.

If you’re new to diving, or are just starting out, there’s very little difference between NAUI vs PADI in terms of basic training, and are basically identical in their approach.  The difference between the two agencies become more apparent as you start delving into the professional levels, or if you’re considering training as a dive instructor yourself.  Both organizations offer recreational and technical diving courses that are extensive in their own right.

Although your certification is recognized by many diving operators all over the world, some certifications aren’t recognized by one agency or the other, especially so for their respective professional classes.  So if you do decide to switch between agencies halfway through, you may need to take a training program you’ve already done once before.  That’s why it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re choosing between NAUI vs PADI certifications, even before you actually enter one of their training centers.

Comparing NAUI vs PADI

Before making a comparison between NAUI vs PADI, do remember that neither is better than the other.  Their courses and certification styles may differ, but at the end of each course, you will turn into a better diver than you once were, and instructors from both agencies work hard to ensure that you turn into the best diver you can be.  That being said, let’s look into what makes NAUI vs PADI so different.

PADI Overview

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors is the biggest and one of the most well-known dive certification agencies in the world.  The US-based agency was established in 1966 and has since been offering a huge variety of diving courses for freediving, technical diving, scuba, and many others.  PADI has many facilities all over the world, so it’s almost a certainty that you’ll find one of their dive centers in any dive location.  At least two-thirds of all the divers in the US, and at least half of the divers worldwide are certified by PADI.

PADI’s courses puts emphasis on providing their students with as much practice and real-world applications as possible.  Aside from providing certifications to divers, PADI’s Project Aware also provides opportunity for divers to help protect the planet’s oceans.  PADI is a for-profit organization that puts a significant amount of money into publicity and marketing, and gets most of its money from selling their products.  Being the biggest and most well-known diving authority in the world helps greatly in this regard.

NAUI Overview

While the National Association of Underwater Divers is the second largest known certification agency in the world, it is certainly the oldest in the United States, having been established in 1959. NAUI is a non-profit association that offers very similar courses to PADI, though it prides itself primarily on its more educational approach to diving, with many organizations like NASA, the US Navy Seals and many others making use of NAUI for their training programs.

NAUI emphasizes safety above all else, and is famous for their high training standards, both for their recreational and technical dive courses.  Many of NAUI’s training courses are aligned with numerous academic organizations, with many of its divers trained to have a deeper and more scientific understanding of technical diving.  Many marine-related scientists consider NAUI as their agency of choice.

Differences Between Courses

Practically speaking, both training agencies provide theoretical and practical skills in their basic courses, with the only difference between NAUI vs PADI being their training philosophies. NAUI’s Scuba Diving Training course and PADI’s Open Water Diver course are their most basic, and for practical diving purposes, are considered to be equal in value.  Securing either allows you to dive almost anywhere in the globe.  Because of the similarities between these two courses, the skill of the instructor is actually more important that the actual agencies that facilitate the training.  So whichever agency you choose, make sure to take the time to look into who will actually be teaching you.

The only real difference between the two basic courses of NAUI vs PADI is that part of NAUI’s basic training involves teaching their divers how to save an unconscious diver, while PADI doesn’t offer such training until much later, during the more advanced courses.

NAUI is known for a more flexible training structure than PADI has, where an instructor may decide on the spot to provide additional training that is more advanced than what was planned if they believe the student is competent enough.  The organization is also known to provide fewer courses with each course having more to teach than the standard ones you’ll get from PADI.  A huge complaint amongst most divers taking PADI courses is that there always seems to be a new course to pay for.  That being said, however, PADI offers in-depth training in a very structured manner.

Teaching Philosophies

Another good way of looking into the differences between NAUI vs PADI is by looking at how they conduct their training, and choose the one that works best for you.  PADI’s instructors are required to follow programs set by the organization, giving the teaching environment a more structured atmosphere.  NAUI, on the other hand, encourages a more flexible teaching style, where instructors are encouraged to teach at their own individual pace, or that of their student’s.  Either teaching style works well, and depending on which environment you prefer, each have their own merits.

You will also need to consider how you actually get certified after doing all the classes.  With PADI’s case, you will receive certification immediately after passing each course, whilst NAUI will require the recommendation of its instructor on top of passing all the classes before you are given certification.  This means that you’ll need to prove yourself in a more practical environment than in PADI.  It’s possible to pass all the courses in NAUI, but still not get certified if an instructor thinks you’re too reckless or something along those lines.  While most argue that this improves a diver’s chances at surviving the “real world”, and making sure that NAUI’s students are better equipped, some would argue that this needlessly prolongs the certification process.  In the end, it all boils down to your own preference.

Conclusion

The choice between NAUI vs PADI can be a tricky thing to consider, but in the end, regardless of which agency you choose, the type of instructor you get stuck with is more important than the actual agency.  You can be put in the best school in the world, but wouldn’t learn a thing if your instructor isn’t able to share their knowledge properly.  So do your research, ask around, and most importantly, have fun.

What Are The Best Countries For Scuba Diving

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Scuba diving has become one of the most popular recreational activities in the world, and who can blame people from getting excited about it?  Whether you like exploring a vibrant new underwater world, spending time with marine wildlife or even catching glimpses of the past in shipwrecks and sunken ruins, scuba diving certainly has something for everyone.  Of course, what would scuba diving be without the right diving spots?  But with so many diving locations to choose from, each with their own unique flavor, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding which ones are the best places to scuba dive.

So, to help you choose the location for your next scuba diving holiday, we’ve listed some of the best countries in the world for scuba diving.

1. Thailand

Aside from its phenomenal cuisine and its unique culture, Thailand offers some of the best places to scuba dive in Southeast Asia, with Phuket, the Surin Islands and Ko Tao just to name a few. Also known as the “Land of Smiles”, it has two major bodies of water that you can explore, each with their own collection of diving locations.

Thailand is flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to the east, where you will find Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, and the Andaman Sea to the west, where Phuket and the Similan Islands are located.  This country has a good collection of reefs, walls, drop-offs, cave systems and large marine animals, including a large variety of shark species, rays and even the elusive whale shark.

Source: Scuba diving in the Similan Islands, Thailand

2. Malaysia

One of the best places to scuba dive if you’re new to the hobby is Malaysia.  What makes Malaysia a special place for novice divers is the fact that the waters here are very calm, especially on the east coast, where you will find the islands of Redang, Tioman, Tenggol and Lang Tenga.

Scuba diving in Peninsular Malaysia is also very rewarding if you like swimming with wildlife.  One island in particular, Sipadan, is always bustling with activity, with its many bright corals acting as homes to hundreds of fish species.  Aside from Sipadan, many of the islands in Eastern Malaysia are frequented by other animals, different species of sea turtles in particular, including the endangered Leatherback Turtle.  Layang-Layang Island is also a great place to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of sharks, including reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and leopard sharks.

Source: Diving Magnificent Malaysia 🐟

3. Australia

From sheer diversity alone, Australia is one of the best places to scuba dive, thanks to its large assortment of diving environments available.  Each of Australia’s six territories offer a unique experience you certainly need to explore at least once, from the giant kelp forests in the south, to the bright coral reefs in the north.  Australia also has a good assortment of shipwrecks if such a thing is your fancy.

One of Australia’s biggest attractions is the Great Barrier Reef, a reef structure that holds the distinction of being the world’s largest.  The reef itself is so massive, that it can be seen from space, and as such, a large place like this is home to hundreds of thousands of species you’ll get the chance to swim with.  It’s certainly a magical place.

Source: Scuba Diving in Australia

4. Hawaii

Between the abundance of marine wildlife and the large collection of lava tubes you can swim through, Hawaii is certainly a great place to go diving in.  Since it’s such a remote archipelago, there’s always something going on underneath the waves in Hawaii.  The accessibility here is also phenomenal, thanks to the hundreds of dive operators available.

The reefs and the wildlife are also protected here, which means there’s no shortage of animals for you to swim with.  The northern parts of the island chain is home to the largest marine reserve in the United States, where it’s common to see manta rays, sea turtles, seals, and even humpback whales if you’re lucky.  It’s certainly one of the best places to scuba in United States if you love diving with wildlife.

Source: Scuba Diving in Hawaii

5. Indonesia

With more than 13,400 islands, Indonesia is home to 25% of the world’s fish species and 15% of the coral, making it a veritable epicenter of biodiversity.  This country in Southeast Asia is one of the best places to scuba dive for the sheer variety of marine wildlife available here and is certainly a diver’s paradise.  The Gili Islands in particular offer a great backdrop to any of your dives, and the best part is that staying here is way cheaper than its neighboring region, Bali.

Indonesia has thousands of dive spots available, each with something unique to offer, including many beautiful night diving locations.  True to being a center of marine biodiversity, whichever dive spot you choose in this country, there won’t be any shortage of fishes and other marine life.

Source: Diving Incredible Indonesia 🐠

6. Belize

Sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize may be small, but its diving spots have as big a personality as other diving destinations do.  Belize houses a little over 400 islands, pristine atoll beaches, winding cave systems, the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere and of course, the famous Blue Hole.

The Blue Hole is one of Belize’s best places to scuba dive, and is actually a deep marine sinkhole, approximately 1000 feet across and 450 feet deep.  The hole itself is surrounded by a coral barrier and the waters here are known to be crystal clear.  Schools of shark, such as hammerheads, bull sharks and reef sharks make this area their home, and is considered by many as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Source: SCUBA DIVING BELIZE | Ambergris Caye and Placencia | travel vlog 2019

7. Philippines

The Philippines has more than 7000 islands available to explore, each offering a great experience for every level.  It’s a known graveyard for World War 2 ships, and it also has a huge collection of marine wildlife for any diver to enjoy.  It’s certainly one of the best places to scuba dive if you’re a World War 2 history buff or if you love surrounding yourself with rich wildlife.

Aside from the man-made attractions found in its collection of shipwrecks, the Philippines is known to house 400 of the 500 known coral species in the world, making it a great home for many of wildlife’s 1200 species, in fact.  The beaches in this country aren’t half as bad, either, especially in the more famous places like Boracay.  So you can certainly enjoy yourself whether you’re above water or under it.

Source: My top 10 dive sites of my trip to Philippines 2011

8. Micronesia

By sheer number of islands alone and variety of dive spots, the Federated States of Micronesia is arguably one of the best places to scuba dive in Oceania.  Its many diving locations, including Palau, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk, offer a large selection of environments for you to choose from.  Incredible reefs, extensive caverns, drop-offs, tunnels, walls and a host of World War 2 shipwrecks offer great opportunities for any diver to sink their teeth into.

Source: Dive Palau, This is How You Should Do It!

This country encompasses an expansive area in the Pacific, with only 1000 square miles of landmass spread out across 3 million square miles of ocean. Micronesia’s lands are made up of pristine islands and atolls ringed with vibrant corals.  Because of its remote nature, this country is one of the best places to scuba dive if you want a less-than crowded diving location.

9. Brazil

With more than 4300 miles of beautiful coastline rich in reefs and wrecks, Brazil is fast becoming a popular diving location for many adventurers.  From the rocky diving sites in the south to the vibrant reefs in the north, this country certainly has much to offer, with its famous Fernando de Noronha Marine Park proving itself to be one of the best places to scuba dive in the world.

Source: Mergulhando em Fernando de Noronha | Scuba diving in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Because it has such a long and diverse coastline, Brazil’s underwater wildlife boasts a variety that’s not seen elsewhere in South America.  Brazil’s giant kelp forests, wrecks and coral reefs each provide not only great homes for its bustling wildlife, they also give divers a good variety to choose from whenever they visit the country.

10. Israel

Tucked between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, Israel has the best places to scuba dive if you love exploring cavern systems and coral gardens, both of which you’ll find in abundance here.  Its access to two different seas means that divers visiting Israel will get the chance to experience two very different environments all in the same area.

Source: Red Sea, Israel 4K UHD • Diving in Eilat

Israel is home to one of the world’s premier shore diving capitals in Eliat, one of the best protected coral reefs in the region.  he Mediterranean shoreline of Israel is also home to the Rosh Ha Nikra Caverns, a unique cavern made of chalk that is easily accessible from the shore.

11. Honduras

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Honduras is another country rich in natural beauty and diving sites that can take your breath away.  The Bay Islands, in particular, has an incredible reef system that is one of the best places to scuba dive by far, and is certainly a veritable hive of activity for diving enthusiasts.

Source: SCUBA DIVING PARADISE | ROATAN, HONDURAS

Honduras also has partial access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest, and lesser known barrier reef in the world. Roatan and Utila Island in particular have beautiful and vibrant coral reefs that is home to many fish species and giant sponges that are just a joy to swim around.  Compared to its Caribbean neighbors, diving here is certainly cheaper, making it popular to a lot of backpackers.

12. Maldives

With its many islands scattered across the vast Indian Ocean, the Maldives’ warm waters are the best place to scuba dive you’re out looking for whale sharks, manta rays as well as other tropical fish.  Less than 300 of its 1000 islands are inhabited, making for a diving scene that is less crowded than most, and coral reefs that have seen fewer meddling in the hands of humans.

Source: Maldives Scuba Diving – Feb 2019 on Carpe Diem Liveaboard Dive Boat

It has an abundance of healthy and vibrant coral reefs, fed by the Indian Monsoon Current, with many tropical fishes taking full advantage of this area’s wealth.  It all culminates to very welcoming diving locations where beginners and experienced divers alike love to return to every time.

13. Mexico

Mexico’s access to two different oceans on either of its coasts make for a land diverse in diving opportunities, and certainly is an awesome place to go diving regardless of your diving experience. Both its coasts have excellent locations, with large kelp forests in the Pacific, the Caribbean’s collection of shipwrecks, the beautiful vibrant reefs of the Sea of Cortez, and the pristine clear waters of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Source: Best Dive Sites In Mexico

People who love swimming with pelagic life will also be please to know that Mexico is a veritable breeding ground of fishes and other wildlife in many of its sites.  The best part is many of these dive spots are available all year round.

14. South Africa

High visibility in its clear waters, the opportunity to swim with massive sharks and an abundance of reefs and wildlife, South Africa’s coasts are certainly rich in natural beauty.  A 1700-mile coastline caps Africa’s southern tip, practically cutting a line between two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean.  The dive spots here are varied, and while most of the good ones involve colder waters, it certainly is a great place to explore for the adventurous.

Source: Dive South Africa

South Africa offers a unique opportunity for people who love diving with large wildlife, particularly the sharks that make their home in these waters.  If the heart of Africa has the big five, then the waters here have its own collection of animals, namely the great white shark, the hammerheads, bull sharks, reef sharks and tiger sharks.  Certainly not a diving location for the weak of heart.

15. Fiji

Known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”, Fiji is home to one of the most vibrant and colorful underwater ecosystems on the planet.  It’s a good place to dive in if you love swimming through coral, with its outer reefs home not only to a large collection of soft coral, but also a huge variety of pelagic wildlife and sharks.  Fiji is certainly a world-class diving destination that can cater to all manner of divers from any background.

Source: Ultimate Fiji Diving HD revised

Also known for being a crossroads in the Pacific, Fiji is home to 390 species of the more than 500 of the world’s species, with more than 1000 species of fish living under its waves.  It is also home to 7 species of turtles, including the leatherback turtle, 9 species of sharks, and at least 12 species of whales.  With its stunning visibility at your disposal, it’s certainly easy to make the most out of Fiji’s dive spots.\

Where Is A Good Place In Europe For Scuba Diving

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Source: Best Places to Dive in Europe

Scuba diving in Europe gives you an experience of a lifetime while taking you back to a rich maritime history you never will find anywhere else in the world.  Europe is a preferred destination for holidaymakers especially those looking to showcase their skills in diving.  From its diversity coral to thousands of ancient shipwrecks and rich marine life, Europe has plenty to offer and you cannot exhaust its magnificent and dazzling seascapes in a matter of hours or even in a single day.

In fact, this continent’s underwater beauty is second to none making Europe a good diving destination stretching from the cooler waters of the Atlantic Ocean taking you south to the warm and refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea.  In this article, we are going to take you on a fact-finding mission about the best dive sites in Europe so you may have an easy time choosing the right one for you.

1. Playa Chica, Canary Islands (Spain)

Source: Safari Diving Lanzarote Puerto del Carmen Playa Chica Reef Dive

Playa Chica comes out clearly as one of the best dive sites in Europe and it is among those sites that are mostly frequented by divers from all walks of life.  This diving site is located in the Canary Islands and you can access it directly right from the beach.  Playa Chica is reputed for having everything all types of divers need.  You can venture deep down the white sands to have a look at the small wreck lying peacefully on the sand bed or explore the vertical walls to marvel at the marine life comprising of beautiful orange corals, frogfish and enormous barracuda among others.

As a matter of fact, Playa Chica is a perfect diving spot for you if you are a night diver because that’s when conditions are favorable to explore the turquoise waters teeming with all kinds of marine animals.

2. Normandy, France

Source: D-Day’s Sunken Secrets | NOVA

What comes into your mind at the mention of Normandy?  Well, the name itself takes you back to D-Day at the height of the Second World War and that’s when curiosity sets in.  Normandy offers the best diving spots for wreck divers who want to have a look at the underwater museum full of war wrecks.  These wrecks serve as a constant reminder of one of the epic stories that shaped Europe and the world in general.

If you are an advanced diver, Normandy scuba diving destination is quite perfect for you.  The wrecks are located off the coast at a depth averaging 75 to 100 feet when currents are moderate. Here, the unfolding sight of U-boats, Sherman tanks and the secret Schnellboot will immerse you into a historic past when anarchy was at its peak.  Most of the wrecks found in this spot allow you to penetrate through them or have swim through to a world of different kinds of marine life.  However, the wrecks are highly regarded as war graves and treasure hunting is not allowed.

3. Lundy Island, Bristol Channel (The United Kingdom)

Source: The Seals of Lundy Island

Lundy Island is known for its warmer waters that will expose you to a whole range of marine life comprising of sea fans, colorful sponges, a host of corals and many more.  As if that is not enough, this scuba diving site will give you an opportunity to take a few photos of basking sharks and grey seals as you enjoy the underwater picturesque scenery created by boulder screes.

Despite being one of the best dive sites in Europe, Lundy Island can pose some diving challenges to you.  So, it is a good idea to venture into these waters with an experienced and knowledgeable dive instructor.

4. Vis Island, Croatia

Source: Diving at Vis Island (Croatia)

Vis Island on the fringes of the Adriatic Sea is a scuba diving destination that holds vivid memories of several fierce battles that took place around that area.  As a diver, this site has plenty for you in terms of historic wrecks dating back to the last major world wars and even more.  The diving is excellent and you will have an opportunity to meet both technical and recreational divers with a common goal; to explore the wreckages dotting the sandy bottom of Adriatic sea.

From the wreck of the B-17G Flying Fortress (at 230 feet deep requiring technical skills and certification) to that of B-24 Liberator, the bomber Tulsamericana at the depth of 130, your diving mission will not be in vain given that the two wrecks are homes to all kinds of marine life within the Vis Island.  Some of the marvels of nature that you will encounter include the clouds of anthias whirls and yellow sponges among other features of great interest.

5. Dubnik, Slovakia

Source: Slovak Opal Mines diving – Slovenske Opalove Bane

Eastern Slovakia is home to the famous Slovak Opal Mine near Presov city.  The site is historically known for hosting scores and scores of treasure hunters back in the 16th century.  The treasure hunters were on a constant mission of digging deeper and deeper into the earth with the aim of uncovering valuable gemstones giving rise to one of the best dive sites in Europe comprising of tunnels and shafts that run for more than 13 miles.

The 3 miles of the tunnels and shafts are always flooded thus attracting hundreds of divers to the site.  That being said, your diving mission will take you down the corridors of those massive mines, bringing you closer to the breathtaking kaleidoscopic walls that glow in hues of pink, blue, purple, orange and green.

Apart from that, your dive will take you back in time and that is evident from the admirable handiwork carried out by miners back then.  The corridors will lead you to the cut out areas, above and below and then into the wide-open ballrooms.  In the real sense, the visibility in the cold 37° Fahrenheit waters at the Slovak Opal Mine is seemingly endless yet fulfilling in one of the most unique dive settings you can think of.

6. Portofino Lighthouse, Italy

Source: Scuba diving in Portofino (Italy)

Portofino Lighthouse is a strange landmark, giving you one of the most amazing and unique scenes especially when you are out for an early morning or evening dives.  This is the time when both morays and groupers converge to start their octopuses hunting expeditions.  And if you are part of divers, you will have to stay right at the bottom (about 40 feet) and wait to witness the groupers start their incursions immediately.  It is always an enjoyable sight that defines clearly survival for the fittest among different sea creatures.

7. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Source: Scuba Diving at Norwegian Sea | Lofoten Islands, Norway | Part 1

Norway provides one of the coldest diving spots in Europe with Lofoten Islands being famous for the kelp forests and a sizeable amount of well-preserved shipwrecks.  To reach this wonderful diving destination, you will need to use the boat or arrive there by the shore.

The island provides nice places to stay while strategizing for your upcoming diving mission.  Lofoten Island is ideal for on-surface experiences like trekking, fishing and interacting with amazing, like-minded people.  If you fancy taking your diving skills into cold waters, Lofoten Island in Norway is the place to be.

8. Maltese Islands

Source: DIVING IN MALTA & GOZO

You can find Maltese Islands in the Mediterranean and this location has three different diving spots at your disposal.  Each spot boasts of its uniqueness when it comes to diving adventures. Therefore, if you want to experience easy access diving into clear, warm waters under calm conditions, Maltese Island should be your first choice.  These unique diving spots will give you a relaxing dive or give you a reason to explore a variety of wrecks and caves available to you.

9. The Silfra Fissure, Iceland

Source: Diving Silfra Iceland | JONATHAN BIRD’S BLUE WORLD

Iceland too has something for you if you are looking for the best dive sites in Europe. The Silfra Fissure is regarded as one of the top scuba diving destinations not only in Europe but across the world. Why would you consider taking your diving skills to Silfra Fissure? First of all, this is the only spot in the entire world that you can dive between 2 continental plates. This is so amazing, right? Secondly, you can see well over 330 feet due to its outstanding viz. Next time you want to have a lifetime diving experience between two continental plates in Europe, and then you will have to consider visiting Silfra Fissure in Iceland to satisfy your curiosity.

10. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Source: Diving Scapa Flow, Scotland

This is home to Scapa Flow, a world-class diving site at the heart of Scotland.  Here, you will come across deep dives and reefs including the famous wrecks of all time.  The dive here is not for the faint-hearted because the waters are extremely chilly but nutrient-rich and a safe haven for a wide range of marine life.

It is no wonder that you are likely to encounter whales, porpoises, seals, puffins and of course, dolphins in large numbers while on your diving adventure.  The fact that there are other spectacular diving sites, Orkney is famous for the German ships lying on the sea bed of Scapa Flow.  In essence, this diving spot gives you an opportunity to travel back in time for every dive you make to explore those historic wrecks.  Clearly, you cannot afford to miss out on this one if you truly want to have a memorable experience in one of the best dive sites world over.

Final Thought

Europe has many interesting spots for scuba diving and each has its own uniqueness that you need to find out by yourself.  From historic sites to amazing physical features and clear waters to chilly waters all the way to marine life, Europe offers you a wide range of scuba diving places to choose for both recreational and technical diving.

Where Are The Top 10 Cheapest Scuba Diving Destinations

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Scuba divers are a passionate community who relish the peace of the underwater world and the unique marine animals roaming in the seas.  Seasoned adventurers will tell you that the sport does not have to be expensive.  There are plenty of affordable getaways across the world including:

Koh Tao, Thailand

The island of Koh Tao is among the regions making up the Chumphon Archipelago on Thailand’s western shores.  It is an idyllic island, complete with white sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, palm trees, and rugged cliffs.  Koh Tao is blessed with more than 25 sites, which can be assessed only by boat.  Most of the dive centers provide a two-dive trip, and you can choose to go in the morning or the afternoon.  Many of the dive boats have been fashioned from fishing boats and fitted with a sundeck for relaxation.

When it comes to the number of yearly diver certifications, Koh Tao only comes second to Cairns in Australia.  The island is appreciated for the affordability of scuba diving services.  A 3-day Open Water Course will typically set you back $250 to $300.  You will be spoilt for choice in singling out a diving school as they are over 60 of them in Koh Tao.  This enthusiasm for the sport creates an exciting environment for learners.

Source: TOP 10 Things to see Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Thailand

The cheap accommodation in Koh Tao further attracts water sport enthusiasts.  Most diving schools and resorts offer accommodation as part of the services, and even if you choose to book a room independently, there are many hotels, bungalows, and guesthouses.  The dives schools instruct in a variety of languages and styles.  The diving conditions are also diverse.  There are shallow and artificial sites for beginners and even a shipwreck for the more seasoned divers.

Bonaire

Bonaire is among the Caribbean islands and part of the Dutch Antilles.  The island has heavily protected its marine resources for over 35 years.  The reef scape features large sponges and sea fans. Bonaire’s marine life include tarpons, groupers, barracudas, and turtles.  Other subjects include butterfly fish, shrimp, crabs, eels, seahorses, octopus, peacock flounders, flamingo tongue cowries, and fireworms.

Source: Bonaire: Top Scuba Dive Sites

Bonaire has invested in shore diving.  It is predictable and not very deep (under 70 ft).  The dives sites are marked with a big yellow rock painted with the name of the site.  These rocks are easily recognizable as you drive along the main road.  Among Bonaire’s top dive sites is 1000 steps where you take numerous steps down to the beach.  The reef welcomes you with stunning coral formations and colorful marine life like barracudas.

The Klein Bonaire, a tiny offshore island, offers better visibility and hundreds of boat diving points.  It is uninhabited, and its incredible aquatic life encourages some divers to do all the scuba diving here.  The Salt Pier is easily accessible, and its pillars transform into underwater pieces of art due to colorful corals and sponges.  Huge Populations of fish are drawn to the shadows created by the overhead pier.

Utila, Honduras

If you are wondering where are the top 10 cheapest scuba diving destinations, look no further than Utila.  Utila’s southern region is home to a shallow fringing reefand deep seamounts.  The reef stretches for 5 miles with 15 prominent dive sites.  Dives begin at depths of 20 feet and drop to 40 to 60 feet with some reaching 100 to 130 feet.

Source: Diving in Utila – 2018

Popular sites include Jack Neil Beach, Pretty Bush, and Black Coral Wall.  The southern side is rich in marine life like spotted drums, seahorses, groupers, moray eels, and trunkfish.  The underwater region has amazing sights including mountains that emerge from the ocean floor and underwater hills.  The southern sites have vibrant coral coverage and higher fish diversity although the current can make for challenging dives.

The northern side has more exposure to the open ocean and has spectacular wall dives.  It features a protected marine area called Turtle Harbor.  The region’s topography features caverns, swim-throughs, and pinnacles.  The north side offers an increased probability of encountering marlin, sharks, dolphins, and whale sharks.  There are over 100 dive points in Utila which accommodate beginners, intermediaries, to expert divers.  The variety of sea life and cheap accommodation further makes Utila a perfect scuba-diving spot.

Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt

Not only is Sharm El-Sheikh a popular diving destination in Egypt, but in the Red Sea as well.  Warm year-round climatic conditions, historic wrecks, and colorful coral reefs, all add to the popularity of this spot.  The town as a simple Bedouin Camp before it was transformed into a bustling tourist center.

Among the area’s best dives sites is the wreckage of the SS Thistlegorm which sunk in 1941 during World War II.  It takes four hours from the shores to reach the wreck which still has two tanks, two locomotives, riffles, and motorbikes and populations of jacks and barracudas and so much more.  The Ras Mohammed National Park is another spot to check out.  Beautiful corals line its walls making for an unforgettable diving experience.  The Straits of Tiran is ideal for expert divers, and you can spot the Tiger and Hammerhead Sharks.

Source: Scuba Diving Sharm El Sheikh 2015

The beautiful wrecks and good underwater visibility in the region encourage underwater photography.  Sharm can get crowded, and you may opt to take a liveaboard to more isolated sites.  These liveaboards will not only take you to sites like the Thistlegorm but further North to less-explored wrecks.

PADI Open Water courses in Sharm average at around $360, making the town surprisingly affordable.  Egypt’s tourism has suffered recently because of safety concerns traced to increased terrorism and political tension.  Sharm El-Sheikh is, however, considered safe and still welcomes thousands of scuba diving enthusiasts.

Dauin, Philippines

The coastal paradise of the Philippines is a favored attraction among scuba diving communities.  Among the archipelago’s cheapest diving areas is Dauin which sits on Negros Island south of Dumaguete.  Entry-level courses are available at an average of $300 (PHP 16,500).

Dauin is teeming with dive sites, and macro-photographers will especially love the populations of seahorses, octopus, yellow snappers, flamboyant cuttlefish, and blue-ring.  Dauin is ideal for shore diving as most marine life thrives in the inshore waters.  If you desire to see larger animals, you can opt to pay for boat dives to Apo Island.  The Dauin dive sites are especially favored by novices and intermediates.

Source: Diving at Dauin – Philippines 2016

Diving along the island is mostly resort-based, and you will likely be diving with any of the established resorts.  The climate averages at 30 degrees Celsius all year with the wet season running from June to November.  Diving is, however, possible all year.

Belize

Belize has curved itself as a tourism hub among its Central American neighbors.  Its jungle-like landscape coupled with its diving opportunities attract thousands of adventurers.  The Belize Barrier Reef is only second to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia in terms of sheer size.  The reef is 190 miles long at its longest distance from shore although it reaches 980 ft at its closest point.

Barrier reefs separate the land regions from deep waters and offer a shallower lagoon to protect the shores.  The deep waters are nutrient-rich, and they enhance the proliferation of corals on the reefs.  Belize’s reef system is a UNESCO heritage site and has seven marine reserves.

Source: Diving Belize 2019

Belize is more affordable than most of the Caribbean islands, and a lot of resorts offer accommodation and diving packages.  Scuba diving in Belize is not complete without a trip to the blue hole. This famous site is a large marine sinkhole that is 410 ft deep and 1000 ft in diameter.  The hole has clear waters to offer the best visibility for species like hammerheads and bull sharks.

Also situated in the Lighthouse Atoll is the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument which is often touted as the world’s most colorful wall dive, and is also a bird sanctuary.  The South Water Caye Marine Reserve offers a 7-mile long section of the barrier reef perfect for wall dives.  During the snapper and grouper breeding season, there are large populations of whale sharks.  Sponges, corals, and reef fish also thrive in the deep waters.

The Shark Ray Alley is a great site for snorkeling.  This plateau of sand was commonly used by fishermen to clean their catches.  The chum they discarded populations of marine life including sharks.  The season for the whale shark runs from March to May which attracts many divers.

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Sipadan is among the best diving sites in Borneo due to its pristine reefs and underwater biodiversity.  It can be accessed from Semporna town by taking an hour-long boat ride.  Sipadan is a volcanic pinnacle dropping 2000 feet to the sea floor.  Hawksbill and green turtles are visible in the shallow waters.

Sipadan hosts schools of barracuda, parrot fish, jackfish.  If you are lucky, you might spot sealife like manta rays, hammerheads, and whale sharks.  The cleaning stations attract populations of sharks while the coral formations host impressive macro-species including Pygmy Seahorses and Mandarin fish.

Source: Sipadan: The Best Day’s Diving on Earth | Borneo from Below (S01E03)

The Sipadan Barrier Reef ranks as the largest of its kind in South East Asia, and it offers wall dives with drops to more than 1600 ft.  Sipadan boasts of unique topography, and it hosts excellent dive sites.  You can not, however, stay on the island.  Most of the resorts sit an hour away in Kapalai and Mabul islands.

Divers will need permits from the Sabah Parks as the island is patrolled by guards.  This requirement has been necessitated by the government’s efforts to alleviate the stress placed on marine life. Most resorts give preference to tourists signed up for longer stays.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is a perfect spot to experience the incredible Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is characterized by towering corals inhabited by rich sea life.  Some of the area’s most beautiful reefs are hosted in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park.  The island is a mere 30 by 10 miles, and it is christened the “Island of the Swallows.”  It prides in over 500 fish species and 26 coral species.  Divers will typically spot eels, nurse sharks, turtles, groupers, and toadfish.

Source: AMAZING DRIFT SCUBA DIVING COZUMEL MEXICO MAY 2016

The island’s southernmost reefs host coral heads containing tube, vase, elephant ear, rope, and other colorful sponges.  The heads provide a channel of swim throughs and channels with depth and vibrant colors.  The northern reefs are shallower and have small fish and inverts.  Open water fish love the waters here including jacks and barracuda.

The depth range in Cozumel’s sites is between 33 to 131 ft.  Dive sites to visit include Columbia Deep, Palancar Reef, and Barracuda Reef.  You can get open water courses for a little over $300 or opt for packages with accommodation from the various resorts.

Curacao

Curacao lies north of Venezuela and is among the Caribbean islands.  Most of its dive sites are reachable from shore and are protected from strong currents.  Curacao enjoys good weather all year and is mostly left untouched during the hurricane season of the Caribbean.  The calmest weather runs from April to June with its dry season running from April to November.

Source: Scuba Diving Curaçao | The Best Kept Secret in the Caribbean | Dive Curacao Vlog

One of Curacao’s renowned dive site is Alice in Wonderland which is a mini-wall stretching down to depths of 60 ft.  The site gets its name from the colorful reef fish inhabiting the coral formations.  Another dive site to experience is the “valley” formed between two parallel reefs.  The reefs drop for 50 and 60 feet and host lobsters, turtles, and nurse sharks.

The Superior Producer is an excellent wreck site which lies at depths of 100 ft, and you can enter its cargo holds.  Groupers and anemones are plenty at this wreck.

Croatia

The answer to where are the top 10 cheapest scuba diving destinations lies in Croatia which lies along the Adriatic Coast.  It is not as visited as some of its neighbors which makes it especially affordable.  It is well-served by major airlines although local transport can get a little unreliable.

Source: Croatia – Dugi otok | scuba diving 2017

Croatia prides in 1000 islands dotting its coast which are characterized by canyons, reefs, and underwater caverns.  There are also numerous wrecks to dive through.  The waters surrounding the island of Vis host numerous WW1 and WW2 shipwrecks including a B-17 bomber.

Kvarner, situated on the northern side, is among the most stunning gulfs on the Adriatic.  Diving is possible all year due to favorable warm waters.  The underwater region of the gulf has breathtaking wall dives as well as rocky reefs littered with beautiful gorgonians.  The beauty of Croatia is that you get to immerse in the wonders of the Mediterranean and not pay hefty prices.

How A Controlled Emergency Ascent Works In Scuba Diving

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A scuba emergency ascent refers to when a diver has to come from the depths and get to the surface fast in the instance of an unforeseen crisis.  More specifically, it has to do with the need to get to the surface due to running low or completely out of air while scuba diving.  Most instances of scuba emergency ascents typically refer to a situation where a distressed diver can voluntarily participate to some extent in their own rescue. As such, it will not involve situations in which the diver is unconscious.

Scuba emergency ascents can be classified as either dependent (assisted) or independent (unassisted) ascents.

1. Dependent Ascents

Source: Air Sharing Ascent by SSI

The in trouble diver is normally helped by another diver.  In most instances the assisting diver will provide transportation, breathing gas and any other assistance deemed necessary.

2. Independent Ascents

Source: Emergency Swimming Ascent (ESA)

The in trouble diver makes the ascent by himself. This may be because the other divers are too far away, or the diver is still in a position to ascend to the surface by themselves.Causes of a Scuba Emergency Ascent

An emergency ascent could result from several reasons that include:

1. Panic

Source: Rescue Diver panicking during training

A panic attack that happens underwater can result in disorientation that may make a diver stay under for too long, thus putting them at risk of running out of air.

2. Unconsciousness

You could become unconscious while under water for a variety of reasons that may include heart attack, knocking your head on a rock, or even running out of air.

3. Injury

There are many ways through which you could get injured under water including being thrown against rocks, getting bitten or stung, all of which can in some instances cause injury, disorientation and even partial paralysis.

4. Failure of Equipment

It is not uncommon particularly for beginners who do not maintain their equipment well to have them fail while they are underwater.

5. Distraction

Being underwater can be very exciting and distracting and I am sure you have sometimes found yourself engrossed in some marine life that you lost track of time and sight of your diving buddies.

Four Emergency Ascent Procedures

According to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), there are four emergency ascent procedures for when one is low or out of air while underwater.

1. Normal Ascent

Source: Making Safe Ascents on Scuba

This pertains to a situation where the diver is low on air and hence they can plan their ascent and get to the surface normally.

2. Alternate Air Source Ascent

The diver is out of air and hence needs the help of their fellow diver’s secondary air supply to help them ascent to the surface.

3. Emergency Swimming Ascent

The diver’s equipment fails and they are forced to ascend to the surface on their own.

4. Buoyancy Emergency Ascent

The diver ascends at a rate higher than normal as they drop their weights to shoot to the surface.

Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA)

Source: The Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA)

The CESA is a technique employed as an emergency procedure when a scuba diver needs to get back to the surface when they are low or have run out of air. D uring the ascent to the surface, you will be moving at a controlled pace by employing a variety of techniques.  The most important technique to learn is maintaining neutral buoyancy through finning.  Finning is a mastery of buoyancy techniques that will enable you to maintain a neutral position in the water without too much exertion, which also helps save air.

CESA is a dangerous technique that if not done well could result in decompression sickness, pulmonary barotrauma or drowning.  The best way to do CESA is to ascent at about 60 feet a minute while slowly exhaling.  This will cause the pressure of the surrounding water to decrease and the lungs to expand with each progressive ascent.

Exhaling keeps the volume of the air in the lungs near to normal and by exhaling at an even rate, you could still have air left in the lungs when you get to the surface.  Failing to exhale during the ascent could lead to overexpansion of the lungs and possible injury.  To determine if you are exhaling at the right rate, your exhales should be relaxed.  You should not feel like you are running out of breath.

The CESA procedure works really well in waters where there are no surface entanglements and no obligation for decompression.  You will also need to be well trained or have the breath capacity to reach the surface while remaining conscious on little to no air.  The biggest plus with CESA is that you do not need special equipment or outside assistance to do it.

How to Conduct a Safe CESA Procedure

1. Do Not Panic

Once you realize that you are in an emergency situation keep your cool and do not as panicking will only make a bad situation worse.  Remember your training and rule book and execute a plan to get back to the surface.  Remember that you always have enough air in your lungs to reach the surface.

2. Inform Your Diving Buddy

Use the cutthroat sign to signal to your buddy that you are in trouble and they will come to your aid.  They can provide you with their secondary air source that you can use to get to the surface.  If you cannot find a buddy, keep the regulator in your mouth and start the ascent.  The regulator keeps water out of your mouth, gives you psychological security and could give you one last breath as the air in it expands on the way up.

3. Look Up

Look straight up and watch out for any hazards such as buoys and boats that may be above you.  CESA is not going to do you much good if you hit your head on a boat in such a state.  Looking up also helps you judge the distance to the surface and plan your stops.  It also keeps your airways open allowing the expanding air to escape to prevent lung injuries.

4. Swim Up

Swim slowly for the surface going no more than one foot a second.  A good way to check your ascent speed is to look at your bubbles.  If you are rising faster than the bubbles, then you are probably going too fast and need to slow down.  Make an “ahhh” sound as you exhale as this will help you breathe at an even rate.  If you are ascending at the recommended rate of 60 feet a minute, it should take you 30 seconds to hit the surface from a depth of 30 feet.

5. Establish Positive Buoyancy

Once you reach the surface you need to make your body positively buoyant.  The best way to immediately increase your buoyancy is to drop your weights while kicking.  However, if you are not too exhausted you could orally inflate your buoyancy control devices to establish positive buoyancy.

Once you are positively buoyant on the surface, wait for a few minutes and then scan the water to find your boat.  Hopefully, your friends will have missed you down under and will surface and help you get back on the boat.

Wrapping Up

Source: CONTROLLED EMERGENCY SWIMMING ASCENT CESA

The CESA is one of the most important skills to learn as it could get you out of a critical situation under water.  Nonetheless just like all other diving skills you need to practice it regularly for when you never know when you are going to need it.  Practice horizontal swims and alternate air source breathing to keep your skills fresh.  With proper training preparation and practice, the CESA is the safest solution to a running out of air underwater crisis.

Nonetheless, you need to remember that you are highly unlikely to find yourself running out of air if you monitor your air supply, conduct pre-dive safety checks and prepare your equipment according to set standards.  Diving with a good friend should also reduce the chance that you will have to resort to a CESA, as you can use their secondary air supply in case of anything.