Harmony NewsNews World

If you have always been fascinated with the undersea life that's always being shown on National Geographic, then it's safe to say that you would definitely be overcome by its beauty when you see it up close and personal!  Snorkeling and scuba diving are two ways to get into the water and observe underwater life.

Snorkeling basically makes use of a snorkel, a diving mask and occasionally a pair of swim fins.  The only other requirements needed to begin snorkeling are that you know how to swim and get used to breathing through the snorkel.  If it's your first time to do so, you can ask for advice from a nearby dive shop or diving equipment rental shop.  These people would discuss with you about how to use the equipment as well as basic safety and how to observe and handle marine life.

While snorkeling would allow you to observe marine life from the water's surface, scuba diving allows you to stay underwater longer and deeper.  Besides a diving mask and swim fins, the scuba diver would also require a re-breather or an oxygen tank.  One would also need a wet suit to avoid suffering from hypothermia in colder waters.  Unlike snorkeling, most dive sites require that you have a license to scuba dive before going into the water.  A license may be obtained from a diving organization only after you have completed a series of diving seminars.

Whether you decide to snorkel or scuba dive, you should always do so with a buddy or a group for safety reasons.