Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, but how deep can you ACTUALLY go?
With snuba, you’re attached to a raft through the oxygen hose so you can’t go as deep as with scuba diving. Most setups will allow you to go as deep as 20 feet (6 meters), which is a lot deeper than the 6 feet you can go with snorkeling.
Of course, you don’t have to go as deep as you can explore however deep you feel comfortable going, depending on your skill level. But I’ll get into that more later.
In this post we'll cover:
The SNUBA Raft
The SNUBA raft is the key to unlocking the wonders of the deep. This floating platform is equipped with an air hose and regulator, allowing you to breathe while you explore. Plus, it’s easy to maneuver, so you can get up close and personal with the sea life.
The hose allows you to breath under water so you can go deeper than with snorkeling, but it does keep you tethered to the boat, so you can’t go deeper than the length of the hose.
For most setups, this will be 20 feet deep.
Comparing SNUBA and Snorkeling
The Pros of SNUBA
- SNUBA is the way to go if you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little more intense than snorkeling but not as difficult as scuba. You can dive deeper and explore more, all while having a breathing apparatus so you don’t have to rush back up for air.
- With SNUBA, you can be totally immersed in the experience and swim around freely, but still be connected to the raft for safety.
- SNUBA is a great way to get a closer look at the underwater world without having to worry about holding your breath.
Swimming Skills Required
You must know how to swim to SNUBA dive. Since you’ll be going nearly 20-feet deep, basic swim skills are a must. Plus, it helps to be comfortable in the water to make the most of the experience.
How Deep Can You Go?
The air hose attached to the SNUBA raft carries the oxygen, so you can dive to a maximum depth of 20 feet (6 meters). But you don’t have to go that deep! You can still enjoy the benefits and sightings SNUBA® makes available even from a more shallow vantage. Your guide will be with you every step of the way to help you navigate this experience. Plus, you can always return to the surface to take a breath of fresh air.
What’s the Safety Score of SNUBA?
Instructor Certification
All instructors are certified to the highest standards to make sure that every SNUBA dive is as safe as can be. Before embarking on a SNUBA adventure, participants get a briefing on what to expect during the dive, and what kind of sea critters they can expect to spot, depending on their location. Safety briefings are a must for all SNUBA tours, and usually cover the following topics:
- How to breathe through the regulator
- How to use the hose to get back to the surface
- Hand signals to remember
- Equalizing your ears
- Recovering your regulator
- Clearing your mask
- Skills for controlled ascents and descents
Safety First
If you’re still worried about how safe SNUBA is, don’t be! The SNUBA system is designed with safety in mind, and the guides are trained to make sure you’re safe and sound at all times. So, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands.
Conclusion
SNUBA is a fun way to dive without scuba certification. You can still go 20 feet deep using the hose for oxygen.
In fact, you can dive deeper than you ever thought possible as a snorkeler and still be able to breathe. Just remember to follow the safety guidelines and you’re sure to have a SPLASH-tacular time!
