How old do you need to be to snuba? Uncovering the Age Requirements

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  25.01.2023
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Although snuba is a great activity for anyone, it’s important to know your limits, and kids LOVE testing their limits.

You have to be at least 8 years old to SNUBA dive so it’s the perfect way to get kids started. At age 8, you can’t go scuba diving yet but snorkeling is still an option. But with snuba, kids can have their first dive and stay underwater for longer.

You need to be able to swim well enough to stay with the instructor and not hold everyone up so it’s important to know how old you need to be to snuba. Let’s dive into why these age requirements are in place.

How old do you need to be to snuba

What is SNUBA?

What is it?

SNUBA is a unique underwater experience that combines the best of both snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s a great way to explore the depths of the ocean without having to be a certified scuba diver!

So kids can join in on the fun as well as adults.

But you do need to be able to do some swimming, so it’s not suitable for all ages.

How Does It Work?

You’ll be connected to an air supply via a hose that’s attached to a raft on the surface. This allows you to dive up to 20 feet deep and explore the ocean floor without having to worry about carrying heavy scuba gear.

What Physical Requirements Do You Need to SNUBA?

No Need to be a Strong Swimmer

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and trying SNUBA, you don’t need to be a Michael Phelps-level swimmer. All you need is the ability to breathe through your mouth and kick your feet.

What’s the Minimum Age?

You have to be at least 8 years old to SNUBA dive. So if you’ve got a kiddo who’s been begging to explore the underwater world, SNUBA is the perfect way to get them started.

What’s the Maximum Depth?

The maximum depth for SNUBA diving is 10 feet, on some excursions 20 feet. So if you’re looking for a deep dive, this isn’t the activity for you. But that makes it perfectly suitable for kids from the age of 8.

What If they’ve Never Snorkeled Before?

Technically, your kids can still SNUBA dive, but without having snorkeled at least once before, there’s no guarantee of how comfortable they’ll be.

To test it out, have them pinch their nose and breathe through their mouth for a whole minute. If they can do this comfortably, they’re ready to take the plunge!

It’s often best to have them try snorkeling at least once and see if they’re comfortable doing that.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an underwater adventure that’s both exciting and easy, SNUBA is the way to go! With no real age restrictions and minimal physical requirements, it’s a great way for anyone to experience the beauty of the underwater world.

So, if you’re 8 or older, don’t be SHY – grab your fins and dive in!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.