Snuba VS Helmet Diving: Which is Right for You?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  27.01.2023
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Snuba and helmet diving are 2 COMPLETELY different ways to experience the underwater world. 

Both helmet diving and snuba have you tethered to an air hose from the surface, usually on a small raft. Helmet diving allows you to breathe inside a helmet and mostly involves walking on the sea bed while with snuba, you breathe through a regulator and mostly swim around.

There are many differences, but do these make one more fun than the other? Let’s take a more in-depth look.

Helmet Diving

What is a Helmet Dive?

Are you ready to explore the underwater world without having to learn how to swim or get used to breathing through a snorkel? Then a helmet dive is the perfect option for you!

A helmet dive is an awesome experience that allows you to walk on the ocean floor without getting wet. You’ll wear a bell-shaped helmet that rests on your shoulders and keeps your head dry. The helmet has a glass window in the front so you can see all the amazing fish and marine life. You’ll be connected to an air supply at the surface through an air tube, so you can breathe normally.

You’ll be fitted with your helmet at the surface of the water and then you’ll be ready to explore the ocean floor. Helmet dives typically take place in around 10 feet of water and you’ll be accompanied by a marine guide who will point out all the cool marine life.

Claustrophobic? No Problem!

If you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic, don’t worry! Helmet diving helmets are designed to be comfortable and spacious. So, you can explore the underwater world without feeling like you’re stuck in a tiny box.

Snuba Diving

What is Snuba?

If you’re looking for a way to explore the underwater world without having to get certified in scuba diving, then snuba is the perfect activity for you! Snuba is the perfect mix of snorkeling and scuba diving – you don’t need any training or experience, and you don’t have to lug around a heavy air tank like you would with scuba diving. All you need to do is get fitted with a mask, fins, weights, and a dive regulator, and you’re good to go! Plus, you’ll have a guide with you on the surface to keep an eye on your air levels.

Conclusion

Both snuba and helmet diving are great options if you’re looking for a bit of underwater fun.

Snuba’s a great choice (especially with these safe systems)  for a more scuba-like experience where you can swim around yourself, while helmet diving is perfect if you don’t know how to swim or aren’t really comfortable breathing through a snorkel.

Both can be a lot of fun, so why not TRY IT ALL?

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.