Discover What SNUBA Is and Go Beyond Snorkeling

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  30.01.2023
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Snuba is a blend of snorkeling and scuba diving, where you are connected to a surface boat by a lifeline. The line provides you with air from the boat’s compressor while you swim and explore the underwater world. You can go as deep as 20 feet while staying safely connected to the boat.

Sounds pretty cool, right? But how does it work? Let’s dive a bit deeper into the details.

What is snuba

What is SNUBA?

SNUBA is the perfect way to get up close and personal with the underwater world. It’s a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling, allowing you to explore the depths of the ocean like never before. With SNUBA, you’ll be able to:

  • Dive up to 20 feet deep
  • Stay underwater for up to an hour
  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean without having to worry about bulky scuba gear
  • Have a safe and enjoyable experience

What are the Benefits of SNUBA?

SNUBA offers a unique and exciting way to explore the depths of the ocean. Here are some of the benefits of SNUBA:

  • No need to lug around heavy scuba gear
  • Easier to learn than scuba diving
  • Shorter learning curve
  • More affordable than scuba diving
  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean without having to worry about bulky scuba gear
  • Have a safe and enjoyable experience

Who invented snuba?

It all started in 1989 when California diver Michael Stafford decided to make a splash in the world of diving. He invented the snuba system (here are the best systems with air compressors) and it was patented in 1990 by Snuba International, based in Diamond Springs, California. Nowadays, snuba diving is a popular activity in tropical tourist spots like Hawaii, Thailand, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

The genius behind snuba is Michael Stafford! He was a ski shop owner in Soda Springs, California, when he had the brilliant idea to create this limited depth airline breathing apparatus in 1985. He then developed and patented the system in 1990 and Snuba International was born.

So if you’re ever out in the ocean, snorkeling or scuba diving, and you come across a raft with air cylinders and hoses, you can thank Michael Stafford for inventing snuba! He made it possible for people of all ages to explore the depths of the ocean without needing a scuba certification. Thanks to him, we can all enjoy the wonders of the deep blue sea!

When was the snuba invented?

Snuba was invented in the late 80s by Air Force veteran Michael Stafford. He had the idea while travelling, snorkeling and scuba diving, and saw a gap between the number of people snorkeling and scuba diving. He wanted to bridge the gap and came up with the word ‘snuba’, which captured the essence of the intermediate step between the two. He then reached out to his twin brother Patrick, who was the Founder, President and CEO of Sea Shuttle Systems, for help in developing the project. With Patrick’s guidance and support, Snuba International was born and the sport was patented in 1990.

Today, millions of people have had their lives changed by experiencing the underwater world thanks to Snuba. It’s a unique sport that’s been around for over 30 years, and it’s all thanks to Michael Stafford’s vision and Patrick’s help in making it a reality.

No Certification Required

No need to worry about getting certified or having any prior dive experience – snuba diving is for everyone! All you need is to be at least 8 years old, know how to swim, and be comfortable in the water.

The Pros and Cons of Snuba Diving

Advantages

  • Snuba diving is a great way to explore the depths of the ocean without having to lug around a bunch of heavy gear.
  • You don’t need to be a certified diver to give it a try, so it’s a great way to get your feet wet (literally).
  • You’ll be accompanied by a guide who will make sure you stay safe and have a good time.
  • You don’t have to worry about decompression sickness since you won’t be going too deep.

Disadvantages

  • Snuba diving isn’t suitable for areas with strong currents, waves, or wind.
  • Even though you won’t be going too deep, there’s still a risk of barotrauma if you ascend too quickly without venting the air in your lungs.
  • You’ll need to sign a liability release form before you start, so make sure you read it carefully.
  • There have been reports of inadequate training, so make sure you do your research before you book a dive.

Exploring the Depths of the Ocean: SNUBA vs. Scuba Diving

What is SNUBA?

When you’re planning a tropical getaway to places like the Bahamas or Maui, you’re probably looking forward to exploring the depths of the ocean. But let’s face it, snorkeling can only get you so far. Sure, you can get a good look at the colorful marine life and coral reef, but you can’t really go very deep without running out of air. That’s why you should consider SNUBA or scuba diving for your next underwater adventure.

What is Scuba Diving?

Scuba diving is a great way to get up close and personal with the ocean’s depths. With a tank of air strapped to your back, you can dive down to depths of up to 130 feet and explore the depths of the ocean like never before. You can get a good look at all the beautiful fish and coral that you can’t see from the surface.

The Difference Between SNUBA and Scuba Diving

So what’s the difference between SNUBA and scuba diving? Well, SNUBA is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving. Instead of having to lug around a heavy tank of air, you get to breathe through a hose that is connected to a floating air supply. This makes it easier to explore the depths of the ocean without having to worry about running out of air. Plus, you don’t have to be a certified diver to do SNUBA, so it’s a great way for beginners to get their feet wet.

On the other hand, scuba diving requires you to be a certified diver and you’ll need to carry around a tank of air. But the upside is that you can dive much deeper than with SNUBA. So if you’re looking for a more adventurous underwater experience, scuba diving is the way to go.

So there you have it. When it comes to exploring the depths of the ocean, you have two great options: SNUBA and scuba diving. Both offer a unique experience, so it’s up to you to decide which one is right for you.

FAQ

What is the snuba system?

The snuba system is a fun, friendly way to explore the underwater world without having to worry about heavy or cumbersome gear. It’s a shallow water diving system that bridges the gap between snorkeling and scuba diving, and it’s perfect for those who want to experience the wonders of the deep without having to commit to a full scuba certification.

The snuba system is super simple to use. All you need is a mask, fins, weight belt, harness, and regulator. You don’t even need to be a strong swimmer – as long as you can stay afloat, you can snuba! You’ll be towed along by a raft with a compressed air cylinder, and you can choose your own depth – anywhere from just under the surface to 6 metres (20 feet) deep. It’s the perfect way to explore the underwater world without having to worry about all the extra gear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Snuba is a great way to experience the underwater world without the need for any prior dive experience or certification. It’s a fun and unique way to explore the ocean and its inhabitants, and you don’t have to be a SCUBA PRO to do it. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to get your feet wet, Snuba is the way to go! Just remember to use your common sense and follow the safety guidelines provided by your tour operator. And don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure – it’s a SNUBA-tacular experience!

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.