Are you a keen snorkeler looking to take your in-water experience to the next level? Have you been diving before and don’t have time for a certification course? Or maybe you have never even seen what lives beneath the waves? 70% of the Earth is covered in water so it makes sense that we should want to explore it. In the 1960´s Jack Cousteau pioneered the very first Aqualung and went diving to the depths of many a coral reef in all corners of the world. More recently we have seen a boom in the scuba diving industry where market leader PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, have made it easy for most people to try diving on the very same day they sign up.
Who is it aimed at?
The Discover Scuba Diving Course is really for anyone who is physically fit for diving and has a desire to breathe under water and fly along with all the amazing aquatic life. If you´re 10 years old and above you can sign up, a great choice for families wanting something different for a day out.
What does it involve?
After registration, there is a presentation of information and a skills briefing. The divers then enter shallow confined water and practice the skills described in the presentation. On completion of the skills it is then possible to go and enjoy a dive to 40ft/12m.
What can you see?
Anything that swims deep in the water can be seen up in the 40 feet region too! Beginner divers have seen big manta rays, dolphins, turtles and huge arrays of tropical fish on their very first dive. Here in the bay of Cabo San Lucas, if the conditions are good, it is possible to dive at the sea lion colony as a beginner.
Do I need to be a Strong Swimmer?
No, but some swimming experience definitely helps. Actually, diving is very different from swimming. You want to go slowly to conserve energy and not scare off the fish. Therefore, if you can kick your legs up and down then you´ll be fine! We can adapt the course for all abilities and comfort level.
How long does the dive last?
This depends on how fast you consume your air. All divers have an air gauge located easily within sight and this is monitored constantly by the dive instructor. How fast you breathe and how much air you use is affected by everything from; water temperature, depth of dive, fitness of diver, size of diver´s lungs, how excited you are etc. So, it´s hard to predict! But you can expect to dive for approximately 30 minutes.
What will the challenges be?
It’s fair to say that doing something so new and alien as breathing underwater will bring certain challenges. Some people are very confident in themselves and are able to get comfortable quickly and dive straight away. With others it takes more time. For some, the hardest thing is that first entrance into deep water. For others equalizing the water pressure in the ears and sinuses can offer a small challenge. However, with a good instructor most challenges are quick to overcome and the common pattern is that most nerves are put to rest once the divers are in the water swimming around with all the fish. It´s very common that people come back again and again and again! Booking a private tour is often the best way to optimise your experience.
Where is the dive site?
We have the perfect dive site here in Cabo San Lucas called Pelican Rock. On one side, there is a sandy area where boats cannot enter making it a safe and easy place for ascending/descending. In the sand, there are big schools of fish to play with only in 20 feet of water. If divers are confident it´s possible to explore the rock to see the deeper 40ft side where larger schools of fish and dramatic topography can be enjoyed. We have encountered small reef sharks, schooling rays, turtles and even a passing sea lion now and again.
If you would like to give scuba diving a try please contact us at Cabo Trek for more information.
By PADI IDC Staff Instructor Laura Tyrrell
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Cabo Trek also offers:
- Whale Shark in La Paz
- Sea Lions in Espiritu Santo Island
- Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas
- Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas
- Scuba Diving in Baja California Sur
- Gray Whale Watching Expedition to Magdalena Bay
