Thorn Tree travel forum

Diving and snorkeling FAQ

Welcome to the branch that covers one of the most fascinating sports: scuba diving and – to a lesser extent – snorkeling. For those who always wondered what scuba diving actually stands for, it is the term used to describe the use of a “Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus” to stay underwater for periods of time greater than the average individual can breath-hold.

*Please read this thread to find answers to the most common questions. *

If you have more general questions such as accommodation you should also check the country/region related branches.

Feel free to add generally interesting topics which have not been addressed yet; to make navigation easier on the FAQ, I recommend to start with a bold headline to allow people to find topics.

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Diving in Thailand - Krabi coast

Hi,

Will be in Krabi and Ao Nang after New Years' and really want to go for at least a day or two day dive trip. Any recommendations? Will only have a week in the area so anything quite close would be good. Similians are too far off, aren't they? Any thoughts on good diving companies and prices would be highly appreciated as well. :)

Haven't been diving in a couple of years

since my daughter was born. My tank needs hydro, my regs all need service, and I bet my BC needs work too from being stored in the shed for so long. My 7mm wet suit is likely to be a little tight since I have gaind a few pounds since becomming a father. Here is my dillema, Should I spring for the $$ to hydro the tank, service the regs, repair the BC and, if possible, alter the wetsuit? Or, since money is really tight for me and it's hard to justify this expense for $150+ diving trips a couple of times a year, should I sell the lot (1999 vintage stuff, scuba pro regs, mares guardian computer), pay down a credit card or two, and get new gear when my daughter is old enough to have interest and learn? What would you do?

Diving Mexico

Can anyone tell me the best areas to dive in Mexico
Thanks

Diving in Cebu - Moalboal or Mactan? Coron or Subic Bay?

I know Moalboal would be a much better place to stay but I`d like to see the big stuff (thresher sharks, mantas etc) - I`ve heard Mactan is a better place to see these. Or is Pescador Island in Moalboal just as good?

Also, I want to do some wreck diving in the Philippines and can`t decide between Coron and Subic Bay.I`ve been to Subic but the visibility wasn`t great (going in December now), whereas Coron is said to be a bit more colourful. Any suggestions? Many thanks!

Dive Internshiplo

Hello!
I'm looking for a dive internship where my costs are covered and I work for the company in exchange for getting certified as a dive master... does any one have any recommendations as to where to look into or who to talk to specifically... I originally wanted to do it in Dahab but I'm having trouble finding a company that offers the internship option... ideally it would be around 6 months.
Thanks!

First time diving the Similan & Surin Islands. Need clarification please!

Hi everyone,

My girlfriend and I are looking at the 4 night live-aboard to the Similan islands this coming December. I've dived 4-5 times (not certified) but my girlfriend has a grand total of 0. Can we just join the live-aboard or is there some diving/safety course required by first time divers before heading out? We have to fly in the day of the trip but will get there with plenty of time before ship departure.

All help with this is greatly appreciated!

Donkey

Looking for...

I can only afford to go to one location and am debating between a trip that would include either Komodo/Rinca, Pulau Weh, or the Andaman Islands. There are positives and negatives to each that I am pouring over in trying to make the right decision, but I now realize that what I am looking for is that image of a lush, tropical island that I have in my head from 'On The Road to Bali' and Gilligan's Island. I realize those never existed, but...

Anyone have a recommendation for the ideal Gilligan's Island experience?