Scuba diving is an amazing hobby, particularly if you love water and snorkeling.
This is one of the most tranquil yet exciting activities you can engage in.
The feeling you get when diving is almost unexplainable.
But similar to all hobbies, you probably wonder how expensive scuba diving is.
So, How Expensive Is Scuba Diving as A Hobby?
Scuba diving is a relatively expensive hobby. You can expect to spend about $300 to acquire a scuba diving certification depending on the place you learn. You should also expect to spend approximately $200 to $2000 on scuba diving equipment and gear, as well as anywhere between $75 to $150 in every dive. Renting your diving equipment can enable you to engage in scuba diving on a budget.
The Cost of Scuba Diving
Let’s dive deeper into the cost of scuba diving in terms of getting certification, equipment, and diving trips.
1. Scuba Diving Certification
To get a scuba diving certification, you need to undertake and pass a scuba diving course from well-accredited agencies.
The two most popular certification agencies are the
- National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)
- and Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
To qualify to take a scuba diving course, you need to;
- Be in good physical shape
- Be comfortable in the water
- Be ten years of age or older
- Swim for 200 yards and float or tread for ten minutes
The price for open water certification ranges from $300 to $700, depending on your location.
Scuba diving certs are the cheapest in places like Thailand, while in Europe the price can be as high as $700.
After getting the open water certification, you can go for the advanced open water course that costs about $200.
This will enable you to dive deeper and open your doors to getting other diving certifications, such as night diving and wreck diving.
2. Purchasing or renting Scuba Diving equipment
The cost of scuba diving equipment depends on whether you prefer to purchase your own diving gear or rent the equipment.
While buying your own equipment is expensive, it has benefits such as having properly fitting gear and familiarity.
Proper fitting equipment will ensure you won’t have leaks in your wetsuit or mask.
Purchasing your own equipment also means you are more familiar with every piece in case of any emergency.
Purchasing your entry-level dive kit can cost about $2500 except for the weights and tanks.
The price also does not include a GoPro or dive computers.
The price will also depend on if you are getting new or second-hand equipment and whether you are diving in warm or cold water.
If you want to purchase a quality dive computer, it could cost you $500 to $1000.
A GoPro goes for about $400, depending on its model. You also keep in mind the maintenance cost of the equipment.
On the other hand, renting equipment is a bit cheaper.
It also comes with the added benefit of not being responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the equipment.
The cost of renting equipment is about twenty-five times less than actually purchasing the diving equipment.
Renting scuba equipment when starting off the hobby is a perfect option. However, if you go for more than 25 dives a year, you might end up spending more on renting than purchasing your own gear.
3. Diving costs
The cost of diving depends on the company you are diving with, where you want to dive, and the dive duration.
In the United States, the diving spots normally do not include the equipment rental cost in their prices.
On the other hand, International diving includes a more exclusive package that includes the rental cost.
When deciding where to do scuba diving, it is essential to check the specific website location or call them to know what they include in the price or not.
Some of the approximate charges in popular diving spots in the US include;
California
A one-tank dive goes for $100 to $150 per person, while a two-tank dive goes for $200 to $250.
Hawaii
For first-time divers, the cost goes for about $130 and $150-$170 for a two-tank dive.
South Carolina
A scuba dive, costs about $90 to $120 per person, with most dives being two-tank scuba dives.
Florida
The cost of scuba diving in Florida is a bit cheap, with one-tank dive costing between $50-$80 per person, $65 for a two-tank dive, and $90 for a three-tank dive.
Other famous international scuba dive destinations include;
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- and Indonesia.
4. Scuba Diving Insurance
Scuba diving is a high-risk hobby. It is hence recommendable to get specific insurance to cover scuba diving.
Most dive insurance is designed to cover scuba divers in diving accidents.
The insurance caters to hospital care costs, recompression therapy, damaged or lost equipment, etc.
5. Traveling Cost
The traveling costs for diving can be significantly costly.
If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that offers scuba diving, it will be cheaper.
But for most people who are not that lucky, a dive trip can cost from $300 to $2500 depending on where you are going.
Things To Consider Before Going for Scuba Diving
Besides the expensive part of scuba diving, you should consider some essential things before diving. These include;
1. Are You In Good Health?
Particular health conditions prevent you from diving, such as asthma, epilepsy, heart issues, pregnancy, certain cancers, and others or your physical disabilities.
If this is the case, you might want to reconsider scuba diving for your safety and personal health. You can also consider consulting with your doctor before beginning scuba diving to ensure your body is fit for it.
2. Can You Meet The Scuba Diving Costs?
While scuba diving without certification is not illegal, it is essential to learn all the right techniques and safety rules before diving.
More so, you will need to buy or rent high-quality gear to help keep you safe during dives.
While scuba diving can seem expensive upfront, your safety should always come first.
3. Are You Comfortable In The Water?
While you don’t need to be a professional swimmer to go diving, you will require to be at least comfortable in deep water to undertake scuba diving.
The more comfortable in the water, the easier it will be to stay confident and calm when diving.
It will also allow you to concentrate on your surroundings as you dive to keep away from marine life.
What Are the Benefits of Scuba Diving as A Hobby?
Like most hobbies, scuba diving provides you with numerous physical and mental health benefits. First, scuba diving acts as a stress reliever.
The craft needs you to master deep and slow breathing techniques and focus on what you are doing, which relieves any stress.
It acts as a fitness exercise in terms of anaerobic and aerobic workouts.
Your muscles will become stronger as you dive. Last but not least, you get to explore exotic and new places as well as grab some cool videos and photos underwater.
So, while it is a costly hobby, it is worth it.
Bottom Line
Generally, scuba diving is an expensive hobby.
You have to pay for scuba diving certifications and buy or rent scuba diving equipment such as a wet suit, diving mask, and fins.
You might also need to cater to traveling costs.
However, if you are ready to commit to scuba diving as a hobby, it is one of the most enjoyable hobbies.
Related
References
Is Scuba Diving Worth It? – Watersportgeek