Learn to Scuba Dive
Learn to scuba dive as we share advice on gear, training, safety, popular destinations, certification courses, and basic tips for beginners.
Learning to scuba dive is one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys you can take — but there are a few things you should know about beginning to scuba dive. Here, you’ll find all of the information you need to learn to scuba dive, from the basics on what it takes to become a certified scuba diver, to the best scuba gear for beginners and frequently asked questions about scuba diving.
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Family diving is the hottest new trend in scuba, but how do you know whether yours is ready? -
Thanks to flexible training options, learning to dive has never been easier. -
Don't let these common misconceptions hold you back. -
How a learn-to-dive vacation changed one woman's life.
Basic Scuba Diving Tips
Learning to scuba dive involves mastering basic scuba skills and knowledge so you can explore the underwater world in a safe, enjoyable manner. Use these basic scuba diving tips to see the types of scuba skills you’ll learn in an Open Water Diver course, or to freshen up on your dive knowledge.
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Diving is safer and more enjoyable than ever — if you know the rules. -
If you've ever had trouble equalizing, these seven tips should help. -
Here are a few quick tips to help you fit right in on board. -
Learning to improve air consumption increases your bottom time.
Beginner Scuba Diving Destinations
The best part about learning to scuba dive is taking your new-found skills and putting them to use. Many choose local diving to explore nearby lakes or quarries, while some choose popular scuba diving destinations for beginners — such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii, Cozumel and the Bahamas — for their first dive vacation. Here are our tips on selecting a destination to start diving.
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If you're just getting into diving, you'll love these destinations with superb, easy conditions. -
At these five sites, you'll spend hours of diving bliss at safety-stop depths. -
One mother's experience traveling the world with her three daughters. -
Use our guide, and you'll find the just-right mix of the wet and dry thrills to make your first dive trip everything you dreamed it could be.
Must-Have Scuba Gear
Part of becoming a certified diver is learning how to use scuba gear, but also choosing comfortable scuba gear for yourself. Here, we break down the gear you need to become a certified scuba diver, but also some tips and information on scuba gear for beginners.
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If you're newly certified, how are you supposed to know what to buy? Let's start with the basics. -
Follow these tips to ensure you buy the scuba gear that's right for you — and your wallet. -
Predive and postdive tips for keeping your gear in top-notch condition. -
Even your mask — your window to the underwater world — needs some TLC.
Diving Certifications and Lessons
The lessons you learn in a scuba diving certification course — Open Water Diver or the equivalent — will help you master basic scuba skills so you feel comfortable and competent underwater. Here, we break down how to get certified for scuba diving and the scuba diving lessons you’ll learn throughout the process.
Scuba Diving Safety
Scuba diving safety is the most important factor of an Open Water Diver scuba certification course. Here’s a refresher on the scuba diving safety tips beginner scuba divers learn, and what to expect on your first scuba course.
