SNUBA VS SNORKELING VS SCUBA

One of the questions we often get asked is, “What’s the difference between SNUBA and snorkeling?” Well, there is quite a bit of difference between the two, but both are equally as fun! Try SNUBA in Maui at Molokini or Coral Gardens.

SNUBA?

SNUBA, which is a portmanteau or a combination of the words ‘snorkeling’ and ‘scuba,’ is an exhilarating way to explore the mysteries of the underwater life. SNUBA is a brilliant technique that bridges the gap between scuba diving and snorkeling by eliminating the drawbacks of each method. It combines their benefits to help you make the most of your sea adventure.

The great thing about SNUBA is that no certification is required. Even if you are not the greatest swimmer and have never snorkeled before, you can still try SNUBA. It’s really quite easy!

What exactly is SNUBA?

The breathing apparatus is a user-friendly regulator that’s connected to an air supply that floats at the water’s surface. SNUBA allows you to explore the ocean without having a tank attached to you. The SNUBA hose we use on the Four Winds and the Maui Magic are about 10 feet long, so most people go about 8-9 feet below the surface.

 

Safety is always first! You will always be accompanied by a highly trained and certified SNUBA guide while you’re exploring the underwater world. Before trying SNUBA, your instructor will give you a 15-20 min safety briefing on your way to the destination and tell you what to expect during your guided tour. Your instructor will also get you geared up for SNUBA with your fins, mask, weight belt and harness.

Worried about flying right after trying SNUBA? No problem! Unlike scuba diving, you won’t have to worry about waiting 24 hours before flying.

SNUBA WITH THE FOUR WINDS OR MAUI MAGIC

SNUBA is a great dive option and is available as an add-on for all tours.  Anyone that has ever wanted to dive but hasn’t had the opportunity, or a certified diver that wants an easy dive, has a chance to explore the reef up close and personal.

SNUBA VS. SCUBA

The difference between SNUBA and Scuba is that the tank floats in a raft on the water’s surface, then it is connected to a hose that allows you to go to your desired depth and get up close the the reef.  The guided dive goes for about 25-30 minutes, with the opportunity to see all the marine life from inches away.  The main difference between the two is that for SNUBA you do not have to be certified; The best part is the cost is minimal compared to other diving opportunities out there! Want to SNUBA Maui? Come join us!

Safety is always first! You will always be accompanied by a highly trained and certified SNUBA guide while you’re exploring the underwater world. Before trying SNUBA, your instructor will give you a 15-20 min safety briefing on your way to the destination and tell you what to expect during your guided tour. Your instructor will also get you geared up for SNUBA with your fins, mask, weight belt and harness.

SNUBA Lightweight Gear

SNUBA diving uses a special, patented underwater mask and diving system that allows you to comfortably breathe underwater without carrying oxygen tanks below with you. All SNUBA gear is available on board Maui Four Winds boat, so there’s no need to rent or bring gear. SNUBA tanks site at the top of the surface, so there’s no extra weight. Your guide will get the tanks into the water, provide you instructions on how to use the regulator and ensure you are ready for your underwater adventure. All you need to SNUBA in Maui will be provided – your mask, fins, weight belt and optional wet suit.

SNUBA Instructors

Unlike Scuba, a trained professional is with you at all times so you can relax and feel safe in the water. SNUBA is a perfect way to go further than snorkeling with the comfort that you have company.

Scuba Diving vs. SNUBA

Scuba diving allows you to discover the abundant marine life by diving deeper into the majestic blue sea.

Scuba Diving Requires Special Gear

Because scuba diving is a form of deep diving, scuba divers need to wear a special swimming suit and oxygen mask and are given a pressurized air tank strapped to their back. This enables the divers to taste the richness of the ocean by getting in close proximity to the underwater world. Scuba Divers must get the gear into and out of the water themselves.

Scuba Diving Requires Certification. SNUBA Does Not.

However, breathing through a mask and swimming with heavy gas tanks is easier said than done. Therefore, scuba diving requires proper training beforehand. Typically scuba diving certification requires book work and a class time with either PADI or Naui certification programs, a test and then 4 open water dives.

Limited Activities After Scuba Diving

One limitation of scuba diving is that divers must avoid air travel for at least 24 hours after the activity. This means you cannot drive to the top of Haleakala visit the observatories within that time frame either. But if you are really enthusiastic about witnessing the wonders that await you under the sea by swimming far below the surface, plan ahead to get your classwork done at home and the Scuba Diving open water certifications done on Maui. Consider your travel plans so that you don’t have a flight to catch immediately after. Alternatively, try SNUBA first!

SNUBA vs. Snorkeling

While snorkeling is a good way to avoid the drawbacks of scuba diving in Maui, SNUBA is a much better way to say hello to the tropical fish without going through the hassle of a certification process or long hours of training.

SNUBA allows you to really ‘go beyond snorkeling’ and marvel at the phenomenal spectacles that lie hidden underwater.

Here the top reasons that explain why SNUBA in Maui is by far the most popular activity on the island and why you must try it, too.

• Safe and easy – SNUBA is for shallow waters so you will stay within a depth of 8 to 10 feet at most. Plus, there’s no heavy equipment weighing you down. The gas tanks stay above the water surface, floating atop a small raft.
• Swim comfortably – No extra baggage means that you can swim around comfortably. Not only is the mask used for SNUBA very user-friendly, but it is connected to a constant flow of clean air via a long hose. This gives you the ease of movement and enables you to explore the sea at you at your own pace.
• Fun for everyone – SNUBA is an extremely exciting holiday activity, and the best part is that it is accessible to all! Be it children (above 8 years) or the elderly; everyone can delve into the cool blue water and be amazed at the sights underwater.

SNUBA is a genius technique that perfectly blends the fun in snorkeling with the amazement in scuba diving to provide an exceptional underwater experience. Plus, it is uncomplicated, easy to manage, and a foolproof way to have some adventurous fun.

Add SNUBA to Your Maui Adventure

If you are wondering where you can go SNUBA in Maui, then get in touch with us today.
Our professional instructors are experienced divers who will help you get familiar with the basics of SNUBA diving so you can smoothly navigate your way underwater. Greet the brightly colored tropical fish and prepare to be blown away by the giant coral formations. And since you wouldn’t want to part with it all, we will help you capture the great memories so you can relive them later on.

Experience the Best of All Activities

Although there are quite a lot of significant differences between snorkeling, SNUBA, and scuba diving in Maui, one thing is common to all – they are all equally fun and exciting!

You can snorkel at the magnificent Molokini Crater or try SNUBA at the Coral Gardens to explore the large coral reefs and diverse marine life that thrive under the water. No matter which activity you choose to have fun on your Hawaiian vacation, here at Four Winds Maui, we have got you covered.

From knowing a range of the best underwater spots to being familiar with the right time to visit them, we are well aware of the tiny details that account for an unforgettable island trip. Plus, we offer a variety of packages that include everything from food and beverages to a comfortable boat ride, snorkeling,

SNUBA diving, and a lot more. Also, the tour timings vary so you can pick one that easily fits into your schedule.

SNORKELING

Snorkeling is defined as swimming underwater while using a snorkel, which is a tube that allows you the breathe while you are underwater. You will also need a diving mask and fins to be able to snorkel. Snorkeling is a fun activity for all levels and ages. If you do not feel comfortable in the water, snorkeling is a good way to ease yourself in to trying other ocean activities. Snorkeling requires very little swimming. The great thing about snorkeling in Hawaii is that you will see beautiful coral reefs and tons of tropical fish. You may get lucky and get to witness other marine life, such as: Hawaiian sea turtles, manta rays, octopuses, eels, etc. No certification is required to snorkel. If you are wanting to snorkel Molokini, try going out with the Four Winds II on a morning trip! Not an early riser? Try our afternoon trip and snorkel beautiful Coral Gardens.

Snorkeling Tip: Make sure to use some of our anti-fog solution in your mask before getting into the water. Your snorkeling experience will be much more enjoyable!

If Hawaii is your next vacation destination and you are looking for the ultimate way to have a memorable time on this heavenly island, you must have come across activities like SNUBA and scuba diving in Maui as the top things that you must do.

 

SNUBA Maui and Meet Our SNUBA Instructors!

Chet Atkins 

Chet is originally from Wisconsin (yes, he’s a Packers fan) and is a guitar enthusiast. For over 40 years, Chet has been teaching divers how to SNUBA and safely explore the underwater world. We have been lucky to have Chet with us on the Four Winds for 30 years! Chet is a great teacher and can assist anyone in learning how to SNUBA.

Jamie Nguyen

Jamie has been a scuba instructor since 1974 and has taught introductory through advanced dives for many years. After retiring as a commercial diver, he saw SNUBA as a great opportunity to introduce people to the world of breathing air underwater in a simple and fun way. Jaime has been a SNUBA instructor since 1989 and was awarded individual SNUBA operator of the year in 2013. You can find Jaime teaching SNUBA on the Four Winds II.

Marcella Mardajar

Marcella worked first as a crew member on the boat and was always good at getting people that were unsure of the ocean into the water to swim and snorkel. Sometimes she would have guests that would refuse to jump in the water and by the end of the trip, they were not wanting to get out! Marcella has a great love for the water and believes that everyone should have a chance at experiencing it. One of the things that brings her joy is watching peoples expressions after experiencing the ocean for the first time. Marcella takes great pride in the fact that her guests put their trust in her to make sure their family has a safe and fun experience. Next time you go on the Maui Magic make sure you SNUBA with Marcella!

SNUBA: A Crew Member Helps a Guest Overcome Her Fear

Rachel called to book her reservation on the Four Winds and asked me about SNUBA on Maui Four Winds.  She said she was scared to death, but so badly wanted to try it.  I explained to her how the system worked and how easy it was to do!  (More information on SNUBA)  The part that made her feel better was that you only have to go down as far as you want to.  You can stay on the surface and hold on to the raft until your ready then start to descend to 20 ft. or you don’t have to descend at all!

It just so happened, that she booked her families Molokini snorkel trip on the Four Winds II, the same day I was working.  I was able to give the SNUBA instructor a heads up on her apprehension so he could give her the confidence to go through with it.  I knew how badly she wanted to try, and I didn’t want her to talk herself out of it! I checked on her a couple of times as they were listening to the class, and I half to admit, I thought she was not going for it.  The look on her face was complete and utter terror!  After the class I hunted her down and pulled her aside to see what she thought… to my surprise she was still in!

I gave her a quick “ata girl” hug and was on my way to help the snorkelers get in at Molokini Crater.  The next time I saw her she was glowing!  She gave me a play by play of the dive, telling me how wonderful and patient the instructor was, and that she had the absolute time of her life!  She couldn’t even believe how easy the experience was and that after the first few minutes she wasn’t even thinking about how scared she had been.  She was too busy taking pictures of all the fish, urchins, eels and more.  She said they even spotted an octopus!  Seeing these people go through these transformations is an experience so satisfying and exhilarating, it makes me hope that I can do this for a very long time!