What is the difference between snorkeling and diving? Which is better for beginners?
On this page, we will introduce the two major marine activity companies, Snorkeling "and" Diving (Scuba Diving) " special feature!
The charms and differences of each We will also thoroughly introduce the necessary equipment and tools, how to enjoy it, popular spots in Japan such as Okinawa, and experience tours recommended for beginners.
Which is better, snorkeling or diving? Let's check out some information for those who are worried about the following:
table of contents
What is snorkeling?
Snorkeling What is It is a marine activity that mainly involves floating on the surface of the water and observing the ocean.
By wearing a snorkel mask, Breathe and observe the underwater world with your face in the water What's attractive is what you can do.
In addition, by wearing a life jacket (floating jacket), Floats on the surface without sinking This makes it possible to do so.
Therefore, Safe for beginners and those who are not good at swimming The advantage is that you can enjoy it.
Popular snorkeling experience tour ranking
- 4.7
- (2478 reviews and experiences)
[Very popular] We also hold Blue Cave Snorkeling events for people aged 2 to 70! → https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/18400 Another plan [All-you-can-play in the Blue Cave for one day] Equipment rental service is now open! → https://activityjapan.com/pu
- 4.8
- (1171 reviews and experiences)
*The tour will be closed on September 22nd and 23rd due to the effects of the typhoon. 《100% encounter rate continues! Sea turtle snorkeling tour》・You can also see clownfish and tropical fish. ・We are extremely confident in your photos! They are sure to look great on social media♪ ・Of course, all data is provided free of charge. There is no limit on the number of photos! ・Recommended for friends, couples, and even families. ・Small group size
- 4.9
- (834 reviews and experiences)
The summer of a 2-year-old or a 5-year-old is a once in a lifetime experience. This snorkeling plan is popular with families with small children as a great memory for a trip to Okinawa with family, couples, friends, etc. You may be worried about your small children, or it may be their first time in the ocean, or even if mom and dad can't swim, it's okay! The instructor will be happy to help you with your children and adults.
- 4.8
- (161 reviews and experiences)
[Okinawa's ocean that the world loves] The ocean of Okinawa is loved by people all over the world! This is a set plan that carefully selects the most popular activities! With the very popular "Blue Cave Boat Snorkeling", you can enjoy the beautiful ocean! You can also enjoy feeding the fish. With "Shisa Parasailing", you can fly high above the blue ocean of the tourist spot "Mid-Sea Road" in Uruma City.
- 4.7
- (599 reviews and experiences)
◉ Boat cruising and diving experience with manta rays, sea turtles and coral ◎ Boat cruising and diving in the crystal clear sea of Ishigaki Island's Kabira, which has been awarded three Michelin stars, where you can enjoy manta rays, sea turtles and colorful coral. ◎ A popular plan that allows you to enjoy the spectacular views above and below the water in half a day ◎ All of our instructors are experienced diving instructors.
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What is diving?
Diving (Scuba Diving) What is It is a type of manlin activity where you enjoy diving while wearing equipment such as oxygen tanks.
The acronym stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Also known as "SCUBA" It is called.
Dive or swim in the ocean The main way to enjoy snorkeling is to observe the beautiful underwater world, including marine life such as fish and coral reefs, as well as the unique topography.
At marine spots all over the country, We accept license (C card) holders as well as inexperienced people There are experience tours available where you can enjoy diving.
Popular ranking of diving experience tours
- 4.5
- (308 reviews and experiences)
[Blue Cave Diving and Parasailing] is now available as a set course! Underwater and flight photo data will be provided on the spot for free! *Underwater photos will only be provided to iPhone. For Android, a microSD card is required. During parasailing, please leave your cell phone or digital camera with the staff and we will take photos for free from the boat.
- 4.9
- (3720 reviews and experiences)
☆ Coronavirus Prevention Store ☆ Okinawa Blue Cave Beach Experience Diving ★ Please take a look at the five-star high evaluation reviews ♪ The messages we received from many customers are our treasures! We are proud of it! ! The photos and videos taken underwater will be transferred to your smartphone immediately after the dive is over! It is said that the most advanced GOPRO images have already exceeded the capabilities of the human eye.
- 4.7
- (599 reviews and experiences)
◉ Boat cruising and diving experience with manta rays, sea turtles and coral ◎ Boat cruising and diving in the crystal clear sea of Ishigaki Island's Kabira, which has been awarded three Michelin stars, where you can enjoy manta rays, sea turtles and colorful coral. ◎ A popular plan that allows you to enjoy the spectacular views above and below the water in half a day ◎ All of our instructors are experienced diving instructors.
- 4.9
- (807 reviews and experiences)
A special day where you will naturally say, "I'm glad I went!" Take a leisurely boat cruise to the Blue Cave. Even the time you spend surrounded by the sea breeze will be an unforgettable memory. Our tours come with a dedicated guide and photographer for each group. Even first-timers and those who are not good at swimming can participate with peace of mind, thanks to our careful support. A moment from your precious trip.
- 4.9
- (2032 reviews and experiences)
Must see for first timers! Leave your special, once in a lifetime experience to us. Safety and security are our responsibility. More than that, we guarantee "the best experience and special memories in video." We will create the best, most memorable experience of the Okinawan blue. Powder room amenities are fully equipped, so you can go sightseeing right after the tour. Experienced instructors
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The difference between snorkeling and diving
" Snorkeling and diving What's the difference? I'm sure there are many beginners to this activity who have questions such as:
As mentioned above, snorkeling and diving seem similar. Marine activities with different characteristics is.
From here, The differences between snorkeling and diving and the necessary equipment Let's take a look.
How to enjoy snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the ocean and other A marine activity where you can enjoy floating on the water's surface is.
By wearing a snorkel mask, you can breathe, Observe underwater with your face in the water You can.
Advanced users may also temporarily dive underwater. Yes, but in that case you will not be able to breathe through the snorkel mask.
Snorkeling equipment
Snorkeling is You can enjoy it with the minimum necessary tools The casualness is what makes it so appealing.
In the following, List of main equipment required for snorkeling (snorkeling set) We are doing it.
- Mask (goggles)
- Snorkel (Snorkel)
- Fins
- Water shoes
- Marine Globe
- Snorkeling Vest
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How to enjoy diving
Diving is a great way to experience the ocean and other Enjoy underwater marine activities is.
By equipping an oxygen tank, it is possible to breathe underwater, Can remain submerged in water for a certain period of time is.
Also, unlike snorkeling, it is commonly known as There is a diving license called a C-card. Another feature is that...
Diving equipment
To enjoy diving, Specialized equipment required It will be.
In the following, List of the main equipment required for diving We are doing it.
- mask
- snorkel
- Gloves
- Wetsuit
- boots
- Regulator
- tank
- Diving Computer
- BCD
- gauge
- fin
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As mentioned above, The biggest difference between snorkeling and diving is how you enjoy it and the equipment you need. is.
Both A hands-on tour for beginners will be held, with equipment rental included It has been done.
Choose between snorkeling or diving depending on your purpose It would be a good idea to do so.
Snorkeling experience tour recommended for beginners
In Japan, Numerous Snorkeling spot There is.
Okinawa Island, including Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island, as well as Kanto, Kansai, Kyushu, Shikoku, etc. There are many popular snorkeling spots.
Below are some of the activities carefully selected by the Activity Japan editorial team. Snorkeling experience tour recommended for beginners " will be presented in ranking form.
Recommended snorkeling spots
- 4.7
- (2478 reviews and experiences)
[Very popular] We also hold Blue Cave Snorkeling events for people aged 2 to 70! → https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/18400 Another plan [All-you-can-play in the Blue Cave for one day] Equipment rental service is now open! → https://activityjapan.com/pu
- 4.8
- (1171 reviews and experiences)
*The tour will be closed on September 22nd and 23rd due to the effects of the typhoon. 《100% encounter rate continues! Sea turtle snorkeling tour》・You can also see clownfish and tropical fish. ・We are extremely confident in your photos! They are sure to look great on social media♪ ・Of course, all data is provided free of charge. There is no limit on the number of photos! ・Recommended for friends, couples, and even families. ・Small group size
- 4.7
- (1184 reviews and experiences)
＊＊＊New masks and snorkels available for purchase＊＊＊ You can take home any purchased items. You can continue to enjoy the ocean of Okinawa after the experience! ＊＊＊We also offer the option to charter a guide＊＊＊Preschoolers and small children are also welcome.
- 4.9
- (1747 reviews and experiences)
★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Free photo data, equipment rental, and hot showers♪ ★You might even see a sea turtle! ★Participant benefits (coupons for restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots) included! ★Groups welcome! [Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling] On the way to the Blue Cave, you can enjoy the view of Ishigaki Island.
- 4.8
- (341 reviews and experiences)
★100% chance of encountering sea turtles★ [Tour details] The Blue Cave is a popular snorkeling spot. The light that shines into the cave becomes a pale blue light due to its wavelength, and spreads, enveloping the entire cave in a fantastic pale blue glow. This tour is a beach entry! After taking photos in front of the Blue Cave, we will snorkel and take you to the sea turtle's nest.
Diving experience tours recommended for beginners
Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea on all sides. World famous diving There are many points there is.
With an emerald blue sea Okinawa and the coastal waters of Kagoshima's remote islands, as well as Shizuoka, the Izu Peninsula, and Kushimoto in Wakayama. is a prime example.
Below are some of the activities carefully selected by the Activity Japan editorial team. Diving experience tours recommended for beginners " will be presented in ranking form.
Recommended diving spots
- 4.9
- (3720 reviews and experiences)
☆ Coronavirus Prevention Store ☆ Okinawa Blue Cave Beach Experience Diving ★ Please take a look at the five-star high evaluation reviews ♪ The messages we received from many customers are our treasures! We are proud of it! ! The photos and videos taken underwater will be transferred to your smartphone immediately after the dive is over! It is said that the most advanced GOPRO images have already exceeded the capabilities of the human eye.
- 4.9
- (2032 reviews and experiences)
Must see for first timers! Leave your special, once in a lifetime experience to us. Safety and security are our responsibility. More than that, we guarantee "the best experience and special memories in video." We will create the best, most memorable experience of the Okinawan blue. Powder room amenities are fully equipped, so you can go sightseeing right after the tour. Experienced instructors
- 4.9
- (517 reviews and experiences)
Here are 6 points to help first-timers and anxious people to feel at ease when participating in Aoi! First-timers may have thoughts like, "Can I dive properly?" or "I'm not very good at swimming." We would like to introduce our hospitality to help such customers feel at ease and have fun! We would also like to try again!
- 4.8
- (648 reviews and experiences)
A long-awaited new service only available at our shop. We have started selling cute new masks as a course participation benefit at a low price! This is a special benefit only available at Maldive, and you can take it home after the tour, so it is a recommended option that allows you to enjoy the Okinawa blue with a cute mask during your trip to Okinawa! We also sell new mouthpieces, so we can flexibly respond to your requests.
- 4.3
- (869 reviews and experiences)
Ranked #1 in Google reviews for Okinawa diving keywords! *As of April 2025, according to a survey by the Review Rating Institute. Don't worry if you can't swim! Shop staff will provide full support! Trial diving will be conducted at a depth where the coral looks its best. You will first practice on the surface before going underwater, so you can enjoy diving with peace of mind!
Which is better, snorkeling or diving?
That's all for now. Snorkeling and diving Differences I think you understand what that means.
Although both are marine activities, Different ways to enjoy and different attractions So it's not possible to say which is better.
Your purpose, physical strength, skills, licenses, etc. Take this into consideration when joining an experience tour.
lastly, Main features of snorkeling and diving We have summarized the following.
| Snorkeling | diving |
|---|---|
| Easy to enjoy | Dive into the sea |
| Small children can also participate | See marine life up close |
| Tools and equipment are simple | The equipment and facilities are specialized |
| No license required | Licensed (unlicensed experience tours available) |
If you are a beginner to marine activities, First, join a snorkeling experience tour. Come and experience the charm of the sea.
From the water surface Look into the ocean and experience the spectacular underwater world After that, I think many people will be interested in diving and think, "I want to try diving next!"
When you enjoy your first dive, Take part in a "trial diving" tour, which does not require a license. let's.
Put on diving equipment and dive into the ocean This allows even those with no prior experience to experience the appeal of diving.
*The content of this article is current as of July 2025.
