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
- (2375 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
- (939 reviews and experiences)
《100% encounter rate! 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 free. No limit on the number of photos! ・Recommended for friends, couples, and families. ・Since it is a small group tour and is conducted on a shallow coast, it is safe for small children.
- 4.6
- (126 reviews and experiences)
What a surprise!! This is a valuable course guided by a genuine islander who grew up on the island. It includes popular spots, a phantom island, and secret spots only known to islanders!! If you want to be satisfied, choose this course. Beginners, children and the elderly can participate. It's only natural that you will be satisfied as you will enjoy two spots, the popular lucky sea turtle search and the phantom island!! Sea turtle point
- 4.8
- (67 reviews and experiences)
We offer safe and fun snorkeling tours in the ocean of Miyakojima! All of our staff are PADI snorkel guides, and many of our guides have years of experience. Another feature of our company is that we have several guides who are natives of the island, including the captain who was born and raised on the island. We want our customers to fully enjoy Miyakojima.
- 4.8
- (137 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.
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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
- (288 reviews and experiences)
The popular course [Blue Cave Diving and Parasail] is now available as a set course!! Underwater photos and flight photos will be given to you for free on the spot!! *Free underwater photos will only be given to your iPhone. For Android, a microSD card is required. If you hand over your mobile phone or digital camera to the staff during the parasail, we will take photos for free.
- 4.9
- (2911 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
- (410 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.
- 5.0
- (228 reviews and experiences)
・Skywalker's trademarked sound parasailing♪ Music echoes through the air, making you feel refreshed! It also relieves tension for children and those who are afraid of heights. ・All you have to do is board a parasailing boat, put on a life jacket and harness, and take off from the boat! Even if you can't swim or don't have the stamina, you can enjoy the sky and sea of Okinawa! Rising steadily
- 4.3
- (631 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!
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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
- (2375 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
- (939 reviews and experiences)
《100% encounter rate! 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 free. No limit on the number of photos! ・Recommended for friends, couples, and families. ・Since it is a small group tour and is conducted on a shallow coast, it is safe for small children.
- 4.9
- (1605 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! ★Participants will receive special benefits (coupons for restaurants, etc., and information on hidden spots)! [Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling] On the way to the Blue Cave, a guide will talk about Ishigaki Island.
- 4.9
- (2911 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
- (1167 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.
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
- (2911 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
- (1952 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
- (635 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.
- 4.8
- (638 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
- (631 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.
