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
- 4.9
- (895 reviews and experiences)
★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Free transportation to and from Miyakojima and Kurimajima! ★Free photo data and equipment rental♪ ★Swim with sea turtles! ★Participant benefits (coupons for restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots) included! ★Overwhelming satisfaction! [Half-day sea turtle snorkeling!] Sea turtles
- 4.9
- (1775 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.
- 4.9
- (513 reviews and experiences)
★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Plan with free transportation throughout Miyakojima and Kurimajima! ★Free photo data and equipment rental♪ ★Swim with sea turtles! ★Participant benefits (coupons available at restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots) included! ★Overwhelming satisfaction! [Sea turtle snorkeling x Pumpkin bell
- 4.9
- (643 reviews and experiences)
★Over 300,000 participants! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Free photo data, equipment rental, and hot showers♪★Free transportation included! ★You might even see a sea turtle! ★Participant benefits (coupons that can be used at restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots) included! ★A satisfying plan that can be enjoyed from early morning to afternoon! ★English support available! [Ma
- 4.7
- (2496 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
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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
- 4.7
- (623 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
- (3813 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.
- 4.5
- (310 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
- (2043 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
【フルフェイスmask体験diving（顔が濡れず安全快適で楽に呼吸ができます）】温水シャワー＆着替えテント有・Gopro無料・送迎可【宮古島】
- 5.0
- (52 reviews and experiences)
宮古島の美しいビーチからエントリーして、お魚andサンゴの美しい海を潜る体験divingツアーis.プロ仕様の顔部分に水が入ってこないフルフェイスmaskを使用しているので、水を飲んでしまったり溺れてしまう心配がありません。その他も新しいdiving器材を使用しているので、水中でも安全で快適に楽しんでいただけ
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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
- (2496 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
- (1216 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
- (1775 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.
- 4.9
- (846 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.
- 4.7
- (1186 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
- (3813 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
- (2043 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
- 4.4
- (898 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!
- 4.9
- (536 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!
- 4.9
- (827 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.
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.
