Snorkeling and Skin Diving
BIDP Provides The Following Snorkeling Courses in Bali:
[ PADI - Discover Snorkeling Course ]
[ PADI - Skin Diver Snorkeling Course ]
What Is Snorkeling:
Snorkeling is the practice of swimming at the surface of a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swimfins. In cooler waters, a  wetsuit may also be worn. Combining these tools allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort.
Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort destinations like Bali and many places recreational scuba divers venture. Snorkeling is also employed by scuba divers when near the surface, and search and rescue teams may snorkel as part of a water-based search.
The primary attraction of snorkeling is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting. This may include coral reefs and their denizens, such as manta rays, octopuses, starfish, sea urchins, mollusks, nudibranch. Snorkeling in sandy areas may allow sighting of rays and various flatfish. Other organisms that can be seen while snorkeling include various forms of seaweed, jellyfish, sea turtles, and occasionally anything else which may be found in the ocean. Many of the organisms found in reef locations are vibrantly colored and very abundant, making for an engrossing experience. Tulamben for example is a very easy place to enjoy snorkeling. The shallow wreck of the USS Liberty, an artificial reef, is a great site for snorkelers.
Getting Started:
Snorkeling requires no special training, only the ability to swim and to breathe through the snorkel. However, it is recommended that one get some instruction from a tour guide, dive shop, or equipment rental shop, any of which often can be found around popular snorkeling locations. Instruction will cover equipment usage, basic safety, what to look for, and what to look out for, including how not to damage fragile organisms such as coral. As with diving, it is always recommended that one not snorkel alone, but rather with a "buddy" or a tour guide.
The mask and snorkel are similar to those used in scuba diving, but since they are not subjected to the pressures of deep water, they can be more lightweight and comfortable. Swimfins used in snorkelling are usually longer than those used in diving.
Experienced snorkelers often start to investigate amateur free-diving, which should be preceded by at least some training from a dive instructor or experienced free-diver.
Typical Locations For Snorkeling:
Snorkeling is possible in almost any body of water, but snorkelers are most likely to be found in locations where there are minimal waves, warm water, and something particularly interesting to see near the surface.
- Anywhere coral reefs are near the surface of the water, usually within 10-15 feet (3-5 meters) of the surface.
- Beaches, particularly in sheltered or leeward locations where there are minimal waves, especially in tropical locations.
- Around scuba diving tour boats at diving locations that provide good snorkeling.
- Anywhere recreational swimmers congregate.
TYPICAL LOCATIONS FOR SNORKELING IN BALI:
PADI'S SNORKELING PHILOSOPHY:
The truth is that snorkeling is simple, fun, has no age barriers and can be experienced nearly anywhere. Consequently, more people are interested in snorkeling tahn in Scuba. Although the potential market is huge, the type of services that snorkelers seek are different from the needs of Scuba divers. To succesfully cater to this market, dive professionlas must understand why people snorkel, then supply the experiences, equipment and srevice that allow snorkelers to discover the underwater world.
- People snorkel because they want to see and interact with the underwater world.
- Snorkeling is easy and safe.
- Snorkelers may not want to be Scuba divers.
Interacting With The Underwater World:
One of the most common reasons given for going snorkeling is to see the underwater world. Aquatic life identification books, slates and videos are popular snorkeling materials because they enhance the snorkelers' experiences by defining and categorizing the animals and plants they see.
Beyond aquatic life identification, snorkelers may have other specific goals. For example, photography and videography are natural extensions of aquatic life interests. Collecting and sharing photos or videos taken while snorkeling broadens and diversifies the experience. Shallow water exploration can include searching for artifacts and research activities. Wrecks near shore or partially submerged like the USAT Liberty in Tulamben are particularly exciting snorkeling. Night snorkeling can produce the same thrill experienced by night divers.
Snorkeling often appeals to those with a general interest in oceans, tide pools, and inland waterways. Snorkelers tend to be nature-oriented people who pursue environmental causes, and want to take part in preserving our underwater resources. Snorkelers can be strong Project AWARE ambassadors, participating in beach cleanups, shallow water cleanups and other activities.
Easy and Safe:
Because most people who snorkel do do without formal training, potential snorkelers may not be interested in seeking professionals instruction. Snorkelers may enjoy themselves in the water, even if they have little or no aquatic ability. Altough most people enjoy snorkeling in the open water environment, snorkeling in a swimming pool may also be fun. For example, snorkelers may be an aerobic activity, part of an overall fitness program in health clubs, colleges and universities.
Doesn't Always Lead To SCUBA:
Scuba oriented people have a natural tendency to want to persuade snorkelers to go scuba diving. Because may Scuba divers were first introduced to the underwater world through snorkeling, they see trying Scuba diving as a logical progression. However, there is risk of alienating a snorkeling customer when Scuba is promoted in a matter that diminishes snorkeling. Some snorkelers have no desire to try Scuba diving. Others have tried diving and decided that snorkeling suits them better. Avoid promoting snorkeling as an activity that is nothing more than a precursor to Scuba diving. Consider snorkeling a worthwhile activity and promote it as such.
What Is The Difference Between Snorkeling, Supplied Air Snorkeling and Skin Diving?
Snorkeling is defined as the use of a mask to see underwater anda snorkel to breathe comfortably while looking down from the surface. Snorkelers may also use fins, buoyancy vests, and exposure suits, although this equipment may not be necessary depending on the environment. Snorkelers generally stay on the surface, although they may perform occasional dives to get a better look at something below.
Supplied air snorkeling involves the use of a BCD-like flotation device with a compressed air tank and regulator. Wearing a mask, fins and the supplied air snorkeling unit, users swim on the surface while breathing air supplied via the regulator and tank. Supplied air snorkelers may also use exposure suits. Going below the surface is not possible when using these units.
Skin divers use masks, snorkels, fins and buoyancy vests to both snorkel on the surface and dive down below. Skin divers are proficient at properly adjusting their equipment and buoyancy, equalizing air spaces while diving and clearing their snorkels of water. Skin divers generally venture further than snorkelers and may make frequent surface dives.
Difference Between Discover Snorkeling and PADI Skin Diver Courses:
The PADI Skin diver course results in PADI certification. It is structured and has specific performance requirements. Skin diver students must demonstrate proficiency in surface dives, equalization and ascent techniques. Once the course is completed, it's not repeated.
Discover Snorkeling, on the other hand, is an experience, not a course. It's a supervised snorkeling tour for fun. Snorkelers can return many times to participate in different Discover Snorkeling tours. Introducing snorkelers to surface dives and equalization can be part of the trips given by the Discover Snorkeling tour leader, however, this is done only if the snokeler wants to learn these skills. Both snorkelers and certified Skin Divers can participate in Discover Snorkeling.
SNUBA Diving:
Snuba was created for those who enjoy the simplicity of snorkeling and would like to experience the wonders of breathing underwater. Snuba is an unique, patented shallow water diving system, bridging the gap between snorkeling and Scuba diving.
Snuba is safe and easy and does not require certification. Even if you have never snorkeled or can't swim, Snuba Diving is available for you. Snuba is easily accessible to couples, families, children eight years and older, and seniors. It's a great way for a certified diver to introduce non-certified partners to the underwater breathing experience. Snuba divers breathe underwater by means of a 20 foot air line which is connected to a standard scuba tank. The tanks is mounted on a raft on the surface that follows your every movement. The airline allows you to tour underwater near the bottom, at mid-water or on the surface depending on your level of comfort. There is no heavy diving gear. Every Snuba tour is guided by a diving professional from BIDP. Your guide will familiarize you with the Snuba equipment you will be using and briefly describe what you can expect in the water.
You will start in shallow water and take whatever time necessary to get comfortable breathing underwater. Once comfortable, you are then taken on a guided underwater tour. During the dive you are never more than 20ft (6mtr) from the security of the raft floating on the surface.
You will get the feeling that you are swimming in an aquarium surrounded by tropical fish. The reefs of Bali where you can Snuba dive have beautiful and abundant marine life. Dive into Bali's underwater world and learn more about the wonderful world of marine life, But Remember:
Please Do Not Touch, Stand On Coral Or Take Anything From The Ocean (Except Memories).
E-mail B I D P For further details and booking of PADI Snorkeling Courses | 
