Scuba diving is the golden key to a whole new world. Yes, snorkeling can give you a taste of what lies beneath the water’s surface; but it’s the equivalent of looking through the windows of a house rather than going inside for a tour. It is also a hobby that can lead to a satisfying career, such as being a PADI instructor or underwater welder. But as pastimes go, it isn’t the cheapest.
Is Scuba Diving An Expensive Hobby?
Scuba diving is an expensive hobby, at least initially. Even a one-time “taster” class will cost around a hundred bucks. Should a person want to take it further, the next step is typically a PADI Open Water course that costs 380-500 dollars. However, you do not have to take a taster before signing up for the basic PADI course. Scuba gear is expensive if bought new and can be as much as 8,000 dollars. Thus, it’s good to keep an eye out for secondhand deals.
Scuba diving is a hobby that positively benefits mental and physical health. The activity is low-impact and easy on the joints, and the intensity can be adjusted to a person’s comfort and fitness level. It is also an excellent way to free the mind of everyday stressors and take a break from screens, social media, and emails. But, like golf, there are some significant expenses to consider.
While that is a serious chunk of change, a basic PADI certification lasts for life. Refresher courses are not a must, but they are recommended for anyone that has taken a significant break from the activity. Thankfully, the refresher courses are typically less than a taster, 60-80 dollars.
Admittedly, there are options to go further after getting the basic PADI certificate. Examples include:
- Advanced Open Water
- Nitrox (Enriched Air Diver
- Rescue Diver
- Master Scuba Diver
- Technical Diving
- Night Diving
- Underwater Navigation
- Dry Suit Diver
- Emergency 1st Responder
- Emergency Oxygen Provider
- Digital Underwater Photography and Videographer
- Wreck Diver
- Search and Recovery
- Diver Propulsion Vehicle
- Instructor Training
- Cavern Diver
Many of these courses cost in the same range as the basic PADI certification, although some are more expensive. However, they are not necessary for casual hobbyists who just want to take shallow dives once or twice a month. But if you want to go deeper or turn the hobby into a career, you will need to continue your diving training.
How Much To Scuba Dive?
Once you and a buddy know how to scuba dive safely, you can technically scuba dive independently. However, the logistics and type of dive trips could make it an expensive hobby. Some people only pay the 5-dollar fee to fill their tank and will go off the docks or own their own boat.
However, many people need a ride out and use of tanks, as it isn’t worth buying those unless you dive a lot. The price of these outings depends on where you are diving, how far you are being driven, and the number of tanks. These diving adventures are not cheap but will seem reasonable to anyone who golfs (now that is an expensive hobby).
California is one of the priciest areas in the US to scuba dive. You can easily spend 150 dollars for a single-tank dive and 250 dollars for a two-tank dive. However, it is a large state, and some areas are more affordable than others.
Other places in the US can be much more reasonable, as low as 50-80 dollars for a single-tank dive and 65-120 for two-tank dives.
Hawaii usually falls somewhere in the middle. However, even their three-tank dives generally won’t cost as much as a Californian two-tank outing.
Should I Rent Or Buy Scuba Diving Gear?
Renting scuba gear is recommended for beginners. Globally, most basic PADI certification courses build in the cost of equipment rental into the price. However, in the United States, it is frequently an extra charge.
If you are diving for an entire week or two, there are often packages available to bring day the overall cost. Per day, it can range between 60-90 dollars.
If you already own a wetsuit, shortie, or rash vest that you like, do bring it. However, not everyone will need a full suit, depending on the temperature of the water, as beginning classes do not go very deep. But you must bring your swimsuit.
It is nicer to wear your own dive mask than a rented one, as then you know it fits, is comfortable, and won’t leak (a common side effect of a poorly fitting mask). Thus, if you are going to buy one item in anticipation of your scuba adventure, that’s the one to get.
You only need and want a mask that covers the eyes and nose, not the full-face snorkeling masks that have risen in popularity. Even better is buying one specifically for scuba diving and snorkeling, as these are built to withstand more significant water pressure than your typical snorkel mask.
Some masks come with their own snorkel, but they won’t necessarily be great for diving. For example, a dry snorkel (one that keeps water from running down the tube) sounds great. However, as wonderful as they are for snorkeling, they’re not suited for scuba diving as they are buoyant. Thus, have your instructor check it out first, or buy one that is marked for scuba divers.
Fins are usually best to rent until you know the style and length that works best for you in the water. If you are a boogie boarder, your fins will be too short. Many snorkelers also use fins that are not ideal when scuba diving. So, if you own fins, feel free to bring them to your class, but be prepared to hear that it’s best to leave them on land.
When Should I Buy My Own Scuba Gear?
Buying your own scuba diving gear isn’t worth it if you are only going to dive a few times a year. It is especially unadvisable if it is an activity you will only do when on vacation, as hauling the gear can be heavy and bulky. Instead, stick to buying a high-quality mask, snorkel, and a pair of fins and rent the rest.
Some people do feel more comfortable wearing their own suits. Just make sure you invest in one compatible with the type of water and depth you’ll be diving in the most. Wetsuits come in full, three-quarters, and sleeveless, and the neoprene is made at different thicknesses. You can even get neoprene tops that look like rash vests for people who only take shallow dives in warm water.
How Much Is Scuba Diving Gear?
Scuba diving gear, like golf clubs, is initially expensive. But if you buy decent quality and look after it, the equipment should last you for ages. But, like golf clubs, you are in danger of falling in love with fancier and more technical gear as you advance.
Many outfits sell gear in packages. Some are as simple as a mask, snorkels, and fins, while others can include a dive computer, regulator, and a BCD (buoyancy compensator device). Buying a package saves you 10-20%, and occasionally more on a sale. The downside is that you are committed to what’s in the package, where you might prefer diving mask brand A, fins brand C, and snorkel F.
Buying secondhand is an excellent way to reduce costs. However, keep in mind that your safety is on the line. Thus, for your peace of mind, buying your regulator and BCD new is best. A small hole in your wetsuit is probably not a big deal. A slightly leaky dive mask is annoying but not the end of the world. But a faulty regulator can mean no oxygen. Not good, not fun, and not everyone survives the experience.
How Much Is A Scuba Diving Mask?
Finding a decent scuba mask for under fifty bucks isn’t easy. It can happen, especially on Black Friday. But generally, a mask is 60-150 dollars, but you can always spend more. The two essentials are fit (so no leaks) and comfort. Also, consider the range of vision, as some frames leave the “window” pretty narrow.
How Much Is A Scuba Diving Snorkel?
Diving snorkels can be used for snorkeling, but not all snorkels can be used for diving. Diving snorkels are often not sold with the mask unless in a package. On their own and range from 40-80 bucks and beyond.
How Much Are Scuba Diving Fins?
Scuba diving fins cost 60-250 dollars. But if you need socks (the scuba diving kind, not the ones in your drawer), that will be around 30 bucks more.
Scuba fins have various features to choose from:
⦁ Close-heel or not
⦁ Heavy or light
⦁ Blade shapes
⦁ Different types of buckles, straps, and quick release
What works best for you will depend on your height, fitness, type of water, and what suits your personality. Thus, unless you know exactly what you want, it’s best to go to a dive shop and try many styles in person.
How Much Is A Dive Computer?
Diving computers cost 150-1,500 dollars and more. They are essential safety equipment that many people invest in shortly after the mask, snorkel, and fins. You can dive without one, but it is kind of like driving at night on a full moon with your headlights off.
How Much Is A Wetsuit?
A wetsuit costs 60-600 dollars. It depends on the amount of body coverage, neoprene thickness, and the type of stitching. You’ll pay even more if you require a hood and gloves, which will be extra. Generally speaking, the cheaper it is, the less warmth it will provide. Finding a cold-water wetsuit for under 300 dollars will be difficult.
How Much Is A Scuba Regulator?
Scuba regulators cost 200-2,000 dollars and beyond. This is your life support system. It requires meticulous maintenance and know-how regarding checks and repairs. Do not rush into buying one until you understand what makes one good, how to have them tested, and the care (and the expense of that care) involved. Instead, rent one until you feel confident you can own one and live.
How Much Is A BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device)?
A BCD will run around 350-1000 dollars. They are essentially a backpack for divers. Many people hold off on buying one of these due to their bulk. Also, it’s good to get a feel of what you want. They have so many different options when it comes to straps, pockets, buttons, and fit that it is hard to know which features you really want or need until you’ve gained a decent amount of experience.
Can I Get My Scuba Diving Certificate While Abroad?
Getting a PADI certification while on vacation or backpacking abroad is pretty popular. It will probably cost the same, if not more, in most of Europe. However, there are other countries where it will cost half the price of doing it in the United States.
However, while you may save in scuba classes and rentals abroad, buying scuba gear isn’t necessarily cheaper. Many name brands are imported, and the extra taxes may make them far more expensive. Thus, don’t expect amazing deals on quality fins, facemasks, gauges, regulators, and anything electronic.
But where you may strike gold is finding a local mom & pop that makes wetsuits for much less than name brands. Some places will even tailor the suits to your measurements and specifications, such as varying the thickness in key areas. Others work on set sizing but will allow you to choose color accents.
Our surfer friends did this while visiting South Africa. Their bargain-priced custom-made suits are still going strong fifteen years later, and not a single rip or hole. Even the zippers are still in excellent condition. But if you go this route, talk to local suffers and divers, including instructors, and find out what they wear and who they trust for quality products and services.
Conclusion
Scuba diving is an expensive hobby, but not outrageous. People who ski, golf, and horse ride spend around the same, if not substantially more. So, while the initial cost is significant, you don’t have to buy everything at once. Also, some deals can help keep costs down. Just remember not to skimp on the regulator.
Resources
https://www.quora.com/Is-scuba-diving-an-expensive-hobby
http://pacificwilderness.com/Dive%20Air%20Fills/Fill%20Rates.htm