Scuba diving cruises are among the best ways to see new and exotic locations. Many cruises feature certified scuba divers who can help you plan and conduct your own dives. You’ll leave with unforgettable stories and a deeper appreciation of the aquatic world. In addition, you’ll be able to enjoy long sea excursions, PADI certification, and liveaboard diving. Read on to discover more about scuba diving cruises.

PADI certification

You can choose between different certification programs. PADI certification is the most popular, as it is flexible, lifetime, and never expires. The course typically costs $400-600 for the written exam, pool sessions, and open water dives. Some PADI certification packages also include free extra dives. It is important to consider all of these costs, as the PADI certification process is only a small part of your vacation.

The PADI certification program is offered on many cruise ships. Royal Caribbean is one of the only cruise lines that has an on-board PADI Five Star Dive Center. Certified scuba divers will be able to take courses on the ships at a dive center. They can dive from a ship’s deck or explore shipwrecks in the region. There are also dozens of on-board PADI instructors on these cruises, enabling even the most novice to become certified while on vacation.

On board the Paul Gauguin, PADI certification is available for passengers. A PADI divemaster/instructor will lead the course from the ship’s marina platform, where guests can complete the certification process. PADI certification can be used for up to one year and can be re-used at any PADI dive center around the world. You can also earn PADI certification as a certified scuba diver on any of the dive ships.

To complete your scuba certification on a Royal Caribbean scuba diving cruise, it is best to schedule the course at least a week before your vacation. This will give you time to prepare for any unexpected weather. It will not take all day to complete the course, as you will be diving in the morning and evening. You will also have two to three hours to complete paperwork and answer questions. In addition, you will need to transfer from the ship to the dive center to the final destination.

Liveaboard diving

Scuba liveaboard boats are purpose-built for divers. They have cabins and sundecks for socializing between dives. They have air-conditioned lounge saloons and dining areas. Some liveaboards even provide a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for divers, which marks their location and allows the boat to avoid lost-diver scenarios. Several liveaboards have a dive station where divers set up their equipment.

While liveaboard dives are great for people who want to experience different cultures and environments, divers should make sure they pack enough batteries and torches. Bringing flashlights is an absolute must, but be sure to check the duration and types of batteries. Also, it is a good idea to bring warm clothing and a pair of sunglasses, as the sun can be harsh on your skin and hair. Some liveaboards also have excursions to explore rock formations and remote islands. It is a good idea to bring your own pair of closed-toe shoes, as you can wear these while exploring rocky terrain.

The cost of liveaboard diving on scuba diving cruise ships is usually cheaper than that of a standard vacation. However, if you want to save money, it is advisable to book a trip during off-peak seasons, when many operators offer discounts to fill their cruises. Off-peak diving is still fantastic, and there are options for all budgets. Before booking your liveaboard diving cruise, keep in mind the water temperature, the type of marine life, and the length of the journey to get to your chosen destination.

While land-based dive operators usually limit divers to two to three dives each day, liveaboards allow for much more. Liveaboard divers can do as many as five or six dives per day, depending on the liveaboard operator. Many liveaboards also require advanced open water certification. And because they are more remote, you can see more marine life. You can also dive at night.

Long excursions at sea

Scuba diving cruises usually feature a long excursion at sea. These excursions take you to places you can’t go on a bigger ship. Plus, smaller ships are more intimate, meaning fewer people to disturb while you dive. You’ll be free to hang on to your mask, snorkel, and fins instead of having to stow everything away in your cabin. That means less hassle, more diving time, and no more long flights!

Some scuba diving cruises offer off-the-beaten-path dive locations like the Solomon Islands. The dive sites here include World War II wrecks, lagoons, walls, caverns, and reefs. You’ll also have a chance to spot macro creatures. Some scuba diving cruises even offer transit trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Long excursions at sea on scuba diving cruises are highly popular.

The National Geographic Orion can accommodate 24 divers and sails through French Polynesia on a 17-day itinerary. It offers great drift diving at the entrances of atolls and snorkeling in lagoons. During the summer, you’ll also have the chance to explore the coral reefs of Nusa Tengara. The ship’s retractable water sports marina allows passengers to participate in optional SCUBA excursions.

Regardless of the diving location, there are some precautions you should take to maximize your safety. Be sure to prepare your equipment before every dive, and take spare parts. You may want to bring a jacket, sunglasses, and a warm shirt. Plan for one to two dives a day, and be prepared for variable weather and ice conditions. However, the crew members are there to ensure the safety of your group.

Exotic locations

Scuba diving cruises offer a unique way to enjoy the ocean’s wonders. The Yucatan’s cenotes are believed to be the entrance to the underworld. The waters of the inland cenotes are filled with vibrant fish and colorful coral, while the light from the sun bounces off of shadowy rock formations, creating a surreal, underwater experience. Los Islotes Island, off the coast of La Paz, in the Sea of Cortez, has a vibrant California sea lion colony. These cheeky creatures will greet you as you dive in the clear water. La Paz’s whale sharks and hammerhead sharks are also resident in this area.

Many scuba diving cruises to exotic locations are offered by major cruise lines. Unlike traditional liveaboards, these companies don’t compete directly with dive operators. Rather, they provide a nontraditional way for divers to experience the best dive locations on the planet. And, as a bonus, you won’t have to spend a ton of money to dive in the pristine waters of exotic locations.

Some of the world’s most unique dive locations are located near the coasts of Alaska and the Caribbean. In Iceland, you can explore the fjords by diving at the Silfra Fissure, which is only an hour from the capital city, Reykjavik. Divers here plunge into glacial meltwater that is considered the clearest in the world. Visibility can reach more than 300 feet.

Bermuda is a fantastic location for scuba diving, although it is time-sensitive. Make sure to check the diving restrictions before you get onboard. Bermuda is home to some of the most beautiful diving in the world, including the HMS Proselyte. Another popular destination is the British Virgin Islands. While there, you can experience pier diving, reef diving, and wall diving. All this is possible aboard a Scuba diving cruise to exotic locations.

Water sports

Scuba diving can be performed almost anywhere under the water. It is not only possible to dive in oceans, but also caves and pools. Scuba divers are also used in aquariums to feed and clean their fish tanks. The shallowest dives are usually between 10 and 30 feet deep, though the deepest recorded dive was 35,853 feet! There are many benefits of scuba diving, and there are many types of diving excursions to choose from.

The scuba diving equipment is important. A good set of equipment can cost as much as $50,000. Scuba divers may rent scuba diving equipment for a certain dive. While there are no established rules for playing the sport, there are a few trends that you can follow to get the most out of your trip. You can also explore ocean life as you snorkel. If you have never tried scuba diving before, now is a great time to try it.