Want to be a mermaid this summer? Master both diving and snorkeling in one go

Tripbaa Fun Zone!Asia’s Free Travel Expert Ting Chiang

When it’s hot in summer, the best way to escape the sweltering heat is to head for the water!Especially since Okinawa flight tickets have been on promotion non-stop lately, it really makes you want to jump straight into the azure sea for some snorkeling, searching for colorful tropical fish and coral reefs, taking in the beauty of the underwater world. Among the most popular water spots are places like Sekizen Ryukyu Islands and Blue Cave, but which is more fun—easy and simple snorkeling, or diving that lets you see even more?

▲ Blue Cave in Okinawa. (Photo／Tripbaa Fun Zone!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

The Blue Cave is located in Onna Village in central Okinawa. It is a natural sea cave beneath Cape Maeda. Like the Blue Cave in Penghu, it’s named for the dazzling blue glow created when sunlight hits the surface of the sea, hence the name Blue Cave—or “Blue Grotto” in Chinese. It ranks among the world’s two greatest blue caves alongside Italy’s Blue Cave, making it one of those must-visit spots in Okinawa.

There are two ways to reach the Blue Cave for snorkeling or trying out diving. The first is to descend the stairs from atop Cape Maeda. However, the path is narrow, so it can sometimes get crowded and require waiting. The plus side is that you can first acclimate to the water temperature and practice snorkeling in the shallows. The second method is to take a boat out to near the Blue Cave before entering the water—but this is less recommended if you’re prone to seasickness.

Additionally, some shops will take commemorative photos for free or offer camera rentals at no cost, so you can not only admire the beauty of snorkeling at the Blue Cave with your own eyes, but also take home wonderful photos and memories.

As for diving, many may wonder: if you can’t swim or don’t have a certification, can you still dive? Actually, diving comes in two types: discovery diving and recreational diving. The former only requires guidance from a professional instructor throughout, while the latter requires the diver to hold an official diving certification.

Therefore, even if you’re a regular person without a diving license, as long as you’re in good health, fully understand how to operate the discovery diving gear, and know about ear pressure equalization and other related knowledge, you can go on a discovery dive under the full guidance of a professional instructor. The maximum depth is 12 meters, and each dive typically lasts about 30 minutes. If you adapt well to the underwater conditions, you can rest and then move to another spot for a second dive to explore deeper and more comprehensive areas of the Blue Cave.

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Regular snorkeling usually involves using a snorkel attached to the mask to breathe air from above the water’s surface, meaning there’s no weight burden, making it very easy and relaxing. However, this limits your range to just above and below the surface, and issues like water getting into the snorkel—and occasionally tasting salty water—are common.

Discovery diving is different. You’ll need to carry an oxygen tank to go deeper underwater, but because of the ample oxygen supply, breathing underwater feels more comfortable and less likely to result in swallowing water. So even if you can’t swim, as long as you follow a professional instructor, you can still have a great diving experience.

Regular snorkeling is generally limited to just above and below the water’s surface, and to keep the snorkel functioning smoothly, most snorkelers look straight down at the sea, so they can’t enjoy a full 360-degree view. But with discovery diving, you’re fully submerged, offering a wider field of vision and more angles, which makes the experience feel more three-dimensional.

For both regular snorkeling and discovery diving, alcohol should not be consumed within eight hours prior to the activity. One key difference with discovery diving is that you might not be able to surface immediately, so if you have any medical conditions that require immediate treatment—such as heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy—it’s not suitable for you to try discovery diving.

Additionally, you shouldn’t fly immediately after discovery diving. One reason is the need to adjust to pressure changes. Depending on the number and duration of dives, it’s advised to avoid flying for 12–18 hours afterward. The second reason is that nitrogen in your body may not have fully dissipated, so it’s recommended to avoid flying for 24 hours after the dive.

The differences between regular snorkeling and discovery diving mentioned above are illustrated using the Blue Cave as an example, but they apply to general snorkeling and discovery diving activities in various locations. They’re provided here for your reference. Next, we’ve also compiled other snorkeling spots in Okinawa. If you’re planning a trip to Okinawa this summer, feel free to read on!

The Kerama Islands are most famous for their clean, transparent gradient-blue waters, earning them the nickname “Kerama Blue.” Beyond the visual delight on the surface, beneath the waves you can find colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even adorable sea turtles!And with just a 20-minute trip from Naha, it has become the top destination for water activities and snorkeling, making it the prime snorkeling spot in Okinawa.

Minna Island is located in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa. It’s most famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and dreamy sea-meets-sky views, attracting many travelers for snorkeling. Not only can those who are wary of water enjoy swimming with fish, but it’s also ideal for family trips, allowing everyone to get closer to the clarity and deep blue of Minna Island’s waters.

[Tripbaa Fun Zone!Asia’s Free Travel Expert] Authorized Repost. Original Source: [Should I Snorkel or Dive at the Blue Cave? Learn Once and for All What’s the Difference Between Snorkeling and Diving!]

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