Imagine a world where fish paint the skies and coral reefs form cities of color beneath the waves. The ocean is a place of enchantment and mystery, filled with creatures that seem straight out of a dream. From the tiniest seahorse to the majestic whales, the ocean holds secrets waiting to be uncovered, inviting us to peek into its aquatic wonderland. Want to be part of this world? Scuba diving can take you there.
During my recent trip to Costa Rica in July 2023, I stayed at the Westin Reserva Conchal Resort in Playa Conchal, Guanacaste with friends and family. I’m not much of a resort-style traveler, so I was itching to get off-site and see what Costa Rica had to offer. I love snorkeling and knew I always wanted to try scuba diving. The only thing that held me back from trying it out was the idea of going through the process to get certified only to find out it wasn’t for me. If you want to try scuba diving but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is for you.
Swiss Travel Tours is the exclusive tour company for the Westin Reserva Conchal Resort, offering many options for amazing adventures, such as the Discover Scuba Diving experience. On our trip, my husband and I were joined by my brother and two close friends from Arizona, and everyone was all-in to give scuba diving a go. We decided to book the adventure and then eagerly waited for the day of our excursion to come.
What is Discover Scuba Diving?
Discover Scuba Diving is an exhilarating and accessible introduction to the enchanting world of underwater exploration. Designed for those who are curious about scuba diving but haven’t yet committed to a full certification course, it offers a glimpse into the marvels beneath the waves. During a Discover Scuba Diving experience, participants receive basic training and guidance from certified dive instructors. They learn essential skills, like using scuba equipment, breathing techniques, and underwater communication.
Once equipped with the fundamentals, you’ll head out to a dive site, where you’ll swim alongside marine life, explore vibrant coral reefs, and become immersed in a serene underwater environment. On a Discover Scuba Diving trip, you’ll typically dive to a depth of around 30-40 feet (9-12 meters). An average scuba tank will last anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes. This depth allows you to experience the underwater world and its marine life while still staying within safe limits for beginners. It’s a perfect introduction to the mesmerizing depths of the ocean and gives you a taste of the underwater adventure that scuba diving offers.
Pro tip: If the dive team offers to photograph your experience for you, take them up on their offer! We brought our GoPro but felt overwhelmed with the idea of taking it down with us and trying to operate it on our first dives. Our instructors offered to take photos of us (as seen in this blog post) during our dives for $20 a couple – worth it.
Diving is an investment of time and money but the rewards can be life-changing, literally.
– Andy Cummings
Pre-Dive Prep
On dive day, we boarded a van at the hotel and arrived at the Pacific Coast Dive Center just after 7 AM to meet the team of dive instructors who we would spend the day with. These experienced guides served as our mentors and companions, teaching us the ways of the underwater realm. The instructors were incredibly friendly and helped us all to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the new challenge we were about to take on.
After we filled out our paperwork it was time to get fitted for our dive gear. Putting on dive gear is like donning a superhero costume before an epic mission. Each piece has a purpose: wetsuits keep you cozy, masks grant you clear vision underwater, and tanks supply your breath. Think of getting acquainted with these tools as learning to use your superpowers – it helps you feel prepared and confident as you prepare to explore the mysterious depths. On this particular trip, we opted to go without wetsuits for these dives, as the water temp in the Pacific Ocean was around 84°F. If you would feel more comfortable (and official) in a wetsuit, this is always an option!
Dive Briefing and Safety Protocols
After we were all fit for our gear, we went next door to the dive shop to a pool to start practicing and getting acquainted with how to operate the equipment. The pool is a safe and controlled space where we were able to get comfortable with our scuba gear and practice important moves before diving into the open ocean. It’s a similar concept to learning to ride a bike with training wheels before hitting the streets.
In the pool, we were able to practice things such as how to clear water from our masks and how to control our buoyancy, which allows us to maneuver gracefully underwater. These skills are essential basics to scuba, and practicing them in the pool prepares you to feel more comfortable in a real-life underwater exploration. Honing your scuba skills in the pool can be a vital first step while learning to set you up for success!
Understanding the Basics of Scuba Diving:
Understanding the basics of scuba diving is like learning the alphabet before reading a book. Scuba diving allows you to become one with marine life, but it’s important to know a few things first before jumping in. You wear special gear that helps you breathe underwater, and you need to learn how to move gracefully so you don’t disturb the underwater world. It feels like a secret club down there – divers use hand signals to talk since talking with words doesn’t work underwater. Learning the basics of scuba diving is an important first step that is taught in the Discover Scuba Diving experience that teaches you how to move and stay safe so you can make the most of each dive the second you jump in.
Learning Essential Hand Signals for Scuba Diving:
Imagine you’re playing a game of charades underwater – that’s how divers talk! Trust me, easier said than done. Since our voices don’t work in the water, we use special hand signals to communicate with our dive buddies. Since talking with words doesn’t work underwater, divers use special hand signals and gestures to communicate. For instance, pointing your thumb up means “going up,” and tapping your head signals “I have a question.” Learning these underwater signals unlocks a door to a world of silent camaraderie, ensuring you can explore, interact, and enjoy your underwater adventure together.
Managing Buoyancy Control:
To control your depth in the water while scuba diving, you’ll use your breath and a special vest called a buoyancy control device (BCD). Inhale to rise, exhale to sink – like an underwater elevator. The BCD helps you float effortlessly or glide down smoothly, and with a little practice, you’ll master this skill to move gracefully.
Importance of Equalization and Pressure Control:
As you go deeper underwater, the pressure around you changes, and it can make your ears feel funny. Similar to when you’re in an airplane and your ears need to adjust, you can gently pinch your nose and blow out gently to equalize the pressure. It is easy to remember that you need to equalize while you’re scuba diving because the pressure will start to build and become uncomfortable as you swim deeper. I found that after every 6-8 breaths, I was ready to equalize. I made this a routine during my dives and found it also helped me to remain calm and focused on my breathing. It’s a simple trick that helps your ears feel comfortable as you descend into the depths, making your scuba diving experience more enjoyable.
Emergency Procedures and Communication:
Just like superheroes have backup plans, divers have emergency procedures to stay safe. Before scuba diving, your instructor will teach you what to do if you run out of air, how to signal for help, and how to share your air with a buddy. Non-verbal communication is key underwater, so you’ll practice these emergency skills with your dive team. Being prepared for the unexpected ensures that you can handle any situation and have a fun and secure diving experience.
The Descent: Submerging into the Deep Blue
Following our introduction to scuba diving at the pool, we boarded the dive boat and set out to real dive sites with the other divers. We completed two ocean dives at local sites which are home to some of the best diving in Costa Rica. Each dive lasted around 40 minutes.
On the ride out to the first dive site, a mix of butterflies and thrill danced in my stomach. As I was sitting on the boat, strapped into my gear, I had a moment of self-reflection where I realized it had been a very long time since I pushed myself this far out of my comfort zone to try something new. I felt as if I was standing at the edge of a new world, both excited and a little nervous about what was to come. I’m a strong, confident swimmer who loves the ocean, but I was intimidated by navigating the depths of the water through hand signals and mouth breathing. I will never forget that feeling of nervousness and anticipation before my first dive.
Gradually descending beneath the surface:
After jumping off the dive boat and into the water, our group gathered around a couple of buoys with ropes trailing down beneath the surface. Descending with a rope on a Discover Scuba Diving trip allows you to control your pace and equalize your ears comfortably as you go deeper. As we began our descent, we held onto the rope while the instructor guided us, ensuring a gradual and safe journey into the depths. Descending with a rope is a key skill that ensures a smooth transition into the underwater realm.
As I sank, I experienced an unfamiliar sensation that is not one you feel on land – buoyancy. It’s like being a graceful astronaut in a space of liquid, where every movement feels lighter than air. It took a moment to get used to this weightless feeling, but quickly adapted and felt myself gliding effortlessly through the water. Adapting to this newfound sense of freedom is key to exploring with ease beneath the surface.
The hardest part of descending while scuba diving for me was staying calm and composed. I really had to focus on taking slow, deep breaths. It took some time to feel comfortable and relaxed, but once I was able to embrace a sense of tranquility while scuba diving, I was able to fully enjoy the experience and take in my surroundings.
What You’ll See Under the Sea
The experience scuba diving provides feels like entering a living kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Below the surface, you will be surrounded by vivid corals in shades of pink, blue, and orange, swaying gently in the currents. As you glide through the crystal-clear waters, you’ll become an explorer on a quest to spot underwater celebrities – the fish and creatures that call the ocean home. Imagine spotting a playful clownfish darting in and out of anemones or coming face to face with a majestic sea turtle gliding gracefully through the water. Diving provides you with a chance to witness these incredible beings in their natural habitat. Costa Rica is known for being incredibly biodiverse, making it an amazing place to go scuba diving. Nearly 7,000 marine species swim in Costa Rican waters, representing a full 3.5% of all marine life in the world. Absolutely incredible.
When we got back on the boat after each dive, our instructor pulled out a chart of marine life off the coast of Costa Rica and educated us on the wildlife species that we encountered. It was fascinating to learn about the fish we saw while scuba diving.
Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled both under and above the water – we happened to encounter a humpback whale and her baby surfacing between dives. Depending on the location of your dive and the time of year, you may be lucky enough to witness some cool life above the water, too!
Resurfacing and Reflection After Scuba Diving
Coming up to the surface and bonding over shared amazement and experiences while scuba diving was one of my favorite parts of the whole experience. We all felt a rush of adrenaline and it was so special to share these experiences with friends, learning this new skill together. Scuba diving is not just an individual adventure, but a communal voyage that deepens friendships and creates lasting memories beneath the waves.
Ascending back to the surface:
Ascending back to the surface after a dive is a gradual and serene process. Imagine feeling the water’s embrace lessen as you rise, your body becoming lighter with each passing moment.
On the way back up, our instructor signaled for a 3-minute safety stop before surfacing. As you ascend from the depths to the surface, your body releases tiny bubbles of nitrogen that have been absorbed during the dive. The safety stop, usually done around 15 feet (5 meters) below the surface, allows these bubbles to safely dissipate, reducing the risk of decompression sickness. It’s like giving your body a chance to catch its breath before returning to the world above. During these moments, I found myself surrounded by the serenity of the blue expanse, reflecting on the awe-inspiring sights you’ve encountered below while scuba diving. This simple yet crucial practice ensures a smooth and safe transition from the underwater realm to the embrace of the air above, leaving you with memories to cherish and the anticipation of future dives.
Unveiling a newfound appreciation for the oceans:
I have always been passionate about ocean conservation, but scuba diving provides you with an entirely different perspective on the importance of protecting these underwater environments. Witnessing the life that thrives below the sea only strengthened my appreciation for the oceans and their vital role in our planet’s health. You might find yourself inspired to protect these delicate ecosystems and contribute to the well-being of the marine life that thrives beneath the waves, much like I did.
Reflecting on personal growth and achievements:
As I returned to the world above after each dive, I took a moment to reflect on the challenges I conquered, the skills I honed, and the incredible sights I witnessed below. After feeling overwhelmed and nervous all morning, resurfacing was a perfect moment for introspection and celebration. I was so freaking proud of myself for pushing myself out of my comfort zone and completing my first two dives. A little bit of courage and determination went a long way!
Learning how to scuba dive opens a new chapter in your story of exploration. With each dive, you venture into uncharted territory, a realm that humans have only begun to comprehend. It’s a journey that awakens your sense of curiosity and teaches you about the delicate balance of nature. As you take that first plunge, you’re not just entering the water – you’re stepping into a world where every moment is a chance to learn, marvel, and connect with the extraordinary life that thrives beneath the surface.
The Next Steps in My Scuba Diving Journey
I learned all of this and so much more during my Discover Scuba Dive experience with the Pacific Coast Dive Center. The ocean hosts another underwater world that awaits exploration, and scuba diving is the key to unlocking it. I had an inkling that I would be a fan of scuba diving and that pursuing certification would be worth it, but this Discover Scuba Diving opportunity sealed the deal for me. I appreciated the opportunity to get hands-on experience to learn the mechanics of diving in a real-world ocean setting.
On my first dive, I was stressed and overwhelmed with operating the equipment in a real-life dive. I even had to come back up after getting about 5 feet down on my first dive to catch my breath, relax, and reset – and that’s okay. This is exactly why you have trained, experienced instructors alongside you to coach you through the challenges as a beginner. You cannot expect your first time doing anything to be perfect, and when it comes to scuba diving, you have to give yourself some grace.
This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me in new ways. If I am being honest, I figured scuba diving would be a breeze. There was a lot more to it than I expected, but once you learn the fundamentals it becomes easier with practice. With that being said, I am so excited to begin my journey to getting certified alongside my husband. Our bucket list of future dives awaits!
