In This Post:
Scuba Vs Snorkelling
Tips for Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in Karachi
Are you curious about what lies beneath the surface of blue-stone water? Well, who doesn’t? Over the past few years, the city of lights has started to revive itself with numerous possibilities that we never knew existed, including taking a swim with our friends from the sea. Thanks to global connectivity, exposure, and increased awareness, scuba diving in Karachi is now not only possible but is also an activity thoroughly enjoyed by water-sports enthusiasts in Karachi.
Since such is the scenario, we’ve compiled an in-depth guide to scuba diving in Karachi to help you get better acquainted with the sport and your options to enjoy it. But before we dive (pun intended) into the details, here’s what not to expect from scuba diving:
Difference between Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Getting straight to the point; scuba diving is something completely different from snorkelling. This may sound a tad complicated to grasp but trust us; it is quite easy to identify the difference between these two sports. Although both sports have their unique significance or selling points, in the battle of scuba vs snorkelling; there’s no clear winner. People admire both sports but fans of scuba diving are generally higher in number across the world. Probably because the adrenaline rush gained from scuba is inimitable.
Let’s find out what keeps them poles apart and yet so similar that people end up confusing these two sports.
Scuba diving doesn’t only give you the experience of watching marine life closely but allows you to be a part of it. The sport makes you think of yourself as a mermaid, albeit with an oxygen tank attached to your diving suit. The other significant difference is that scuba requires certification and an active lifestyle while snorkeling can be enjoyed by non-swimmers as well.
Snorkelling is more or less like watching water-based species in an aquarium; however, scuba is like being a part of it, offering you the opportunity to experience and appreciate the intensity of the ocean. On the same note, scuba is comparatively costlier than snorkelling, taking into consideration the costume, kit, and regulator.
Even though both sports are preferred by the vast majority of fans of water sports, since both allow an extraordinary involvement with the creatures in the ocean, we’ll be only focusing on scuba diving in this blog.
Things to Know Before Going Scuba Diving in Karachi
The general concept of scuba diving in Karachi is usually tagging along with a team of experts or holding up with a divers’ group. Although very few people think of experiencing it all alone, it is extremely practical if you get your hands on a complete guide to scuba diving. However, plunging with a certified diver is always a good idea for people who’ve never been in the middle of the sea before, that too, all by themselves. In the meantime, you can get master diving and get your certification to dive alone. Until then, here are a few things that are an essential part of a drown-proof guide to scuba diving with a professional diver:
- Plan Your Training Session Ahead
- Stay Confident On Your First Dive
- Keep Your Health and Safety First
- Safety Measures Before You Jump Into Water
- Respect and Protect Marine Life
Plan Your Training Session Ahead
Unlike snorkeling, scuba requires prior training to help you get familiar with the ocean without messing up in your first dive. However, each group has a dedicated process of training, but a few things are shared by all. Always remember, when you’re choosing your first instructor, ask them about the temperature of the water. Some experts also suggest that beginners have prior knowledge of the marine life of the particular sea they’re diving into. While you are at it, you can also ask them about the accreditation process and the related costs.
Stay Confident on Your First Dive
Just the thought of plunging deep into the water is too intimidating for most of us, and why shouldn’t it? After all, it isn’t comforting at all to hold your breath underwater and facing the many threats that come with it. So, it is only natural to have second thoughts about whether to go for adventures under the sea or continue walking upright!
A simple way to boost your confidence is to follow the instructions of your leader strictly. However, a simple tip for scuba diving is to maximise your physical activities a few weeks before taking your first dive. Go for physical activities such as swimming, running, or yoga to develop a better focus on your breathing – one of the most crucial elements of scuba diving. Moreover, yoga has also proven to be beneficial to regulate body postures under the sea.
Keep Your Health and Safety First
We validate that you cannot think beyond your first dive, and it is the only thing you should be focused on. While the preparations are in full swing, don’t forget to make room for the most important thing – your safety. Similar to how you are told to put your mask on first in case of a mishap while travelling by air, the same goes here – your safety should be your priority numero uno.
Your marine safety will, however, be ensured by the instructor but making sure you choose a professional group of divers is your responsibility. Before you decide on something, always communicate your plans with your family and find out if they know someone who has already been on this adventure. If not, take advantage of Google and look for scuba diving instructors or scuba diving groups in Karachi. The next thing you need to do is to survey online reviews to ensure that other divers were satisfied with the organisation you are opting for. Last but not least, do your homework before you finalise any group.
Pro Tip: A safe diving group maintains a low ratio of divers per instructor and are easily approachable.
Safety Measures Before You Jump into Water
Right after you’ve chosen a group to dive with, there are a few more safety measures to take before becoming one with the sea. Professional divers highly recommend that you must re-examine your scuba diving gear before plunging underwater. Let your instructor know if you notice broken buckles, any air leaks, or any unusual happenings with your regulator and air gauge.
Furthermore, the most important thing is not to panic if you jump into the water and your regulator gets knocked out of your mouth – just remember what your instructor told you to do – calmly stretch your hands towards your lower back and recover your regulator.
Pro Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, always take medication ahead of diving if you do not want to end up in an undesirable mess.
Respect and Protect Marine Life
Since you’re becoming a guest of marine animals – be a good one and never harm their environment. Respecting and protecting marine life is an essential part of not just scuba diving but also other adventures under the sea. Always remember that you’re in their world and you’ve got a responsibility towards them. Just like you wouldn’t touch, chase, terrify or annoy a person – do not muck around with sea creatures either. Even if you notice someone else doing it, address this issue as soon as you get to the surface.
Moreover, when you become a professional diver, you can do more to protect marine life. Divers all around the world are making every effort to preserve marine life, and they carry around mesh bags with them to pick up debris and garbage left behind by divers and visitors.
Spots for Scuba Diving in and near Karachi
We’re aware of the fact that your excitement is kicking-in and you want to go beyond than just reading an online guide to scuba diving. You might already be searching for spots for scuba diving near Karachi, and you might have a list of some spots already. That being said, here are our top picks for your next adventures under the sea in Karachi:
- Charna Island
- French Beach
- Hawk’s Bay
The residents of Karachi are truly blessed with these three stunning beaches, situated not quite far from the metropolis. Besides walking across the sandy shoreline or taking a swim, you can also enjoy numerous adventures under the sea. Take our word for it; these spots are haven for water-sports enthusiasts and adventure junkies.
Last but not least, here’s the contact information of some Karachi based scuba diving groups:
- Scuba Club: 0321 2281889
- Indus Scuba: 021-35243153
- Divers Club: 021-35640638
- Bahria Scuba Services: 021-36086118
- Divers Reef: 0343-2180596
To find out more about the coastlines in Karachi, read our hand-picked beaches in Karachi for the perfect summer picnic. Read more exciting stuff at Zameen Blogs. Got something to share with us? Email us at blogs@zameen.com.
