Dive Into The Deep End

Unlock the door into the exclusive ocean world, with a scuba diving certification this summer. Here are our 10 essential tips that will prepare you to jump right in

- Shuvajit Payne and Kunal Bhatia

Your own rhythmic breathing echoes in your ears as you descend into the serene, blue abyss. Delve deeper and you reach a magical wonderland of vibrant colours, finned creatures and enchanting natural formations. It's as if you're in a surreal fantasy movie, but this isn't make-believe - scuba diving is the key to this exhilarating reality of the underwater world. It takes extensive training to balance wonder with safety. Here is how to prepare for this otherworldly adventure:

DISCOVER SCUBA

Also known as a "try dive," this experience is like a "try before you buy" option designed for first-timers curious to explore the deep seas. A common activity at beach vacation spots, Discover Scuba provides a quick, safe and controlled experience underwater with the guidance of a certified trainer. You'll spend a full day with an instructor, who will give you a quick briefing on equipment, breathing techniques and basic safety protocols, before taking you on an epic-but-brief underwater dip, usually to a maximum depth of 30 feet. This experience will help you gain confidence in the water. For many, this is literally the first plunge before diving deeper into a long-term commitment.

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