Snorkeling or Snuba diving?

Question

Going on honeymoon to Kauai this September. What guided tour do you recommend for non swimmers? Both of us are non-swimmers and we have never been in the water before. When we researched about water activities we found both snorkeling and snuba diving to be suitable for non-swimmers. But we are confused which one is safe and easy for someone who can't swim at all. Snuba diving guided tour seems to be a little too deep into the water and snorkel guided tour seems to be taking a long time floating in the water. Any suggestions as to which one would be recommended for non-swimmers would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Scuba diving is swimming so no. Snorkeling is a bit of swimming but easier .

Answer 2

Scuba diving and snorkeling, non-swimming?  Huh?  Do you realize what you are saying?  

Even good swimmers are not necessarily good at these two activities.  They both require more than just knowing how to swim.  

I'd say, learn how to swim, and then start with snorkeling, but don't touch the coral.  That usually kills it.  The hard part is being aware of your entire body (fins too) when you get into shallow water...  You don't want to accidentally rub up on something.  

A good test on swimming skills is actually a treading water test...  When I was at camp, we jumped in the water with boots on and treaded the water for several minutes.  

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/3116_...

Scuba diving is pretty intense stuff.  You have to know how to equalize the pressure in your ears.  Also, I'd see a dentist before trying because teeth have been known to explode and I have lots of crowns.

Answer 3

There are, of course, hiking safaris through the jungle to picturesque waterfalls and swimming pools, but why not add a zipline to the fun? Imagine speeding through trees and over valleys, hundreds of feet above the ground. Experience the freedom of flying over Kauai island on a zipline just once, and you will never ever forget it.

Answer 4

The people who are telling you that snuba & snorkeling are suitable for non swimmers are people who are trying to sell you a package.  They have a financial incentive in convincing you that it is OK.  I definitely would not consider the snuba.  Snorkeling might be ok with close supervision & some sort of flotation device.

Answer 5

I'm still trying to figure out EXACTLY HOW Snorkeling and Snuba are non-swimmer activities...SORRY...Someone is NOT being Straight with you,they are literally trying to SELL you a bill of goods..DON'T BUY IT, you need to be a strong swimmer for BOTH of these Past times. Anything water related you should be a strong swimmer for...ESPECIALLY in the Ocean! Kauai is a beautiful Island, but I am not as familiar with this Island as I am with the others...so I am going to **STAR** your question and Hopefully My Friend who lives on KAUAI will see it and Help you out with some Island Specific Activities!~~Aloha~~

Answer 6

I would personally stay out of the water if you are a non swimmer. Snuba diving takes strength, and Snorkeling takes swimming skill as well as a comfort in the water.

Just like in the air, the water can be unpredictable, as stated in the wikipedia article on snuba a strong current can still pull you strongly, and you need to depend on your strength as a swimmer to get you out of a bad situation just like snorkeling.

Given the amount of drownings per year in Hawaii (see here --> http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/drownin... I would highly suggest staying out of the water. There are plenty of other things to do here without putting yourself in jeapordy

Answer 7

I would go with snorkling. I took a cruise this summer and snorkling was very enjoyable. Snuba diving is a little bit more on the deep side and requires some deep swimming/ exercise and if its your first time swimming not highly recommended. Snorkling will give you time to float on the water and relax and will most likely give you life vest so you can just relax and enjoy the view! Just remember don't stand on the reef!

Glad to be of service!