ALL 18 Different Types of Diving Explained
Looking to explore the world of diving but a little overwhelmed by the incredible variety of dive types? Let’s break it down for you.
How many types of diving are there? 18. Based on multiple factors like depth and purpose we can come up with up to 18 different types of diving. We’ve grouped these dive types into categories like Specialty, purpose, dive equipment, environment, and depth.
Here is the Ultimate Guide to All 18 types of diving, from the basics to the more advanced. Buckle up your fins and get ready to explore the underwater world.
Table of Contents
By Breathing Apparatus
- Free diving
- Scuba diving
- Surface-supplied diving
By Depth
- Shallow diving
- Deep diving
- Technical diving
By Environment
- Open water diving
- Cave diving
- Wreck diving
- Ice diving
- Night diving
By Purpose
- Recreational diving
- Technical diving
- Commercial diving
- Military diving
- Scientific diving
- Spearfishing
- Underwater Photography
Types of Diving Certifications
FAQ-SECTION
By Breathing Apparatus
Depending on the dive equipment used for each dive activity, we can outline 3 types of diving: free diving, scuba diving, and surface-supplied diving.
1. Free diving
Free diving is the oldest form of diving and is done without the use of scuba gear. Divers rely on their ability to hold their breath for extended periods to explore the underwater world.
The goal? A balletic immersion in the underwater world, a journey echoing the earliest human connection with the sea.
Freediving breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and controlled descents become second nature. Equalization—balancing pressure in the ears and sinuses—is crucial, preventing barotrauma as the water pressure changes.
Dive preparation involves relaxation, conserving precious oxygen, and a mindful approach to safety.
The reward is profound. Picture gliding weightlessly alongside marine life, your heartbeat orchestrating the rhythm of the dive.
Free diving can be a dangerous sport if not done properly, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Freedivers can participate in freediving Competitions or Breath-Holding Battles
This is Freediving but with a competitive twist. If you’re not a professional diver, you can watch athletes redefine the limits of human capability as they plunge deeper and stay longer, showcasing the art of breath control.
2. Scuba diving
Scuba diving is the most common type of diving and is done with the use of scuba gear, which allows divers to breathe underwater for extended periods.
The equipment is simple yet transformative: a tank of compressed air, a regulator to breathe, and a buoyancy control device (BCD) for navigation.
A Scuba Certification is the doorway to this magical realm. And you must be at least 10 years old to scuba dive.
Divers learn the fundamentals—how to breathe underwater, control buoyancy, and execute emergency procedures. Safety, always paramount, is ingrained.
Scuba diving is a relatively safe sport, but it is important to get proper training and certification before attempting a dive. Here are the industry’s top 10 safety tips for safe scuba diving.
The top scuba diving sites in Africa are:
Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania,
Sodwana Bay in South Africa
Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt
Pemba Island in Tanzania
View the complete list of the top 15 scuba diving sites in Africa.
Put your diving skills to the test in Zanzibar, with Swahili Divers, East Africa's Safest dive Center! Join a legacy of divers who've explored Africa risk-free for over seven years.
Let's dive together!
3. Surface-supplied diving
Surface-supplied diving is a type of diving in which the diver's breathing gas is supplied from the surface through a long hose.
Surface-supplied diving transforms divers into underwater astronauts, tethered to the surface by a lifeline—the umbilical hose supplying breathing gas. Commercial and technical divers favor this method for its extended dive times and greater depths.
By Depth
Some dives are pretty deep, exceeding 130ft. Other divers prefer to remain on the surface of the water. Here are the types of diving classified by depth:
4. Shallow diving
Shallow diving is defined as diving to depths of 60 feet or less. This is the most common type of diving for recreational divers, as it is relatively safe and does not require any specialized equipment.
Snorkel, fins, and a mask—just the basics. It's like a walk in the park, but underwater.
Certification for shallow diving is basic, focusing on fundamental skills like buoyancy control and underwater communication.
This type of diving is perfect for those seeking a leisurely underwater experience without delving into the complexities of deeper waters.
5. Deep diving
Deep diving is defined as diving to depths of 60 to 130 feet.
This type of diving requires more specialized equipment and training than shallow diving, as it is more dangerous and can lead to decompression sickness if not done properly.
But beware, it's not for the faint of heart. Special gear and training are your underwater armor. It's a journey into the unknown, where the light dims, and the ocean's heartbeat grows stronger.
6. Technical diving
Now, technical diving is like the extreme sports version of diving. It's for those who want to go really deep or use fancy gadgets such as rebreathers and mixed gases.
We're talking depths greater than 130 feet or using things like rebreathers and mixed gases. Technical diving is the most dangerous type of diving and requires extensive training and experience.
The Deep Diver and Nitrox certifications prepare for this. The reward? Discovering untouched spots, shipwrecks in the abyss. The Risks of technical diving are higher—decompression sickness is a real concern.
The top sites are Truk Lagoon, Micronesia, and the Blue Hole in Egypt.
It's like scuba diving's cool, riskier cousin. But here's the catch—it's not for everyone. You need serious training, like the Ph.D. in diving education. It's like the black belt of underwater exploration.
By Environment
Where you choose to dive can be another factor for classifying dives. Some dives target open water spaces like lakes and seas, others target cave areas underwater, while others seek to explore wrecked ships underwater.
7. Open water diving
Open water diving is the most common type of diving, where you dive into lakes, oceans, and seas—anywhere with lots of space.
No fancy structures, just the vast openness of the water.
Open water diving is a relatively safe sport, but, and it's a big but, don't be fooled by the simplicity. Open water has its challenges—currents, waves, and the occasional surprise from marine life
8. Cave diving
Cave diving is a type of diving in which divers explore underwater caves. Imagine exploring underwater caves with tight spaces and low visibility. Cave diving is a very dangerous sport and requires extensive training and experience.
Cave-ins and silting are real dangers here. Cave divers need a special set of skills—like underwater acrobats, but with a serious focus on safety.
It's a different kind of underwater adventure, not for everyone, but for those who love the thrill of the unknown.
9. Wreck diving
Wreck diving is like exploring underwater museums filled with sunken ships and structures. It's a treasure hunt of history, where every sunken vessel has a story to tell.
Wreck diving can be a very rewarding experience, But it's not a casual stroll.
Wreck divers need to watch out for sharp metal edges and potential entanglements. It's like being an underwater detective, piecing together the past from the remnants below.
Wreck diving is a mix of exploration and caution, a dive into the secrets of the sea's hidden artifacts.
10. Ice diving
Chilling Adventures is a common name for Ice diving in the diving world. Ice diving, as the name suggests, is diving under ice-covered water. It's like entering a frozen world, with its own set of challenges.
Imagine the water's cold, and you need to be quick in case you need to exit in a hurry. Hypothermia and entrapment are real risks. Ice divers are like polar adventurers, navigating the frigid waters beneath a layer of ice.
It's a different kind of underwater experience, where the world above and below is draped in ice-cold silence.
11. Night diving
Night diving is a type of diving that is done at night. Night diving can be a very rewarding experience, as it allows divers to see the underwater world in a whole new light.
It's not your typical daytime swim. Visibility is reduced, and it's a whole new underwater world. It's like stepping into a nocturnal aquarium, where marine life has its nightlife. But, it's also riskier.
You need lights to see and encounters with marine life are more unpredictable. Night diving is for those who want to see the ocean in a different light, but it requires extra caution in the dark depths.
By Purpose
Why we dive, is another important factor for classifying dives. Some dives are performed for fun and recreation, while others are performed for serious military missions or scientific research.
12. Recreational diving
Recreational diving is diving for fun. It's like taking a swim, but with a purpose—to explore the underwater world. No heavy tasks, just enjoyment. Divers usually go up to 60 feet deep.
Anyone can start, but a certification is needed. The Open Water Diver certification teaches basic skills like equalizing ears and using a compass underwater.
The joy and fulfillment come from floating with fish, seeing colorful coral. Risks include barotrauma or running out of air, but training minimizes them. The top sites are the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, and the Blue Hole, Belize.
13. Snorkeling
Gentle Introduction to the Sea
For the aquatic amateurs, snorkeling is the gateway drug to the underwater world. No tanks, no complex gear—just a mask, a snorkel, and fins.
It’s the simplest form of diving, allowing you to float effortlessly on the surface while glimpsing into the aquatic wonderland below. Perfect for those who want a taste of the sea without taking the deep plunge.
14. Commercial diving
Commercial diving is a type of diving that is done for commercial purposes, such as underwater construction, inspection, and maintenance.
Commercial diving is underwater work. It's not just for fun; it's a job. Divers fix things, inspect structures, and weld underwater. Depths often go beyond 60 feet. Training involves Commercial Diver certification.
Skills include welding and underwater construction. The reward? Getting paid to dive, exploring the ocean for a living.
Risks of Commercial diving? Welding underwater is tricky, and there's always a chance of entanglement.
Some of the Top Commercial diving sites in the world are the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea for oil rig work.
15. Military diving
Military diving is a type of diving that is done for military purposes, such as underwater battles. Military diving is diving with a mission. It's not about fish or coral—it's about combat or demolition.
Military divers go deep, beyond 60 feet. Specialized training is a must; it's more than recreational or commercial diving. Combat and underwater explosives are part of the job.
The reward? Serving your country underwater. Risks include combat dangers and working in harsh conditions.
The world’s top military diving sites are obviously Classified, but we can assume that military bases worldwide could serve as military diving grounds.
16. Scientific diving
Scientific diving is a type of diving that is done for scientific purposes, such as marine biology research and underwater photography.
Scientific diving is diving for knowledge. It's not just about sightseeing; it's about research. Divers go below 60 feet, often with a purpose—marine biology or archaeology. Scientific Diver certification is essential. Skills include data collection and underwater research techniques.
The reward of scientific diving is the ability to contribute to science and discover new marine species. Risks are there, but thorough planning minimizes them.
The World’s Top Scientific sites are often new dive sites such as Pemba Island in Tanzania, which have a lot of underwater creatures and stories yet to be uncovered. The Galapagos Islands or the Red Sea are also reputed for marine biology research.
17. Spearfishing
Hunting Below the Waves
Spearfishing is hunting underwater. Divers use a speargun to catch fish. It's not just about the hunt; it's about skill and responsibility. Fulfillment comes from catching your dinner.
To spearfish, you need a mask, fins, a snorkel, and, of course, a speargun. It's rewarding to connect with nature and understand where your food comes from. Risks involve sharp equipment, and safety is crucial.
Spearfishing courses teach safety and ethical hunting. It’s important to spearfish with rigorous sustainable diving practices for marine conservation.
Top sites spearfishing sites in the world include the Zanzibar Archipelago and Pemba Island, Bahamas, and Florida for clear waters and abundant fish.
18. Underwater Photography
Capturing the Beauty Below
Underwater photography captures the ocean's beauty. It turns diving into an art form. Fulfillment lies in freezing underwater moments in time. To start, you need a waterproof camera or housing for your regular camera.
Rewards? Creating stunning visual memories and sharing the underwater world with others. Risks include damaging equipment, but proper care minimizes this. Certifications like Underwater Photographer refine skills.
Top sites for photography worldwide include the Maldives, Zanzibar, and Indonesia for vibrant marine life and clear waters.
Types of Diving Certifications
Advanced open-water diving
Advanced open-water diving is a certification that builds on the skills learned in the open-water course and allows divers to dive to depths of up to 100 feet (30 meters). Advanced open-water divers learn additional skills, such as deep diving, underwater navigation, and night diving.
Rescue diver
Rescue diver certification teaches divers how to respond to and manage diving emergencies. Rescue divers learn skills such as search and rescue, first aid, and CPR.
Divemaster
Divemaster certification qualifies divers to lead groups of recreational divers on dives. Dive masters learn skills such as dive planning, dive briefing, and dive guiding.
Scuba Diving Instructor Certification
Scuba diving instructor certification qualifies divers to teach scuba diving courses. Scuba diving instructors learn skills such as lesson planning, teaching, and evaluating students.
Deep diving Certification
Deep diving certification teaches divers how to dive to depths greater than 130 feet (40 meters). Deep divers learn skills such as decompression sickness prevention and deep-water navigation.
Wreck diving Certification
Wreck diving certification teaches divers how to explore and dive on sunken ships and other underwater structures. Wreck divers learn skills such as wreck penetration and entanglement avoidance.
Cave diving
Cave diving certification teaches divers how to explore and dive in underwater caves. Cave divers learn skills such as cave navigation and line handling.
Trimix diving
Trimix diving certification teaches divers how to use trimix, a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium, to dive to depths greater than 300 feet (90 meters). Trimix divers learn skills such as trimix gas blending and decompression sickness management.
Spearfishing
Spearfishing certification teaches divers the skills and techniques of spearfishing. Spearfishers learn skills such as fish identification and speargun handling.
FAQ-SECTION
Your most commonly asked questions around water diving.
How many types of diving are there?
We can come up with up to 18 different types of diving depending mostly on depth, purpose, and environment. Some common ones include recreational diving, technical diving, commercial diving, military diving, and scientific diving.
What are the 5 points of diving?
The five points of diving are approach, takeoff, flight, entry, and the underwater phase. These steps are essential for a safe and effective dive.
What is the most common type of scuba diving?
The most common type of scuba diving is recreational diving. It's where people dive for fun and exploration, usually to depths of 60 feet or less.
Scuba divers travel to incredible dive sites worldwide, such as Islands off the coast of East Africa (Zanzibar and Pemba Island in Tanzania for example), to have undescribably amazing experiences exploring life underwater.
What type of activity is diving?
Diving is an underwater activity where people explore the ocean, lakes, or other bodies of water. It can be a recreational hobby, a job (commercial diving), a military operation, or a scientific study.
What are the two types of diving?
The two main types of diving are free diving and scuba diving. Free diving involves holding your breath, while scuba diving uses equipment like tanks to breathe underwater for extended periods.
If you’re a beginner diver, here are my top scuba diving tips for safe dive experiences as you learn to dive.
What is water diving called?
Water diving is commonly called just "diving." It's a general term that can refer to various types of underwater activities.
Conclusion
In summary, each type of diving serves a unique purpose. Recreational diving is about the joy of exploring, while technical diving adds challenges. Commercial diving turns the ocean into a workplace, and military diving is a mission beneath the waves.
Scientific diving, on the other hand, is a quest for knowledge. Each dive type demands specific skills and certifications, unlocking a world of underwater possibilities.
I hope this guide has been helpful! Now go out there and explore the underwater world!
(But please be safe and do your research before attempting any new type of diving.)
Diving on Pemba island, Zanzibar
"We scheduled 6 dives over 3 days. The diving was so good we stayed and dove an extra day. I am a divemaster, and my friends with me dove their 100th dive here. We have been diving in many parts of the world. Diving Pemba was superb. The dive company was excellent. I recommend it highly. Really pleased we chose to dive at Pemba, and especially pleased we dove with Swahili Divers."
Susan(@Eriespirit), Kandy District, Sri Lanka.
