The underwater world is as fascinating as it is diverse. Diving under the sea, whether for adventure, profession or passion, is an unforgettable and transformative experience. But not all divers are looking for the same thing, nor do they dive for the same reasons. That is why there are different types of diving, each with its own particular characteristics, training and purpose.
Today, from Dive Academy, the best diving school in Santa Pola, we tell you everything you need to know about this exciting discipline.
What is diving?
Scuba diving is the activity that allows the human being to submerge and remain underwater, either with or without the aid of breathing equipment. It can be practiced in pools, lakes, rivers or seas, and its purpose can range from recreational to professional.
Today, anyone with good health and a desire to explore can take up the sport safely and with professional guidance. From the use of heavy scuba gear to the development of light and safe equipment, modern scuba diving has evolved a lot.
This activity has become an open door to the discovery of the marine world. Depending on the objective, the depth, the environment and the diver’s training, it is classified into different modalities. Let’s see them in detail.
Types of diving
The world of diving is vast and diverse, and there is no single way to explore it. This variety allows adaptation to different preferences and abilities. From quietly enjoying a reef to working in industrial operations or competing at a professional level, there are different ways to dive.
Depending on the environment, technique, depth or purpose, each person can find his or her place underwater.
Recreational diving
Recreational diving is perfect for those who want to discover the sea in a relaxed, safe and fun environment. It is the most common type of diving and the starting point for most. It is done for pleasure, and always within safe limits. It allows you to reach a maximum depth of 40 meters, without mandatory decompression, and with standard equipment.
To get started, you need to obtain a recognized diving qualification, such as the PADI Open Water Diver (first level of diving certification). With this certification, you can start exploring amazing places like the seabed. It also allows you to advance to other levels and specialties as you gain experience.
Technical diving
Technical diving extends beyond what recreational diving allows. It is demanding and requires advanced training. It encompasses deep dives (more than 40 meters), use of special gases and complex decompression plans.
This type of diving is geared towards experienced divers looking for new challenges or wishing to explore extreme environments, such as deep caves or sunken wrecks. It is also common in scientific expeditions or wreck exploration.
Commercial diving
It is a professional diving that requires specific training, legal certifications and regulated working conditions. It is mainly practiced in industrial environments, ports or oil platforms.
The commercial diver works underwater on tasks such as repairs, welding, inspections or rescues. It is demanding, but also very well paid and in high demand in sectors such as construction and energy.
Sport diving
Unlike recreational diving, sport diving has a competitive character. It is regulated by national and international federations. It includes events such as apnea, underwater orienteering, swimming with fins or speargun shooting.
It is not so well known, but it has a loyal following and official trials where the best divers compete for records and titles. To practice it, it is necessary to train, be in good physical shape and follow strict safety rules.
Varieties of recreational diving
Within recreational diving, there are different sub modalities that enrich the experience. With Dive Academy, you can enjoy all these diving modalities in Cabo de Palos. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:
Night diving
Night diving is a completely different experience. The fauna changes, the colors are transformed by the flashlight and the silence is absolute. Diving at night requires good buoyancy and previous training to manage it safely.
Underwater photography
Underwater photography is ideal for sea and image lovers. Capturing the underwater world is an art. It requires technical knowledge of photography, equipment control and diving skills.
Cave diving
Cave diving is done in naturally illuminated areas with a visible exit to the outside. It is not the same as underwater caving. It is an experience between technical and recreational, ideal for those seeking new emotions.
Deep diving
Deep diving is considered an advanced dive and requires a specific course. It consists of going deeper than 30 meters. In places like the Mediterranean, it allows you to visit wrecks and areas with larger species.
Enriched air diving
Very popular among frequent divers, it allows longer dives with less risk of narcosis. It is performed with autonomous equipment (tank), with a mixture of air, with more oxygen and less nitrogen, also called Nitrox.
What are the dive levels?
Just as there are different types of diving, with different characteristics, there are also different levels of diving with their own requirements to achieve them.
- Diving baptism: First experience, does not grant a certificate.
- Open Water Diver: Basic level, up to 18 meters.
- Advanced Open Water Diver: Deeper and more specialized dives, up to 30 meters.
- Deep Diver (specialty): Up to 40 meters.
- Rescue Diver: Rescue and safety training.
- Divemaster / Instructor: Professional levels.
At Dive Academy you can advance through all these levels with expert guidance and in controlled environments. From your first dive to becoming a reference instructor, our team will guide you with passion and professionalism.
Dive in the type of diving that motivates you the most.
The underwater world is as vast as the ways to explore it. Whether you prefer to float peacefully among fish or dive to the bottom of a wreck, there is a style of diving for you. And if you still don’t know which one suits you, or which one to start with, Dive Academy will guide you step by step.
Check our experiences, courses and dive trips in Cabo de Palos. Discover why we are the best diving school in Alicante and why so many choose to dive with us, we are waiting for you!
