What you need to know before your first dive

Before trying scuba diving for the first time, it's natural to have a lot of questions. Here are the most common ones we hear from people preparing for the experience.

'Do I need to be a strong swimmer?' You don't need to be an experienced swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in the water and be able to float. For a Discover Scuba Diving experience, guidance is one-on-one and constant.

'I wear glasses — is that a problem?' No. Prescription dive masks exist, and even without them, most people see reasonably well underwater thanks to the magnifying effect of the mask.

'I'm afraid of deep water — can I still try?' Yes — you set the pace. A good instructor never forces anything; the idea is to build confidence gradually, often starting in shallow water before any real descent.

'Are there any health restrictions?' Some medical conditions require attention before diving, which is why it's standard to fill out a diver medical questionnaire. If in doubt, it's best to check with a doctor before the activity.

'What do I need to bring?' Basically a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen. All the technical gear — mask, fins, tank, regulator — is provided and fitted for you.

In the end, most of the anxiety before a first dive comes from the unknown. With a good briefing and close guidance, the experience tends to positively surprise even those who arrived the most nervous.