Is the blue hole worth diving?
True to its name, Belize’s Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole that measures over 300 meters (984 ft) across and 125 meters (410 ft) deep. This geologic wonder is only accessible by water and is considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. A must-visit for snorkelers and divers alike! One of the most anticipated underwater expeditions took place in our very own backyard last December. Aquatica Submarines, along with Sir Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau (yes, from that Cousteau) plunged deep into the famed Blue Hole – all 407 feet of it.
How deep is a beginner dive?
To go deeper, you need to learn new skills, like air management at depth, the risks of gas narcosis, and deep dive planning. That’s why after the first scuba diving certification course, as an Open Water Diver, you’re trained to dive up to 18 meters/60 feet or to the depths you reached during your course, if shallower. Absolutely! Many 60-year-olds and those older than 60 pick up scuba diving and excel at it! The secret is following safety rules and paying attention to your body. With the correct attitude and equipment, scuba diving is a rewarding sport seniors can enjoy for years.There is no maximum age limit for learning to scuba dive. However, the first consideration before signing up for a scuba diving course should be your general fitness and health.
What is the 120 rule in scuba diving?
Here’s how it works: Your max depth (in feet) + your bottom time (in minutes) should be less than or equal to 120. That’s it. So if you plan to dive to 60 feet, the rule says you shouldn’t stay down longer than 60 minutes. A safety stop, usually done for three minutes at about five meters or fifteen feet, gives your body that extra time to release nitrogen absorbed during your dive. This simple pause helps reduce the risk of decompression sickness and allows your body to adjust gently before surfacing.