Do You Need to Swim to Scuba Dive?

One thing you must know before attempting your first scuba diving experience is that not everyone is suited for it. While it’s true that it doesn’t pose a significant risk and more people than ever hold certifications to dive, if you’re new to this water sport, it’s best to follow the advice of those who know best.

Diving as a sport requires certain physical abilities you’ll need to work on, as well as a lack of any water-related phobias. For any dive—unless you hold a certification proving your expertise—you’ll be accompanied by a professional who will guide you at all times.

Still, here are the answers to all the questions every diving "newbie" asks. Relax, you’re not alone. Keep reading, and you’ll discover that scuba diving is one of the greatest adventures the ocean can offer.

Do I need to swim to scuba dive?
What diving equipment do I need?
Where can I scuba dive in Mexico?
What should I avoid after diving?
Can I dive alone?
How deep can I dive?
How dangerous is scuba diving?

1. Surprisingly, you don’t need to swim to scuba dive, but this statement comes with caveats. You don’t have to be an expert swimmer—especially for a discovery dive—but to fully enjoy the experience, it’s recommended to move comfortably in water. Fins will amplify this feeling.

2. The equipment you’ll need depends on the type of diving you’re doing. For snorkelling, just fins and a mask-snorkel will suffice. But for a more specialised diving course, you’ll need a wetsuit, fins, mask, and a regulator linked to an oxygen tank.

Regardless, the professional guiding your dive will provide all necessary gear for your diving experience. This ensures your equipment is certified and meets the highest safety standards.

3. If you’re looking for a certified company offering dives or diving courses across Mexico, you’ll be pleased to know our country boasts a wide range of diving activities. Simply click here to explore all the possibilities in our marine paradises.

For the boldest, consider a whale shark swim—an absolutely epic lifetime experience. Here are the best opportunities to swim alongside these ocean giants.

Or, for a fun snorkelling route where even kids can join and discover Mexico’s stunning marine life, find the best options here.

4. Before and after diving—whether a discovery dive or a professional session—follow these key guidelines:

Avoid strenuous physical activity before and after.
Skip heavy meals before diving.
Try not to eat 2 hours pre-dive.
Hydrate well beforehand.
No alcohol or drugs before diving.

5. Diving, like many sports, is a group activity—primarily for safety. Only certified experts who know the activity inside out and can react swiftly to danger may dive solo.

In fact, to dive alone, you must present proof of sufficient expertise for your planned depth. Otherwise, you risk fines from the Mexican authorities.

6. Your maximum dive depth depends on your certification. Under PADI standards, the limit for recreational diving is 40 metres/130 feet, always under expert supervision.

For a discovery dive, the allowed depth is 5-10 metres, varying by diving school.

Advancing in your training lets you dive deeper.

7. Diving isn’t dangerous if done with a certified operator ensuring equipment is flawless and staff are fully qualified.

But every diving expert advises these essential tips: