Cost of Scuba Diving – What Are the Expected Costs to Start Scuba?

Scuba diving does not come cheap. In fact it is quite an expensive adventure sport. You have to prepare yourself to invest scuba so before even starting you have to be sure that you are willing to make the commitment. However the experiences that scuba will give you are priceless.

You have to understand that the cost of scuba diving, are segmented into three parts. These are Scuba Diving lessons and scuba diving Certification Costs, scuba diving Equipment and the actual Dives.

To begin with, scuba diving lessons and an accredited scuba diving certification is required before exploring the underwater environment. Expect to pay around 300-500 for the course leading up to the scuba diving certification.

The bulk of your cost of scuba will however be spent on your scuba diving equipment. Be prepared to pay around 1,400 to 2,000. However if you expect to dive only few times a year, then maybe renting is the wiser choice for you to go. On the other hand if you plan to dive regularly, buying is the only option. Why? Because first of all renting is expensive. Costs vary from about 30 to 60 for a two tank dive.

Besides using equipment that is not yours, somehow does not feel right. If you want to be comfortable with the equipment, which in my opinion leads to successful dives, then buy your own equipment. A tip… Do not skimp on your scuba equipment…remember your life lays in the hands of the equipment you will be using when you scuba, so go for reputable scuba diving equipment manufactures.

So, now let us discuss the cost of scuba diving in terms of each and every piece of scuba diving equipment:
The main piece of your scuba equipment is the air regulator. This is designed to reduce the compressed air within the scuba tank to a level which allows you to breath. The main key to this piece of equipment is reliability. Therefore go for the best regulators out there. Don’t skimp on this one, the last thing you want when diving is a regulator failing on you. A cost for a good regulator including the air hoses is around 400 to 600.

The next piece of equipment which is mandatory in scuba is the buoyancy compensator device commonly known as a BCD. This equipment is essential to regulate your buoyancy whilst underwater. Expect to pay around 500 for a good one.

Another equipment is the scuba tank. These range in about 200 to 300 however, the cost in renting the tank is about the same as having your own tanks filled which is approximately 6 to 8. So in this case it might be wise to just rent them out.

The next part of your scuba equipment are your mask, snorkel and fins. The costs for a good mask ranges about 50 to 70, a snorkel about 30, whilst good pair of fins range from 60 to 100.

A Dive computer and a depth gauge are both vital pieces of equipment, if you plan to dive regularly. Dive computers are necessary for monitoring depth and time limits when diving. These cost in the region of $200 to $600 for both pieces of equipment.

Besides to the items listed above, there are several other pieces of scuba equipment you will need for safety and comfort. A scuba diving hoodies will be required if you are to dive on moderate to cold waters. These range from 100 to 400. Gloves, boots and hoods may set you back an additional about 20 to 50 each. If you have opted for the wetsuit then you have to also consider getting yourself a weight belt. These are not so expensive and will cost around 20 to 50.