health benefits of scuba diving

If you ask most divers what the health benefits of scuba diving are they will probably tell you they’re not sure but that “it makes me feel great – and it’s so relaxing!”  So, we thought you might like to know why.

There are, of course, several reasons.  The first is that diving is not so much a relaxing activity as a “recreational sport” and scuba diving, even for novices, can deliver the wonderful combination of stillness of mind and a physical workout – and, if you consider yourself to be somewhat exercise averse – you hardly notice how much exercise you’re doing.  That is, until you come back up and take you’re kit off and realise it might be time for a gentle snooze!

Water is heavier than air and therefore provides greater resistance against your movements.  As a result, the water helps develop and strengthen your muscles without the physical impact of other sports.  So, you benefit from the exercise without risking your joints.  Like swimming or snorkelling too.  As regards burning calories, a one hour scuba dive can easily burn up 350 calories.

A further benefit of scuba diving is that it will improve your breathing technique. Going underwater will let you inhale and exhale deeper.   The health benefits of deep breathing techniques are numerous and studies show that yogic deep breathing is extremely effective in handling depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.  (See also health benefits of yoga)  Furthermore, deep breathing stimulate your lymphatic system, which is an important component in the elimination of toxins from your body.

Lastly, scuba diving is good for reducing stress as it allows you to take your mind off work or other niggling distractions.  By focusing on a recreational activity such as diving – and many other sports – you give your mind the chance to truly relax.  We would also argue that the entire experience of a dive – particularly if you’re looking at beautiful coral or tropical fish with myriad colours – brings a sense of joy and happiness that simply must be good for your soul.

As most scuba diving destinations also come with gorgeous beaches, you might like to find out about the health benefits of beach holidays

The Healthy Holiday Company has a fabulous selecton of destinations where you can scuba dive or learn to dive for the first time.  We would be happy to advise.  We can tailor-make a specific scuba diving holiday for you or simply add scuba diving in to your holiday schedule.  Let us know what you would prefer, and we will arrange everything for you.

For ideas about all our recommended scuba diving destinations, please see all scuba diving options

Water clarity and temperatures vary at most destinations throughout the year, so if you’d like advice on the best places to go diving at any given time, please don’t hesitate to ask us by enquiring by email

If you would prefer to chat options through over the telephone, we would be delighted to hear from you.  Please call us on 0845 458 0723