Searching for a new adventure this summer? Maybe you should consider looking beneath the surface to find it (literally!). From tiny anemones and vibrant coral reefs to giant ship wrecks, the scuba diver can expect to see a completely different world underwater. In fact, one can only fully comprehend these marvels once they experience it for themselves, which is why diving has become increasingly popular in beaches all around the world.

One of the best things about diving is that anyone as young as ten years (though it varies from place to place) can give it a go. Once you have the proper qualifications and the right gear, the water is your oyster, and you can spend hours seeing the sites and experiencing a different side of nature. Don’t be mistaken – diving underwater in an environment completely different from what we’re accustomed to is serious business, but with the right knowledge and training anyone can enjoy the wonders of the sea.

The first step to being a scuba diver is getting certified. There are many official agencies that offer their services, but virtually anywhere there is a dive site, there will probably be a diving centre where you can get your certification. Agencies require you to take a basic Open Water diving course for you to be able to go diving, though several specialty courses are available for you to gain further experience. The Open Water course can take from less than a week to a month or two, depending on how much time you spend a day learning and training. If on vacation, the course should only take you a few days. Although certification doesn’t ever need to be renewed, it is best to redo it if you haven’t gone diving in some time.

A good scuba diver is always aware of the equipment that he/she uses. There is a variety of equipment that a diver must use, and it is important that it is in good condition. Diving gear includes breathing aids such as the cylinder, pressure gauge, regulator and snorkel (for surface diving to conserve air in the cylinder), and swimwear such as the Buoyancy Control Device, boots, fins, hood, wetsuit and weight system can facilitate underwater movement and keep the diver warm. Other gadgets such as a compass, dive computer and slate are also useful for navigation and underwater communication. Also keep a knife handy in the case of entanglement. During the scuba diving course, you will learn how to maintain your equipment and how to use each component for a safe and successful dive.

The best diving destinations have always been in the tropics. With their warm climate and abundant underwater wildlife, tropical coasts and islands provide the perfect setting for an exciting dive. In December 2006, the Guardian ranked Rocktail Bay in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, as the best dive site in the world. This marine reserve is home to a variety of species, including dolphins, sharks and even whales amongst the smaller species of fish and plants. Other exotic destinations include the lively Maldives, the shipwrecked Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands and the friendly Sulawesi in Indonesia. But no matter where you go, you will always find something special and exhilarating hidden in the deep blue.