Scuba is a recreational diving activity where divers use self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. This allows them to dive further, longer, and at greater depths than surface-supplied divers. A scuba diver wears a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, weights, and depending on the temperature, an exposure suit. They have their own source of breathing gas, usually compressed air, although a gas blend with a higher oxygen content, known as nitrox, is also popular for longer dives.

Scuba divers are fascinated by the life beneath the sea. They leave behind the clamour of phones and text messages, and immerse themselves in a world where they can see captivating creatures in their natural habitat.

There are many different types of scuba, from beginner courses to open water certification, advanced certifications, and rescue diving. Some of these are available to people with no prior experience of scuba, and can be completed within a few days. The training is a combination of theory classes, physical training in a swimming pool or shallow water, and practical dives.

While diving, divers can expect to encounter a vast array of interesting marine life, from fish with luminous glow-in-the-dark colours and venomous spines to coral that is both beautiful and important as a home for other organisms. Divers can also find wrecks that were sunk deliberately to create artificial reefs, or accidentally as a result of war.