Are you thinking about learning to scuba dive, but not sure you want to pay for the full course? Or perhaps you're nervous about breathing underwater, ear popping, medical questions or have other concerns. We get it. We were nervous too before diving into the sport (pardon the pun). But there's good news! You can absolutely try diving and experience breathing underwater — no tank required. In fact, you don't even need to be a good swimmer to try the SUB or SNUBA. It's that easy. Here's where to start.

SUB (Scenic Underwater Bubble)

What Is It: Think of SUBs as a cross between a spacesuit and a scooter, but for underwater cruising. Your body is submerged as you sit on the scooter and steer your way through the ocean, and your head stays completely dry inside a large dome (the “bubble”). No scuba gear is required, you breathe normally as you would on land and the SUB’s design is both stable and easy to maneuver. There is also a buoy tied to your SUB to make sure that you don’t go too deep

What You’ll Learn: You’ll learn why it is important never to hold your breath underwater, as well as how to equalize your ears. You’ll also learn how to maneuver the SUB and the hand signals used to communicate with your fellow SUB pilots underwater.

How Deep Is It: 15-20 feet

How Long Does It Take: The pre-dive briefing takes between 15-20 minutes; Tours (including boat rides to the dive sites) last roughly 4 hours

Experience Needed: None (even those who cannot swim can operate the SUB)

Who Should Try It: Swimmers and non swimmers. Anyone interested in seeing the underwater world. People who are nervous/claustrophobic and don’t want to try scuba/snorkeling gear. Travelers who want a quick underwater experience.

Is There a Guide: Yes, a guide is with SUB pilots at all times.

Age Requirement: 10 and up

Where To Go: Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

Gear Needed: None

Next Step: Get geared up while staying connected to the surface with SNUBA.

SNUBA

What It Is: SNUBA is basically scuba diving, but easier and without the tank. You’ll spend about 25 minutes underwater, checking out fish and coral reefs. You’ll still breathe out of a scuba regulator, but it’s attached to a raft on the surface.

What You’ll Learn: You’ll explore the ocean beyond what snorkeling can offer while swimming to whatever depth you feel comfortable, and with a guide by your side. You can even stay on the surface. You’ll start with a 15-minute presentation on what to expect, then a quick gear outfitting, a demonstration of the skills like hand signals and ear clearing, then 25 minutes underwater!

How Deep Is It: 20 feet or less

How Long Does It Take: One hour, including the time you’re underwater.

Experience Needed: Basic swimming skills

Who Should Try It: Children, couples, seniors and anyone interested in exploring underwater

Is There a Guide: Yes

Age Requirement: 4 and up (SNUBA courses vary based on age range)

Where To Go: In the USA: California, Florida, Hawaiian Islands. SNUBA is also available worldwide, including Africa, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, USVI, BVI and more.

Here is a map of all SNUBA locations worldwide.

Gear Needed: All gear provided by SNUBA operator

Next Step: Loved the feeling of being underwater? Then Discover Scuba Diving.

Discover Scuba Diving

What Is It: This is the introductory version of the basic open-water diving course, and it goes by a variety of names — Try Scuba, Intro to Dive, Resort Course — depending on the training agency and where it’s offered.

What You’ll Learn: This is the less-intensive introductory version of the open-water diving course. Think of it as the CliffsNotes to diving. You’ll definitely get a taste of what scuba diving is all about, including the chance to see cool things in the ocean! There are restrictions, such as how deep you can dive and who you can dive with (under the direct supervision of a dive professional). There is some academic work, some pool work where you’ll practice skills, and usually two open-water dives. The emphasis is on fun and determining if you want to take the next step.

How Deep Is It: 40 feet or less

How Long Does It Take: One day

Experience Needed: Basic swimming skills

Who Should Try It: Anyone! Here are tips for vacation and local scuba certifications

Is There a Guide: Yes

Age Requirement: 10 and up

Where To Go: These courses are commonly offered in locations where diving is popular, such as the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Hawaii, and Australia. Check out godivenow to find your local dive shop or to find a dive vacation destination.

Gear Needed: If you’ve got a snorkel set, you can use it; otherwise, rental gear is typically covered in the cost of these courses.

Next Step: Open Water Scuba Diver