Try Diving to know the beautiful underwater world. To hover weightlessly like an astronaut, gliding past coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. Whether you’ve seen ocean documentaries or watched your friends post scuba diving videos online, the call of the deep can be incredibly tempting. But how do you start, especially if you have no experience?
The answer is simple: Try Diving.
Also called a Discover Scuba Diving experience (DSD), this is a fun, safe, and non-committal way to explore scuba diving without needing a license. It’s designed for complete beginners who want to see what it feels like to dive — and for many, it’s the start of a lifelong love affair with the ocean.
What Is Try Diving?
Try diving is a guided scuba experience that introduces you to basic concepts and skills needed to dive safely. You’ll learn how scuba equipment works, how to breathe underwater, and what to expect under the sea. The dive is conducted in shallow, calm waters — usually no deeper than 6 to 12 meters — under the close supervision of a professional dive instructor.
You don’t need to know how to swim well or have any diving background. This is your very first step. The focus is on comfort, enjoyment, and safety.
Who Can Try Diving?
Almost anyone aged 10 and up can try scuba diving, provided they are in reasonably good health. Before participating, you’ll answer a brief medical questionnaire to ensure you don’t have any conditions that require a doctor’s approval.
People who often try diving include:
- Tourists looking for a new adventure
- Couples on a honeymoon
- Families on a tropical holiday
- Friends celebrating milestones
- Ocean lovers curious about what lies beneath the surface
Even people who feel nervous about the ocean find Try Diving to be surprisingly calming and empowering.
What Happens During a Try Dive?
A typical Discover Scuba Diving program follows these steps:
1. Briefing and Orientation
Your instructor will explain how the dive gear works, how to equalize your ears, what hand signals you’ll use underwater, and how to breathe calmly. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Gear Up
You’ll be fitted with a mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD (buoyancy control device), tank, and regulator. The equipment might look intimidating, but your instructor will help you every step of the way.
3. Confined Water Practice
You’ll start in a shallow, pool-like environment — either an actual swimming pool or calm ocean water. Here, you’ll try breathing through the regulator, clearing water from your mask, and moving underwater.
This is where most fears fade away. That first breath underwater is unforgettable — a blend of excitement, curiosity, and a little disbelief.
4. Guided Dive in the Open Water
Once you feel ready, you’ll descend (very slowly!) into open water with your instructor by your side, holding onto you or staying within arm’s reach. You’ll dive over reefs, see fish swimming past you, and maybe even spot a turtle or clownfish.
Expect the dive to last 30 to 45 minutes underwater, depending on your air consumption and comfort level.
What Does It Feel Like?
Imagine floating in a blue dream.
Time slows down. Your breathing becomes rhythmic. Colors become more vivid. Fish drift past you like gentle rain. Coral sways in the current like an underwater forest. There’s no traffic noise, no cellphone beeps, no stress — only the sound of your own bubbles.
For many first-timers, it’s an emotional experience. Some laugh into their regulators, some give wide-eyed OK signals, and some surface in happy disbelief: “I actually did it!”
Why Should You Try Diving?
There are countless reasons to try diving at least once in your life. Here are a few:
1. It’s a Bucket-List Adventure
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with turtles, visiting coral reefs, or exploring a sunken ship, scuba diving is your gateway. And try diving makes that dream achievable within a single day.
2. You Don’t Need a License
Try diving doesn’t require certification. There’s no exam or multi-day course. It’s a one-time experience that could be your first step toward getting certified — or just a cool story to tell.
3. It’s Surprisingly Safe
With modern scuba gear, dive computers, and trained instructors, scuba diving has become a very safe recreational sport — especially during guided beginner experiences. Instructors monitor your depth, air, and comfort throughout.
4. You’ll See a Side of the World Few People Ever Do
The ocean covers 71% of the planet, yet most people only see its surface. By trying diving, you enter a new dimension. It’s the closest thing to visiting another planet — except it’s right here on Earth.
Common Fears and Myths (and Why You Shouldn’t Worry)
“What if I can’t breathe?”
The regulator gives you air continuously — it’s as easy as breathing through a straw. And your instructor is right beside you if anything feels off.
“I’m scared of sharks.”
Most dive sites are reef-based and don’t have sharks at all. And even when sharks are present, they avoid humans. You’re lucky to spot one — it’s incredibly rare and peaceful.
“I’m not a strong swimmer.”
That’s okay! Try dives are done with buoyancy gear, and your instructor helps you stay afloat and move. You won’t be swimming laps — just drifting and enjoying the view.
What to Bring and Wear
- Swimsuit (worn under your wetsuit)
- Towel and dry clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen if you’ll be in the sun before your dive
- GoPro or camera (ask if your instructor can take photos underwater!)
- An open mind and a sense of adventure
Where to Diving to know in the Philippines
The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, making it one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Try Diving to know are offered in many locations, including:
- Anilao, Batangas – Just 2–3 hours from Manila, great reefs and easy access
- Puerto Galera, Mindoro – Stunning coral gardens and white sand beaches
- Moalboal, Cebu – Sardine runs and sea turtles in crystal-clear waters
- Bohol and Panglao – Ideal for calm dives and island hopping
- Coron, Palawan – Try diving over shipwrecks from World War II
- Boracay – Combine beach luxury with underwater adventure
Choose a location close to you or where you’re planning a holiday, and ask if they offer beginner dive packages.
Cost of Try Diving to know
Prices vary depending on the number of divers and inclusions. In the Philippines, a try dive typically costs ₱3,500 to ₱15,700 per person and includes:
- Instructor fees
- Full gear rental
- Short briefing and shallow water practice
- 1 open water dive
All Inclusive Package include photos, boat rental,all meals and roundtrip transportation. Always ask what’s included.
What Comes Next?
Loved your try dive? Great! You can do another one in a new location, or better yet — get certified!
The next step is the PADI Open Water Diver Course, which takes 3–4 days and allows you to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world. Once you’re certified, you’ll join a global community of ocean explorers.
Many people who try diving fall in love with it. Some become dive travelers, some become underwater photographers, and others even become instructors themselves.
Testimonials From First-Timers who Try Diving
“I was terrified at first, but once I saw a school of fish swim right past my face, I forgot everything else. It was magical.” – Jenna, USA
“It felt like I was dreaming underwater. I didn’t know fish could come so close without fear.” – Carlo, Manila
“I tried diving in Anilao with Scuba Sirens. My instructor was so patient, and I ended up seeing a sea turtle! I’m planning to get certified next summer.” – Aya, Quezon City
Final Thoughts: Just Breathe and Jump In Try Diving to know how beautiful it is
Trying scuba diving is one of the most transformative, awe-inspiring experiences you can have. Whether it becomes a one-time adventure or the beginning of a new passion, your first breath underwater is something you’ll never forget.
So, if you’re ready to do something amazing, challenge yourself in the best way, and discover a world few people get to see — try diving.
You bring your curiosity. We’ll bring the gear and the guidance.
Just take that first breath with Try Diving to know how beautiful the ocean is, waiting for you.