Breathing underwater, floating among fish, exploring a silent and colorful world… A first dive is an experience that many describe as magical, unforgettable, almost timeless. But before you put on your wetsuit and fins, it’s normal to ask yourself a few questions: How does it work? Is it difficult? How does it really feel when you dive for the first time?
An experience that anyone can try
A first dive is a supervised introduction: no certification, experience, or specific physical condition is required. From 8 to 10 years old (depending on the country and club) it is possible to enjoy this first underwater adventure.
The activity usually takes place in the sea, a lake, or a natural pool, in a shallow area—between 3 and 6 meters—under the supervision of a certified instructor. All equipment is provided: wetsuit, buoyancy compensator, regulator, air tank, mask, fins… All you need to bring is your swimsuit and your curiosity.
Before diving : preparation
Before going underwater, the instructor takes the time to explain the equipment and basic techniques: how to equalize the pressure in your ears, how to breathe with the regulator, and how to clear your mask if water gets in.
Then you’ll go for a gradual dive. The first few minutes are often spent on the surface or at shallow depths, giving you time to get used to breathing with the equipment. During this time, your instructor will usually take care of adjusting the buoyancy of your vest and checking your weighting.
The descent: a moment suspended in time
Once you are comfortable, the instructor will help you descend slowly. This is when the dive really begins. Your first goal will be to equalize the pressure in your ears, as your instructor explained before the dive.
Equalize ear pressure
When we dive, our bodies are subjected to pressure from the weight of the water. We feel this phenomenon mainly in our ears. From the very first few meters, discomfort sets in, similar to what we experience in the mountains or on an airplane, but more intense. To compensate for this phenomenon, we need to “equalize the pressure.”
This equalization should be done as soon as the discomfort appears. The simplest and most commonly used method is to pinch your nose and blow gently through your mouth, as if you were blowing your nose, without being abrupt.
When you feel a movement in your eardrums and the discomfort disappears, it means that you have successfully equalized the pressure.
Feel free to repeat the process several times during the dive, as soon as you feel discomfort again. Never push yourself to the point of pain. The ear is a fragile organ and must be protected.
If you have trouble equalizing, signal your instructor, who will bring you up slightly so you can take the time to repeat the process.
Does this equalization technique not work for you? Don’t panic! There are other ways to relieve pressure in your ears: check out our article on pressure equalization.
Finally, keep in mind that equalization occurs naturally during the ascent.
Scuba diving, the real thing!
When all these steps are complete, your instructor will signal you to follow them and your journey of discovery will begin. All you have to do is contemplate the new world around you:
A seabed rich in biodiversity, surprising aquatic species, the silence that surrounds you, disturbed only by your breathing, fish swimming past you without paying you the slightest attention, new species you have never seen before, but also others that seem familiar… And even more: that feeling of freedom, as if you were flying underwater.
This experience is often described as fascinating, with a feeling of absolute serenity. Be warned: you may become addicted!
Most introductory dives last between 20 and 30 minutes underwater. This may seem short, but it is more than enough time to experience the essence of diving: calm, beauty, and connection with nature.
After the dive: a mixture of emotions
On the way back up, many people experience a mix of emotions: pride, joy, calm. The instructor congratulates you and often gives you a certificate to mark the occasion.
You discuss what you saw, share your impressions, and look at the photos taken underwater.
And for some, it’s the beginning of a passion. Many clubs offer to continue with level 1 diving, which allows you to go further, deeper, and dive without an instructor.
=> To easily find the diving center that suits you (book a first dive or pass level 1), visit our diving centers page.
Practical guide
Some tips
- Relax before entering the water: Breathe calmly, don’t force anything.
- Listen to your instructor: he is there to guide you, not judge you.
- Don’t touch anything underwater: corals and animals are fragile. In addition, some species are poisonous.
- Enjoy the moment: look around you, let yourself be carried away.
Where to do a first dive?
Almost all diving centers offer introductory dives, but some locations are more favorable than others for your first dive:
- Current: choose calm seas.
- Visibility: the clearer the water, the more comfortable you will feel when starting out.
- Depth: if the location where you want to do your introductory dive is shallow, you can easily enjoy the seabed and do your first dive in the sea (rather than in a pool if the location does not allow it).
- Temperature: it is often more pleasant to dive in warm water, as you can stay in longer and, above all, enjoy your dive to the full without being bothered by the temperature.
=> Some examples of ideal locations for a stress-free first dive: the Canary Islands (Spain), the south of France (Marseille, Port-Cros, and Porquerolles), Malta, Crete (Greece), Sicily, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Corsica, Reunion Island, Australia, Cuba, Thailand, and Egypt.
How much does a first dive cost?
On average, you can expect to pay €60 for a first dive. Of course, the price will be lower or higher depending on the facilities, the location, the season (high or low season), and the type of dive: from the shore or from a boat (=fuel costs).
The price for a first dive often includes all the equipment and the presence of a qualified instructor. All you need to bring is your swimsuit!
In summary
A first dive is much more than just a water sport: it’s an encounter with a silent, poetic, and fascinating world. A timeless interlude where you learn to trust your breath and reconnect with nature.
Wherever it takes place, each dive tells a different story. But they all have one thing in common: they leave an indelible memory.
So, are you ready to dive for the first time?