Diving Holidays

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Diving Holidays Health Issues 

While operators stress that diving is possible for almost everyone, this is not strictly true.
Diving does demand some fitness; a 40-minute dive for example burns 600 calories both because of the amount of weight you have to carry (18 kilos of aqua lung - air cylinder - plus the weight belt of around 8 kilos). In addition there is the water resistance which is 12 times greater than that of air. The deeper you go the greater the pressure and the effort required. Furthermore, you may find yourself fighting against the current.

Contraindications

You should never dive unless you are feeling perfectly well but there are also a number of conditions which are specifically highlighted as indicating that it is best not to dive:

If you suffer from ear problems, with for example pain in airplanes, diving is probably best avoided. The same is true if you suffer from frequent or severe attacks of hayfever or allergy, frequent colds or sinusitis, or often suffer from motion sickness.

Similarly if you are pregnant, on medication, have a heavy cold or ear infection, you should take care and either avoid diving or seek medical advice.

Positive Advice

Drink large amounts of water.

Because of the enormous changes in pressure, do not fly less than 24 hours after your last dive. And while you can dive on the day of your arrival it is better to wait until the next day, or according to some sources 48 hours.

Even where you don't need a wet suit it can be wise to wear at least a thin one as protection against sunburn and hard coral cuts.