I first posted this in Introductions:
"I am currently a snorkeler, trying to decide whether to get involved with diving. Adding a new hobby to an already full life requires careful consideration, especially if said hobby requires a sizable initial financial outlay. The main reason I would even consider diving is my interest in marine biology; if I went this route, I would ultimately pursue certification as a scientific diver. In the meantime, I have had some sublime snorkeling experiences -- especially Pohnpei -- without all the elaborate training and equipment that diving requires. I have to admit I do like that minimalist approach."
I would like thoughts from others who came from the snorkeling world, not what pushed you toward diving (I think I already know the answer to that), but whether you ever miss the simplicity of snorkeling, i.e. just you and the ocean, without all the complexities of air tanks, dive computers, and sundry paraphernalia.
I snorkeled, and I had some very sublime experiences, what you don't realize as a snorkeler is that the gear that makes it possible to go down, and stay there for 30-90 minutes depending on your SAC and deco is amazing. There is so much you are missing if you think that free diving can provide you the same view.
An example is the area in and outside the Grotto in Saipan, none of that is accessible to a snorkeler, and the bat cave has wildlife you'll never see at depths any snorkeler can reach and stay long enough to enjoy.
Get your certification, you'll find out the equipment is a small bit of trouble for what you get back.
---------- Post added November 18th, 2014 at 01:23 PM ----------
As far as the initial financial outlay. I would do that completely different than I did then.
You can bring your initial outlay down to well under $1000.
I'm not going to argue that you can manage the cost of your equipment. But that said, I find it hilarious in a day and age where people will pay $500 for a smartphone, or $600 for a tablet without hardly a second thought, these items are tools to many (and me) but they are quickly obsolete, in no more than 3-5 years.
At the same time, a new diver might balk at purchasing equipment that could run $1000-$2000 in the manageable range, but provide access for years to the underwater environment. (granted, with regular upkeep and maintenance). I wouldn't tell someone who is going to dive 3-4 days a year to get their own gear, but someone who is looking at being a marine scientist of some kind, it's a great investment over renting.