Question

Do you like shore diving or boat diving better? Why?

Answer 1

Both have their advantages. Shore diving allows you to dive anytime that conditions allow and is much cheaper since you generally only have to pay for air. Of course you have to have some local spots to dive. Disadvantage is sometimes you have long surface swim to get to the dive spot and having to deal with the surf. Boat, diving on the other hand, gets right on top of the dive spot with out the extra work. There are plenty of other divers in case you need a buddy. And there are many more options of dive locations that are accessible by boat. But there is the added cost of taking a boat. I prefer boat diving but I do shore diving much more often.

Answer 2

I also like to shore dive, I really dislike having a crowded boat, I would rather dive with my dive buddy and not have to worry about people kicking up silt and sand and making the dive murky. I have been on many dives with just me and my dive buddy and we know what to do if one of us gets in trouble. I also just like getting my gear and go explore instead of doing another wreck dive.

Comments

I agree!! Happy diving

Answer 3

I prefer shore diving to beat the crowds and get to spots others might not think of. I also like the simplicity of operating independently (just me and a dive buddy, instead of a full boat crew & load of divers)

Comments

I am with you. Enjoy

Answer 4

I do prefer boat diving given the choice over shore. It would also depend on location location location .. They are completely two different worlds. Not all shore dives are created equal and same for boat dives. To many variables to name. ...

Some key factors for both are: Biggest factor is location ( CA vs FL or HI ) !!! 

Shore dives:  access, parking, facilities, waves, distance to dive (surface swim), visibility, float, fun etc.. 

Boat Dive: cost, crew, boat, crowds, time, better spots, food, service, safety support (DM +emergency first aid on board), extra eyes, boat access only dive sites, fun, etc..

Comes down to preferences and availability.

Answer 5

It really depends.

I am older and some shore diving is too strenuous to walk into the water and swim out to the reef. Diving at the BHB is pretty easy if you get a good parking spot.

Boat diving is easy in and out, but you have to put up with a flock of other divers. I like six pack boats, but not always possible.