Snorkeling vs. Diving

You can get certified in 3-4 days if you devote yourself to it. It is not a hard thing to do. If you enjoy the view while snorkeling, you would really love the view diving affords you.

If you just want to do a dive or two you can probably find diver outfitters who offer "resort courses"-- you receive instructions and do a dive in the same day. (I did this a couple of decades ago before getting certified; not sure if this is still done).

My (later) certification took 2 weekends. One weekend for class instruction, one weekend for dives (pool dives, open water dives).

I rarely dive anymore. Just seems like a lot of effort but perhaps I'm just getting old 😀

For me, the nicest thing about diving is that the fish seem to think you belong there. They don't immediately dart away like they do when you snorkel.

You can actually do the course work online now through approved shops. Admiralty Dive Center in St Thomas, http://www.admiraltydive.com/ offers it and I have a couple of friends that have done it that way. Then you do the pool and open water work with them in person.
Jay

For me, the nicest thing about diving is that the fish seem to think you belong there. They don't immediately dart away like they do when you snorkel.

Yeah, take a half a loaf of french bread (or similar) break it out while your down, and you will have a cylinder of fish surrounding you 🙂

I did the "resort dive" with a PADI instructor in Stx and then did the didactic portion online. I believe all of the dive shops on STX will work that way with you.

We did all our course work on line through N 2 the Blue on STX. We took our time and finished over 4-5 weekends.

Yes you can get certified in a few days. Check with the dive shops. What Island are you on? I can recomend a dive shop on STX

I second N2Blue on STX. Contact them ahead of time so they are ready for you. Their main instructor, jenny, is great to work with. She takes no shortcuts and is very patient.

2 days! i am a divemaster/instructor for SCUBA (st croix ultimate bluewater adventures) in c'sted. we do our open water course in 2 days. just read the book and fill out the knowledge reviews (usually take a few hours), then when you show up your first day, you take a few quizes. then we head to the pool, break for lunch, and head out on the boat! the next day is pretty much exactly the same, and then you're certified for the rest of your life 🙂 our number is 340-773-5994, i'm "young" jon (we have 2). come on in and we'll get you started!