The four ways to go underwater at Chankanaab
Snorkel ($10 gear rental, any age, no depth limit but you stay near surface): float with mask and snorkel above the reef. Most flexible, cheapest, works with the underwater statues at Chankanaab and any reef tour.
SNUBA ($65, age 8+, max 6 m depth): scuba regulator on a 6 meter hose connected to a tank floating on a raft. You breathe like scuba but never carry a tank. Slot includes 30 to 40 minute underwater time plus briefing.
Sea Trek ($85, age 8+, walk at 4 m): a sealed bubble helmet (think astronaut) is lowered onto your shoulders. Air is pumped from the surface. You walk down a ramp and stroll the bay floor. Glasses can stay on, hair stays dry. The big surprise for first timers is how relaxed and easy it is.
Discover Scuba ($95, age 10+, max 12 m): full scuba intro with an instructor. Pool briefing then a guided dive at Paradise Reef. The deepest and most adventurous, but more pre-dive paperwork and more anxiety for first timers.
Side by side comparison
| Snorkel | SNUBA | Sea Trek | Discover Scuba | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price USD | $10 gear | $65 | $85 | $95 |
| Min age | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Max depth | Surface | 6 m | 4 m walking | 12 m |
| Hair stays dry | No | No | Yes | No |
| Swim ability needed | Float in vest | Comfortable | None | Confident |
| Best for | Flexible families | Adventure curious kids | Non swimmers, glasses wearers | Future divers |
Picking the right activity for you
- You travel with a non swimmer adult or grandparent: Sea Trek is the only option that lets them experience the bay floor without swimming
- You have an 8 year old who is curious about scuba: SNUBA is a perfect step before Discover Scuba on the next trip
- You want maximum bay coverage in 1 hour: snorkel, you can swim 200 meters around the underwater statues
- You wear glasses and refuse to put a mask on: Sea Trek lets you keep glasses on under the helmet
- You plan to get certified later: Discover Scuba counts toward the Open Water course if you continue within 12 months
Ready to walk the Chankanaab bay floor?
Book Sea Trek, SNUBA or Discover Scuba at Chankanaab with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Frequently asked questions
Sea Trek is an underwater walking tour where you wear a sealed helmet (like an old diving suit) and walk on the bottom of the bay at 4 to 5 meters. Air is supplied through a tube to the surface. Hair stays dry, no scuba certification needed, no swim ability required.
No. SNUBA uses a regulator like scuba, but the tank stays on a raft on the surface and you breathe through a long hose. You can dive to 6 meters max, with no certification required. The hose limit forces you to stay near the surface, which is why kids can do it.
Snorkel for ages 5 and up if they can float in a life vest. Sea Trek age 8 and up (great for non swimmers). SNUBA age 8 and up (need basic comfort under water).
