My husband and I used to adore SCUBA diving--we're both certified--and we took some great dive trips together BC (before children). We'd love to get back into it, and share this cool sport with our five-year-old daughter. At what age can she start? Any suggestions regarding where to go?
Good news--you won't have to wait long before zipping into those wetsuits. SCUBA is becoming a more family-oriented sport, thanks to Wayne Hasson, who created SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) equipment. Kids from ages 6 to 10 (depending on the policy of the dive shop) are outfitted with a tank regulator and non-deflatable flotation device, which allows them to swim with the fish and other marine life on the surface of the water. Diving instructors say that getting the hang of this is easier than snorkeling. A number of Caribbean resorts are now offering the program, and manufacturers are introducing their own versions of SASY. Typically, kids are taught to use the equipment in shallow water, then go on a guided dive with a P.A.D.I. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) instructor. As you'd expect, your daughter will have more fun starting out in warm, crystal-clear waters...plus, what a great excuse for a tropical trip!
Grand Cayman is, of course, a diving mecca. (This island will be the site of the soon-to-be-unveiled International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, should you wish to be inspired!) "The Wall" is a great reef dive, and there are wrecks to explore, easily visible at 20 feet. Red Sail Sports is a full-service dive shop on the waterfront, offering SASY gear and instruction. Red Sail offers hotel and dive packages with several hotels. Call 877-RED-SAIL or visit Red Sail.
Another good bet is St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, home of Buck Reef National Marine Monument, an underwater "park" rich with tropical fish, sea turtles--what a spectacular place for a first dive! St. Croix's Adventures Over the Edge (AOTE) offers the SASY program. Call 800-595-9519 for more information. St. Croix offers good vacation packages for families. Contact USVI Department of Tourism at 800-372-USVI.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in January 2001. Updated April 2006.
