Can scuba diving be a meditation? For many divers, scuba diving has become a lot more than just an exciting underwater hobby. It’s an escape, it’s “me time”, and a way to connect with the Sea and relax. But, it can also be a powerful wellness tool by incorporating conscious movement, mindfulness and meditation into our diving routine.

By combining the principles of mindfulness meditation with scuba diving, we can turn every dive into a deeply meditative experience. This experience has the power to enhance our overall well-being and improve our general mood.

Yoga & Scuba Diving

Scuba diving and yoga may seem like two completely unrelated activities, but they actually have a lot in common. Both practices require us to focus on our breath, being present and “in the moment”. Our breath is what connects our mind to the body, and the environment.

Yoga and scuba diving require a similar type of focus and concentration. In yoga, we focus on the breath to calm the mind and bring awareness to the present moment. Similarly, as scuba divers, we must be aware of our breathing, this helps us remain calm and relaxed. It also helps to ensure we conserve our air and stay safe in the water.

Being in the present moment, and being mindful allows us to connect with our environment more intimately. Yoga encourages us to be present in the moment and connect with our breath, mind and body. While scuba diving allows us to explore the underwater world, connecting with the marine environment in a way that is not possible on land.

Underwater Meditation

Underwater meditation may seem like an unusual concept, but it can actually be a unique and exciting way to deepen your mindfulness practice. Just imagine being surrounded by colourful marine life, feeling weightless and calm as you focus on your breath. This connection to the underwater world can bring about a sense of mental clarity.

Underwater meditation can provide a unique and relaxing experience. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation and inner peace.

To practice underwater meditation, all we need is scuba gear or free-diving equipment and a calm body of water, such as a pool or calm and confined open water.

Scuba Diving & Mental Health

Scuba diving can be used as a therapy, as it has a tremendously positive impact on our mental health. It can help us in a number of ways.

Firstly, immersion in water and being exposed to the underwater environment can promote a sense of relaxation and tranquillity, reducing stress and anxiety.

Additionally, the physical exercise involved in diving can release endorphins, which improve our mood and reduces symptoms of depression.

Scuba diving also requires us to focus on our breathing and being present in the moment. This helps us develop mindfulness skills, which teaches us how to manage negative thoughts and emotions.

Finally, the social aspect of diving and the sense of community it fosters is essentially a support system, and a sense of belonging, which are important factors for mental well-being.

How to Turn Your Diving Into a Meditation

Here are six tips to help you turn every scuba dive into a meditation:

1. Prepare your mind before diving. Before getting into the water, take a few moments to clear your mind and focus on your breathing. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and allow yourself to relax and let go of any thoughts or distractions.
2. Use your breathing to stay present. During the dive, focus on your breath and allow it to become a rhythm. This rhythm keeps you present in the moment. Use long, deep breaths to calm your mind and keep yourself centred.
3. Observe the underwater world. Take the time to observe the underwater environment. Paying close attention to the colours, movement, and beauty of the marine life around you. Be mindful of your movements and your surroundings, allowing yourself to fully experience the underwater world.
4. Practice gratitude. As you explore the underwater world, practice gratitude for the opportunity to be there, and for the beauty and wonder of the underwater environment. Allow yourself to feel thankful for the experience and the privilege of being able to enjoy it.
5. Take moments of stillness. Take moments during the dive to be still and observe your surroundings without moving or interacting with them. Allow yourself to just be, focusing on your breath and the beauty around you.
6. Reflect after the dive. After the dive, take a few moments to reflect on the experience and how it made you feel. Allow yourself to fully appreciate the meditative qualities of scuba diving and how it can enhance your mindfulness practice.

By incorporating these tips into your scuba diving practice, you can turn every dive into a deeply meditative experience. This enhances your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So next time you go for a dive, remember to approach it as a mindfulness practice. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the meditative qualities of scuba diving.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi! I’m Robin, an independent PADI Scuba and Freedive Instructor, Yogi and passionate ocean advocate hosting. Through Traveler Submerged, I host private and bespoke diving and yoga experiences in Malta.

Explore my Yoga Classes, Dive Courses, Workshops and Retreats.

Being a Professional PADI Scuba Instructor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Besides being able to do what I love every day, it’s helped me discover my passion for teaching. It’s also helped me develop a deep love for the ocean.

I am an RYT500 Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama teacher. I bring gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to relax the body and mind before diving, ultimately enhancing the diving experience.

Integrating basic yoga and breathwork into the pre-dive routine really helps my divers connect with the ocean on a deeper, more intimate level.

I dive exclusively with Dive Systems Malta, based in Sliema. Dive Systems is the biggest and most well-equipped dive centre in Malta. If you’re interested in diving with me – this is where we’ll meet.