Whether you’re a scuba diver or a free diver, it’s all about enjoying the wonders of the oceans, right?

While each has their pros and cons, aficionados of both swear that theirs is the best experience. Here are seven similarities and differences to think about before booking your next diving experience:

1. Take a deep breath…

The biggest difference between the two skills is breathing. Scuba divers use a tank of breathable air strapped to their body – and are taught to never hold their breath underwater – while free divers train themselves to hold their breath as they dive down. The current free diving record holder is Herbert Nitsch who has swum to a depth of 253.2 metres (830.8 feet) on one breath, held for more than 9 minutes.

2. Limitless fun

Free divers love that limits are constantly being stretched, and that dedication and practise can create incredible possibilities for underwater exploration. During scuba diving, depths are limited (according to your certification), time is on your side, and there’s plenty of scope to improve your air consumption and buoyancy skills.

3. Underwater yogis

A great way to hone all diving skills is through working on your breathing and ability to stay calm. Freediving and yogic breathing exercises (pranayama) go hand-in-hand; daily pranayama helps to improve lung capacity, tone abdominal muscles, and extend the time breath can be held in and out of the lungs. It also helps to cultivate a meditative sense of inner peace – ideal for any type of diving.

4. Simply spontaneous

Maintaining a good level of health is key to enjoying any diving activity. Once a level of overall fitness, strength, and breathing capacity is in place, free divers love the spontaneity of their sport: in the warm waters of the Maldives, all you need is swimwear, a mask and fins, with no heavy equipment or preparation. Scuba divers need not fret, however, as Kuda Huraa’s dive courses include use of all necessary kit and equipment.

5. Magical underwater encounters

Both types of diving allow for incredible experiences. Free divers enjoy the natural freedom of being able to follow a creature they’re intrigued by – down as deep as they can – without frightening it off with kit or large air bubbles. And scuba divers relish being able to stay down for long periods of time, maximising their enjoyment of the magical underwater world.