Dive Blog | Do Dive In

There are an estimated 21,000 species of fish in the world and getting a closer look at them is one of the major attractions of scuba diving certification. From Illinois reservoirs to Caribbean coral reefs, there are fish of countless colors, shapes and sizes awaiting you underwater. [Read more]

Because we each rely on our scuba equipment to keep us safe and comfortable underwater, taking good care of it should be a priority. Whether you’re investing in gear for the first time after scuba diving certification or hope to boost the longevity of well-used equipment, caring for your equipment is essential in keeping it reliable and ready for the next dive. [Read more]

Many divers seem to be just as attracted to shark encounters as they are apprehensive of them. Despite their dangerous reputation, sharks pose little risk to scuba divers—it’s often said that you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark, and there are countless places worldwide to experience a safe and well-managed shark encounter. [Read more]

From divers plumbing the ocean’s depths to preschoolers on a field trip, there’s a reason the buddy system is so widely used: it works. Though it is possible to dive on your own, diving with a buddy is both safer and more practical. Your buddy is there to help you put on and check your dive equipment before you go underwater, your buddy is there to help you out of a bind if you need assistance and your buddy is there to share the fun of the diving experience with you. [Read more]

Whether the dive boat you’re embarking on is a tiny dinghy, a 6 pack or a multi-diver behemoth, following a few simple rules will make things easier for you and the crew. While you can take advantage of our boat diver specialty class to learn all there is to know about diving from different kinds of boats, the tips below can help you be a perfectly polite and well-prepared boat diver on any excursion. [Read more]

After receiving your scuba certification in Illinois, you’ll have the opportunity to start expanding on your skills by learning more advanced scuba techniques. For many, this means taking specialty diver classes that help you master new skills, and no skill can help you get more out of every scuba experience than nitrox diving. [Read more]

Cold weather can put a damper on diving, especially as Illinois becomes frostier as fall turns to winter. Chilly waters of the quarries and Great Lakes, though fun to explore, can seem less inviting as the temperatures above the surface continue to plummet. You may be tempted to give up your scuba dreams for the season, but like many problems in the colder months, the solution may be as simple as changing your clothes. [Read more]

Though breathing underwater may be the most pressing challenge we face while diving, it isn’t the only one. The thrill of scuba diving comes from exploring an unfamiliar world, but these surroundings are not always easy to navigate—finding your way around is more complicated than it is on the surface. [Read more]

If you’re hoping to explore some wrecks, come face to face with unique ocean life and make the most of your scuba skills, deep diving is the way to do it. Unfortunately, those added rewards come with added risks. Diving deeper than 60 feet increases your chances of depleting your air supply and experiencing nitrogen narcosis, but these dangers can be overcome with proper training and preparation. [Read more]

Sunken schooners, algae-covered school buses, train cars, fire trucks and telephone booths—manmade treasures like these can make for a ton of underwater fun. Wreck diving gives you the chance to take in some very unusual sights, and the prevalence of these underwater ruins makes them accessible just about anywhere: at the depths of the ocean, in the chill of Lake Michigan and even in some of the Midwest’s limestone quarries. [Read more]