Nitrox vs Air: Is Diving Nitrox Worth It?
If you’ve spent time around a dive centre, you’ve probably heard divers talking about Nitrox. Some won’t dive without it, while others are perfectly happy breathing regular air. So what’s the difference, and is Nitrox certification worth it?
Whether you’re planning your next dive holiday in the Philippines or looking to expand your diving skills, understanding the benefits of Enriched Air Nitrox can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is Nitrox?
Nitrox, also known as Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), is a breathing gas made up of oxygen and nitrogen—just like regular air. The difference is that Nitrox contains a higher percentage of oxygen and less nitrogen.
Regular air contains approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, while the most common recreational Nitrox blends contain 32% or 36% oxygen.
Because Nitrox contains less nitrogen, your body absorbs less nitrogen during a dive. This can extend your no-decompression limits on many recreational dives and provide additional flexibility when planning multiple dives over several days.
Do You Need Special Training to Dive with Nitrox?
Yes.
Although Nitrox is widely used in recreational diving, it requires specialised training to ensure it is used safely. The PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty is one of the most popular diving specialty courses in the world and can often be completed in a single day.
During the course, you’ll learn how to:
- Understand oxygen exposure limits and maximum operating depths (MOD)
- Plan dives using Nitrox safely
- Analyse the oxygen content in your cylinder before every dive
- Set your dive computer correctly for different Nitrox blends
- Understand the safety procedures unique to Nitrox diving
Our experienced PADI instructors will guide you through every step, giving you the confidence to plan and enjoy Nitrox dives safely.
Benefits of Diving with Nitrox
Enjoy Longer Bottom Times
Because Nitrox reduces nitrogen absorption, many recreational dives can be planned with longer no-decompression limits than the same dive using regular air. That means more time exploring coral reefs, photographing marine life, or simply enjoying the underwater world.
Shorter Surface Intervals
If you’re making multiple dives in one day, Nitrox can reduce the amount of nitrogen remaining in your body between dives. This often allows for shorter required surface intervals, helping you make the most of your dive holiday.
An Extra Safety Margin
Many divers choose Nitrox because, when diving within air no-decompression limits, it reduces nitrogen loading. While no breathing gas eliminates the risk of decompression sickness, using Nitrox correctly can provide an additional safety margin as part of conservative dive planning.
Many Divers Feel Less Fatigued
Although scientific studies have produced mixed results, many divers report feeling less tired after repetitive dives using Nitrox. Whether it’s the reduced nitrogen loading or simply the confidence that comes with conservative dive planning, it’s a benefit frequently mentioned by experienced divers.
Common Myths About Nitrox
Myth: Nitrox lets you dive deeper.
Actually, the opposite is true.
Because Nitrox contains more oxygen, every blend has a maximum operating depth. Diving beyond that depth increases the risk of oxygen toxicity, which is why proper training is essential.
Myth: Nitrox makes you use less air.
Not quite.
Your breathing rate doesn’t change because you’re using Nitrox. If you’re an air-hungry diver, improving buoyancy, trim, and breathing techniques will usually have a much greater impact on your dive duration.
Nitrox extends no-decompression limits—not your gas supply.
Myth: Nitrox is only for experienced divers.
Not at all.
Many divers complete their Enriched Air Nitrox certification shortly after earning their Open Water certification. It’s one of the easiest and most useful specialty courses you can take.
Is Nitrox Right for You?
Nitrox is an excellent choice if you:
- Enjoy longer recreational dives
- Plan to dive several times a day during a dive holiday
- Love underwater photography or videography, where extra bottom time is valuable
- Frequently dive from liveaboards or on multi-day dive trips
- Want to add an extra layer of conservatism to your dive planning
If your dives are usually shallow and infrequent, or if your dive time is consistently limited by how quickly you use your gas supply, the benefits may be less noticeable. In that case, improving your air consumption through experience and practice may make an even bigger difference.
Why Nitrox is Perfect for Diving in the Visayas
With four incredible Sea Explorers destinations, Nitrox can help you get even more out of your dive holiday.
Dauin is famous for world-class muck diving, where photographers often spend extended periods searching for rare critters.
In Malapascua, Nitrox is popular with divers making multiple dives each day after the famous early morning thresher shark dives.
Cabilao offers beautiful walls, healthy coral reefs, and excellent macro life, making longer no-decompression times especially welcome during relaxed reef explorations.
In Sipalay, Nitrox allows you to maximise your time exploring vibrant reefs, walls, and marine life across several dives each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nitrox safer than regular air?
When used correctly and within recreational limits, Nitrox reduces nitrogen loading and can provide an additional safety margin for divers who choose to dive conservatively. Proper training and dive planning remain essential.
Do I need special equipment?
Most recreational scuba equipment can be used with recreational Nitrox. However, every Nitrox cylinder must be analysed before the dive, and your dive computer must be set to the correct oxygen percentage.
Is the PADI Nitrox course difficult?
Not at all. It’s one of the easiest and most practical specialty courses available, and many divers complete it in just one day.
Dive with a Longer Smile
Whether you’re planning your first dive trip to the Philippines or you’re already an experienced diver, becoming Nitrox certified is one of the best investments you can make in your diving.
Longer no-decompression times, shorter surface intervals, and more flexibility during multi-day dive holidays mean you can spend more time doing what you came here for—exploring the incredible underwater world.
At Sea Explorers, you can complete your PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty at any of our four dive destinations in the Visayas:
Join us and Dive with a Longer Smile®.
