Nitrox diving: advantages, risks and myths
Nitrox diving has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. As more divers complete their Enriched Air Nitrox certifications, the benefits of breathing a gas mix with a higher oxygen content are becoming more widely known, and sometimes misunderstood.
At Punta Amanay, we teach the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox course to help divers dive longer and safer. But before you jump in, let’s dive into what nitrox is all about, who it’s for, and what you need to know to use it responsibly.
What is nitrox diving?
Nitrox, or Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), is a breathing gas that contains more oxygen and less nitrogen than regular air. The most common nitrox mix is EANx32 with 32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen, although other blends like EANx36 are also popular.
Because it contains less nitrogen, nitrox reduces the amount of nitrogen your body absorbs during a dive, which can offer a number of significant benefits.
Real advantages of nitrox diving
The advantages of nitrox diving aren’t just hype, they’re backed by physics and physiology. Here are some of the main reasons divers choose to use it:
Longer bottom times
One of the biggest benefits is extended no-decompression limits. Since you absorb less nitrogen, you can often stay underwater longer than with normal air, especially on repetitive dives or at moderate depths.
Shorter surface intervals
Because your body absorbs less nitrogen, you also off-gas faster after a dive. That means shorter surface intervals, which are great news for divers who want to get back in the water quickly or complete multiple dives in one day.
Reduced fatigue
While not scientifically conclusive, many divers report feeling less tired after diving with nitrox. The lower nitrogen load may reduce subclinical decompression stress, which could be one explanation for this common experience.
Tips and recommendations for nitrox diving
Despite all the hype, nitrox isn’t a free pass to dive deeper or eliminate decompression risk altogether. In fact, there are limits and responsibilities every nitrox diver must respect.
The risks of diving with nitrox
Using nitrox safely requires proper training. One of the most important things to understand is that higher oxygen levels increase the risk of oxygen toxicity, especially at depth.
Oxygen toxicity
Oxygen becomes toxic at high partial pressures. This is why nitrox has a Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) that must never be exceeded. For example, EANx32 has an MOD of 33 meters, while EANx36’s MOD is even shallower at 28 meters. Exceeding these limits could lead to serious health risks, such as convulsions underwater.
Equipment considerations
For recreational diving, most standard regulators and gear are compatible with nitrox mixes up to 40%. However, it’s essential that your tank be clearly labeled, and that the gas mix is analyzed and confirmed before every dive. At Punta Amanay, we ensure every nitrox tank is tested and recorded before use.
Common myths about nitrox diving
Like many specialized areas in diving, nitrox comes with its fair share of myths. Let’s clear a few up:
“You can dive deeper with nitrox.”
False. Nitrox is not meant for deep dives — in fact, it has stricter depth limits than air because of oxygen toxicity.
“Nitrox means you don’t need to monitor your dive computer.”
Also false. You still need to follow your dive profile carefully. Most dive computers have nitrox modes — make sure yours is properly set to your gas mix.
“It’s only for advanced divers.”
Not at all. The Enriched Air Nitrox course is one of the most accessible specialties and is often taken right after Open Water certification.
Should you dive with nitrox?
If you’re planning to do multiple dives in a day, join a liveaboard trip, or want to reduce post-dive fatigue, nitrox might be an excellent choice. It’s especially popular in warm-water destinations like Fuerteventura, where dive conditions invite long, relaxing explorations of the seabed and caves those at ‘La Cueva secreta’ or La Lagunita.
At Punta Amanay, our SSI Enriched Air Nitrox course takes just a few hours and can be completed alongside your diving activities. You’ll learn to analyze your tank, plan your dive, and understand the theory behind oxygen exposure and MOD limits.
Ask us about the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox certification next time you visit Punta Amanay. And if you are looking a diving computer compatible with Nitrox, you’ll finde everything you need at our shop. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, nitrox diving can enhance your experience. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
