What Are the Tips for Snorkeling?

Expert tip: Get your snorkelling equipment in advance to make sure you find the right one!

Being mentally prepared and making sure you have all the necessary equipment are the first two steps to an amazing snorkelling experience. Personal items can enrich the experience, but they can also let you down. Remember to pack only the essentials for your trip, as valuables can be lost or stolen. The following is a list of equipment and terminology that you will need to familiarise yourself with prior to departure.

• Wetsuits/dive skin - ideal for warmth or protection, especially in colder waters. They come in various sizes (short or full length).

• Snorkel - A shaped snorkel that ensures you can stay underwater long enough to see the sights!

• Diving mask/goggles - these are essential and will take some time to get used to. A snorkelling/diving mask will keep water out of your eyes and ensure you can see the wonderful wildlife beneath the waves.

• Swim Fins – Fins are useful as they help you conserve energy and swim fast. Fins will also come in handy if you find yourself swimming against a current. For these reasons, they’re worth investing in or renting out.

  
  

  
  

Swim Fins

• Swimming flippers - Flippers are useful as they help you conserve energy and swim quickly. They can also come in handy if you find yourself swimming against the current. For these reasons they are worth investing in or hiring out.

• Booties- These are perfect for protecting your feet during underwater adventures such as scuba diving and snorkelling.

• Flotation device – A flotation device like an inflatable snorkelling vest is recommended for added safety. Ensure you have one that inflates or deflates easily.

• Snorkel Keeper - A ventilator keeper secures the diving mask to the ventilator and keeps the two securely connected.

• Dry Snorkel - A special breathing tube that prevents water from entering. The sole purpose of the dry snorkel is to prevent water from entering the snorkel itself. It is not intended to allow you to breathe underwater like a scuba tank.

• Purge valve – The purge valve contained within a snorkel makes it easier for water that enters the snorkel to drain back out.

 Custom Wetsuit

Snorkelling tips to remember for your next underwater adventure

We've put together the most useful snorkelling tips for your next underwater adventure.

1. Make sure you're warm enough

Know how cold the water is before you go in. You may need to put on a wetsuit to keep warm.

If you find yourself a little chilly underwater, stick your arms into your chest. Your body heat should keep your arms and hands warm.

2. Learn how to defog your mask

If your mask fogs up, you will have a hard time seeing the marine life below you, which defeats the purpose.

You can purchase a defogging gel designed for breathing tubes. If you can't find this gel or want to save money, baby shampoo will also work. 

3. Learn how to remove moisture from your mask

If you are the right size, your mask should not be filled with water. However, if this does happen, lift your head out of the water and lift the bottom of the mask to drain the water.

You can also remove water from the mask while you are still underwater. Lift the bottom of the mask away from your face and blow your nose from there. Then quickly adjust your mask to bring it back into the correct position. 

4. Allow yourself to relax

Snorkelling should be a relaxing experience! Breathing through a snorkel while your face is underwater may take a little getting used to, but allow yourself to relax.

If you find yourself starting to feel stressed or anxious, focus on taking slow, deep breaths. You can also lift your head out of the water and float on your back for a few minutes.

If you're not having fun, it's not worth trying to stay in the water. If needed, swim back to shore and take a break.

5. Choose a good position

Choosing a good spot is especially important for first-time snorkelers. Choose a spot where there are no strong currents or big waves. You also need to make sure that the water is clear enough to see through.

It is best to start snorkelling from the beach rather than taking the boat out. There are beaches nearby so you don't have to go out too deep right away or swim back to dry land if you need to.

Have a great time with these snorkelling tips

Whether you're preparing for your first snorkelling adventure or your tenth, these snorkelling tips will make your time underwater easier, safer and more exciting. For more information about snorkelling equipments visit this link.