You are about to embark on the fun and exciting adventure that is snorkeling! Snorkeling is the simplest way to immerse yourself in the beautiful wonders of marine life. It truly is an entirely new world as soon as your head goes under the water. If you've never been snorkeling before, you might not know what to expect or what you need to do to prepare.
Before you head out into the water, there are some important things that you need to know that will help make your experience more enjoyable, plus ensure the safety of you and the marine life around you. This beginner's guide to snorkeling will cover everything you need to know to get started.
First, let's start with choosing the proper gear.
How to choose the best snorkel gear
There are three main pieces of gear that you will need to go snorkeling: a mask, fins, and a snorkel.
1. Mask
When choosing a mask, comfort and fit are key. The outside edge of the mask should make even contact with your forehead, cheeks, and the area under your nose.
Your best bet is to start with an anti-fog mask like this one, but if you don't have access to one, then you'll want to get some anti-fog solution as well. You can also choose between a clear skirt or black skirt snorkel mask.
2. Fins
The best fins for snorkeling are the basic model with a medium-length blade and closed heel. With this type of fin, you can put your bare feet directly into it. They come in regular shoe sizes, so make sure that you are getting the right size for your foot and that they are nice and snug. You don't want them to end up falling off in the water.
3. Snorkel
There are three main types of snorkels that you can choose from. The first is super basic, with no valve on the top or bottom and no drain. It is just a tube.
The second option is a snorkel with a drain valve on the bottom. If you get water into your snorkel, you can put your head above the water, and any water trapped inside will naturally drain out the bottom of the snorkel. But ideally, you want a snorkel with a valve on the top, which means that if you go underwater with the snorkel, the valve will shut off and, in theory, not allow any water into the pipe at all; this is called a Dry Snorkel. You can simply resurface and keep going.
Other items you need:
Don't forget a rash guard. If you're going to be snorkeling for a long time, then wearing a rash guard is very important. You need to protect your skin from the sun, and when you're in the cool water, you won't even notice your skin burning. For your neck and legs, use reef-safe sunscreen.
How to prep your snorkel gear
Before getting into the water, you need to prepare your gear and get suited up.
If you don't have an anti-fog mask, you should start by applying your anti-fog solution inside your mask. Put drops into the mask and gently rub it around the lens. After about a minute, you can rinse it out.
Next, you need to attach the snorkel to your mask. You can attach it on whatever side is more comfortable for you, but you should attach it about halfway down the mask strap so that the mouthpiece lands directly at your mouth.
Now you can place the snorkel mask over your head. The back mask strap should sit at the widest point of your head so that it is as tight as possible. Start with the mask resting on the top of your forehead while you get the backstrap into position. Once the strap is in the optimal position, you can lower the mask onto your face.
You want to make sure it has a perfect seal, so make sure there is no hair in the way. Once the seal feels tight, try putting the snorkel into your mouth and blowing in and out of it. Does it feel like a comfortable position? If so, you're good to go!
Essential skills for beginner snorkelers
Even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer, there are some important skills you'll want to learn before heading out snorkeling for your first time. These basic skills will ensure that you're safe in the water and get the most out of your snorkel experience.
1. Clearing your mask
Even if you put on your mask correctly, there is still a risk of leakage while you're in the water. If your mask begins to fill with water, there is an easy trick to get it out. This trick will also work if you don't have an anti-fog mask and you experience some fogging while you're out snorkeling.
To clear your mask of water, simply put your head above the water and push on the top of the mask to reduce the suction on the bottom portion, underneath your nose. Then you can pop that bottom section off your face a bit to let the water fall out. You can also do this same process underwater by blowing air out your nose as soon as the suction comes off your face, which will force the water out of your mask, but it also could cause fogging if you don't have an anti-fog mask.
If your mask fogs up, you can clear the fog by allowing a small bit of water into your mask while your face is underwater and you're looking down. Then simply repeat the steps above. The water will basically rinse the fog out of the mask.
2. Clearing your snorkel
You must know how to clear your snorkel as a beginner snorkeler. You may want to dive down below the water, or you get hit by a wave, then you might get water inside your snorkel. All you need to do is make sure your snorkel is up above the water line and forcibly blow out your mouth. The trapped water should shoot out the end.
3. Taking your mask on and off
There is a chance you may need to remove your mask and put it back on when you're out in the water. So, practice doing this multiple times until you're comfortable with it.
Do's and don't for beginner snorkelers
Once you feel confident with the above skills and your gear is prepped, then you're ready to get into the water. But before you do, here are the do's and don'ts of snorkeling etiquette:
Don't - walk around in your fins as you could injure yourself. If you are snorkeling from a boat, do put on your fins while sitting on the boat's edge, just before entering the water. If you're snorkeling on a beach or in a cenote or cave, do put your fins on in the water and then walk backward until you're deep enough to begin swimming.
Do - look down when you're snorkeling, so the snorkel tube is straight up. You want to look only slightly forward so you can see what's in front of you. Do not look too far forward, or the snorkel will tip back and might end up filling with water.
Do - use your legs! Your legs are more powerful than your arms, plus your fins will act like propellers in the water. Kick with your feet instead of trying to swim with your arms. Put your hands behind your back while you swim, which will make it even easier to propel yourself forward with your legs.
Don't – bring your feet too far out of the water. You will end up wasting a lot of energy, and the splashing will stir up the water around you.
Do – Bring the fins up just enough to exit the water and change position, and then push it back down.
Don't - put your head above water. It will hurt and strain your neck, plus tire you out as you will start having to doggy paddle with your hands to keep yourself up. Only use your hands when you need extra speed, such as to get back to the boat fast or when you're falling behind your group and need to catch up.
Do - Stay calm. Keeping in the proper positioning while you're snorkeling will help you stay calm out in the water, which is one of the most important things when snorkeling.
Safety tips for snorkeling
Always go with at least one other person, or a group so you can look out for each other
If you go out without a boat, always have a dive flag or float so that you're visible to boaters and don't get run over
Don't touch anything! Marine life is extremely fragile. The coral reefs are easily damaged if you touch them. On top of that, you could hurt yourself by touching sharp coral, venomous fish, or sharp urchins
Don't ever harass marine animals. Stay back and observe them in their natural element
Have a whistle on you to signal the boat if you need to
The most important tip for beginner snorkelers is to get out there, have fun and enjoy the wonders that await you below the surface of the water!
