Snorkeling Guides

Knowing your limits and not exceeding those limits is excellent advice for 99.9% of activities in which a person participates. Snorkeling is not an exception.

Going beyond your physical limits in snorkeling can turn an otherwise enjoyable adventure into an uncomfortable and potentialially hazardous situation. The following are some guidelines and safety precautions that snorkelers should follow when engaging in any snorkeling activities.

1. Don’t snorkel if you are tired or following any strenuous activities. Snorkeling does require energy and stamina and could actually be considered a form of excersise in and of itself.

2. Proper snorkeling gear at minimum includes a snorkeling mask, fins, snorkel and snorkeling vest. The snorkeling mask should fit comfortably and enclose the nose. The fins should have some flexibility to the blade portion. Follow manufacturer recommendations whether additional foot gear such as to whether or not additional footwear is needed when using them. Snorkels should have the appropriate bore size for the person using them. Snorkeling vests should be worn by adults and children alike and should be used inaccordance to size and weight limitations as is usually printed on the vest itself. Click here to read more about the proper fit of Snorkeling Gear.

3. Don’t use any equipment that is damaged. Mask & fin straps, snorkel keepers, buckles etc. should be inspected for any wear and tear prior to use and replaced if needed. A spare parts kit with appropriate replacement parts is always good to have on hand. Inflate and test that the snorkeling vest inflates and holds air.

4. It is not advisable to snorkel alone. Snorkeling is much more enjoyable with a snorkeling buddy.

5. Children using snorkeling gear should be supervised by adults at all times and their snorkeling vests should be left partially inflated depending on age and or comfort.

6. Check the weather forecast for the area where you plan to snorkel.

7. Know where you are going. If you are at a resort, check with the front desk or consierge on where to obtain information on local snorkeling sites. Many resorts have onsite water activity coordinators or are associated with facilities which offer fee based snorkeling tours. These, as well as local area dive stores, are your best resources for finding areas that offer good snorkeling opportunities. Formal orientations should include information such as local marine life, special information regarding safety and even interesting history about the snorkeling sites themselves.

8. If your snorkeling adventure is shore based make sure that you take into account the water conditions including current, surf, wave action and tide. Read the article Snorkeling from Shore for more information.

9. If your snorkeling is from a boat listen to, respect and follow all instructions from the captain and crew. For specifics on snorkeling from a boat read the article Snorkeling From a Boat.

10. Exposure protection is always advisable both in and out of the water. T-shirts, sunglasses with polarized lenses and a hats are good for out of the water. In water exposure protection is also advised. Heat loss in water is more rapid than on land so choosing exposure protection which offers some thermal insulation such as a neoprene shorty or jumpsuit is also a good idea. These suits will not only slow down the heat loss but will also add a measure of protection against sunburn and accidental contact with marine life such as corals and jellyfish. To learn the differences of exposure protection, click here.

11. If you are incorporating hunting, harvesting or collecting into your snorkeling, please obtain any necessary permits and be mindful of the laws and seasons for such activity.

12. Assuming marine life such as dolphins will act as they do in the movies is a big mistake. There is a big difference between trained animals and wild animals. Avoid wearing reflective jewelry such as rings and dangling pendants as they are better used as fishing lures.