The most ideal way to snorkel is from a boat. Most tropical resort destinations offer some sort of fee based boat snorkeling tours. It seems that whenever there is a snorkeling segment included in television shows, movies or commercials, they always seem to show the actors snorkeling from shore rather than from a boat. Shore snorkeling and snorkeling from a boat both can provide a truly rewarding experience but snorkeling from a boat may have a few more advantages than shore snorkeling.

Boats can transport you to pristine snorkeling sites which, might not be as readlily accessable from shore without involving a long and possibly tiresome surface swim from shore. Questions about the site or any of the marine life can be addressed at the location rather than having to wait till you got back to shore. If there is an emergency, a properly equipped boat will carry an oxygen kit, first aid kit and immediate communication via marine radio regarding weather or medical needs. The Captain and crew will be more familiar with the chosen snorkeling sites and should (not always) include an orientation of the chosen site(s) prior to entering the water.

Most snorkeling tour operators will have larger boats to accomodate more people. This may be a blessing or a curse. The blessing is that you have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. The curse is that some of those people are people that you would have preferred not to meet. Whatever the case may be, there are definite rules when you are snorkeling from a boat that need to be followed.

1.) The first is to realize that though you paid for your spot, everyone else on the boat paid for their spot as well. Be courteous. The Captain and the crew are there to make sure that you have a pleasant experience but they are still in charge. Directions given by them are for a reason. Most of all, the directions that are given, are to insure the safety of everyone on the boat.

2.) Make sure that you have all of your equipment that you are going to be using with you before getting on the boat. Have your gear in a mesh bag, snorkeling equipment bag or dry bag. Make sure that all of your equipment is marked as yours to avoid confusion. (A permanent marker will work.) Stow this equipment where you are directed. Leave all of your valuables in the hotel or room safe. It is even a better idea to not bring any valuable jewelry with you while you are on vacation at all, leave it at home. Since everything has a tendancy to get wet while on the boat, anything that you may wish to keep dry such as towels, t-shirts, in a separate dry bag. Stow your bagged gear as directed by the Captain and or crew members.

3.) Most boats will have a roster with your name on it and when you hear your name being called make sure that you answer that you are present. If you are with other people, please do not answer for them. A lot of sunscreens are not advised to bring on the boat because the ingredients may get on surfaces and make them slippery. The best protection at this point would be a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses. If you have a one piece lycra jumpsuit this is a great way to to be prepared for both sun and water. Warning, lycra skins are not forgiving and they will show every calorie that that you have put into your body. If you are self conscious about your body then it is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and a T-shirt over it until you are about to get ready to get into the water. The snorkeling vest will help hide everything somewhat.

4.) When the Captain or crew members announce that you should get ready, do so in a manner that will not will not remind other people of their teenager's bedroom. If you take something out of your bag make sure that you stow it back in the bag when you are finished. Keep the aisles and walkways clear of your personal effects where someone may trip over it.

If you are prone to seasickness there are some helpful things that you can do to minimize the effects of seasickness. Get to the dock early enough to be one of the first to be able to board. Most boats have gear storage under the seating area. Stow your gear at a location near the centeral area of the boat. This will help claim the area where you plan to sit. Once your gear is stowed get off the boat and remain on the dock until the last possible minute. Try to remain busy while the boat is underway. If that doesn't help then fix your eyes on something that is stationary perhap a light pole on the shoreline. If that is not available then focus your eyes on the horizon. Stand in the central area of the boat rather than near the front or the back. One of the worst places to sit would be near the boat's exhaust fumes. Stay on deck where there is fresh air and avoid going below deck. Seasickness is minimized once you have entered the water so be prepared to be one of the first to get in the water following the briefing. There are many over the counter medications available to those people who are prone to seasickness. Make sure that you read and follow all the warnings on any medications that you are planning to take. If you are currently taking any other medications, then it is best to check with your physician before taking any additional medications. There are also some prescription medications that your physician may be able to prescribe. There are also a few non-medicinal seasickness preventions out there such as wrist bands that act on certain pressure points that have had good reports.

The best cure is prevention but if all preventative measures aren't enough, your body will send definite signals of rebellion. You will naturally try to supress these signals but it is probably best to acknowledge them early enough to take appropriate action. This will avoid the embarrasment of showing the contents of your breakfast to everyone on board by indiscriminate placement on the boat deck or on the person next to you. Appropriate actions include but are not limited to surrendering the contents of your stomach over the side of the boat preferably into the the water. Be prepared for company as this type of public purging tends to start a chain reaction. If time allows, head for the leeward (less windy) side of the boat.

Once the boat has reached it's destination a member of the crew should give you a briefing which will include points of interest any interesting characteristics or marine life you might see. The briefing should also include your entry options available and how, when and where you will exit the water. Proper boat ettiquette dictates that you listen to the briefing regardless of your familiarity with the site being snorkeled or the number of times you have been on the same boat. This is out of courtesy to any new passengers of the boat. Try to save any questions you may have till the end of the briefing so the person giving the briefing is not distracted away from important safety information.

After the briefing the crew will give you direction on where to enter.