Believe it or not there is more to snorkeling than just grabbing a mask, fins and snorkel and hopping into the nearest body of water. Snorkeling Online, a division of Visibility Unlimited, has written a series of articles covering a broad range of snorkeling topics. The series is sort of an "Everything you ever wanted to know about snorkeling but felt like a dork asking". The articles include pictures and there are even videos to help you along. If there are any topics that you have questions about something that we may not have addressed, please feel free to send us an e-mail and we will try out best to answer your questions. This article "Before You Snorkel" is meant to introduce you to introduce you to the wonderful world of snorkeling and is a table of contents to the rest of the articles included on this website.

Water is a part of our lives and we come into contact with it on a daily basis. Our very existence is dependant on it's presence in our world. Over 78% of our earth if covered in water and beneath it's surface lies a world that has been barely explored. We humans know more about outer space than we do about the beauty and majesty of the underwater world.

There are several options available to you to be able to explore the underwater world. Scuba Diving is probably the best for up close and personal exploration. Scuba is to the water world what an Astronaut is to Outer Space. Not everyone can be an astronaut and not everyone can be a Scuba Diver. But you don't have to be an astronaut to explore outer space. Likewise you do not have to be a Scuba Diver to explore the underwater world. Astronomers have been exploring the stars from the earth's surface for thousands of years. Snorkeling is the exploration of inner space done from the surface of the water.

Like astronomers, snorkelers need to have the proper equipment in order to pursue this exploration of inner space. The word proper does not mean a mask, a snorkel and some fins. Proper means a mask that fits you, fins that fit you and are suitable for the snorkeling environment chosen and a snorkel with the proper bore size. Learn more about the correct selection of the various pieces of snorkeling equipment articles under Snorkeling Gear and the short video clips under the Snorkeling Videos section. These were created to help you make an informed decision about your personal snorkeling equipment.

Snorkeling not only allows you to explore the underwater world, it is also an excellent from of exercise. The greatest exercise is that doesn't seem like it's exercise. But because it is, you should consult with your physician if you have any restrictions. Most physicians encourage water based exercise because it is low impact and is great for the cardio vascular system. Any medical concerns or questions should be referred to your personal physician.

Snorkeling can be done in fresh as well as salt water environments and no matter how many times you snorkel a particular area the scenery is always changing. Check out some of the hot spots to snorkel in our Snorkeling Vacations & Destinations articles. You are sure to find an intriguing destination suited for your next snorkeling adventure. We also have a handy Snorkelers Packing List for you to print out as a helpful reminder of what to bring on your next snorkeling adventure.

The great thing about snorkeling is that it is truly a sport that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. It is a great family sport that even has quality equipment for children, which brings us to, Snorkeling, the Ultimate Family Sport. Our article, Familiarize The Kids To Snorkeling, may have tips and ideas on getting the young ones interested in snorkeling.

Our article on the Snorkeling Marine Environment will give you a glimpse of some of the fascinating marine life that you might spot and our ever changing and ever growing Snorkelpedia will help to humanize some of the terms that you a unfamiliar with in regards to snorkeling.

We hope that you will come to know Snorkeling Online as your favorite snorkeling website for both products and information. Your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated.