Snorkeling is a sport best enjoyed in warm, clear waters, when there are interesting corals and fishes to see. Most snorkelers stay in ten to fifteen feet of water. Snorkeling is a favorite activity in the waters around Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean Islands. The waters around Cozumel, Mexico beckon thousands of snorkelers every year.
The right equipment for snorkeling is essential for your pleasure, comfort, and safety. Your mask should fit snugly to your face with sufficient peripheral vision. Some face masks are limiting. The snorkel itself should be flexible and easy to hold in your mouth. Some are fitted with a splash guard. Experts recommend purchasing a second strap. Fins need to fit correctly or they will rub blisters quickly. Some snorkelers wear neoprene booties so their feet are comfortable. If booties are used, you will need to purchase larger sized fins. The surface area of the fins is important. If fins are too big, you will become exhausted quickly. Smaller fins are recommended and are easier to walk in.
To prevent your mask from fogging up, spit in the mask, smear the spittle around, and rinse it out in ocean water. You will need to learn to clear the snorkel tube when you surface if you do not have a sump valve. Snorkeling can be fun, but you must be cautious. Wearing sunscreen on your back will prevent sunburn. Wearing a wet suit or sun tan lotion will help protect you from jellyfish stings. When snorkeling from a boat, the diver flag should be hoisted. You do not want to tangle with any watercraft. Coral is sharp and can cut you. Similarly, fins can damage fragile coral. You should be aware of moray eels, sting rays and sharks. Snorkeling in sheltered bays and calm waters is more pleasurable.
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