Be Safe When Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a fun and healthy way to spend a vacation or holiday. You don’t need a lot of money or a lot of specialized gear to enjoy the undersea world that most people never get a chance to see. All you really need is a mask and snorkel. However, flippers can make it easier to maneuver underwater and you will be able to swim farther distances with flippers.

Remember so safety tips about snorkeling and you will have a much more enjoyable time.

1. Always tell someone where you are planning on going! If you are at a resort by yourself, let the front desk know and have them check to make sure you check-in with them again.
2. Know your limitations. Don’t swim in deeper water or stronger currents than you can handle.
3. Check the weather. In the ocean, storms can approach very quickly and a calm and sunny day can turn into a tempest in a matter of minutes.
4. Have proper safety gear. This may include a diving knife and a wetsuit to prevent scrapes from coral.

That being said, snorkeling can be enjoyed from almost any beach where there is a coral reef and swimming is safe. Try to find an area with snorkeling within about 150 feet from shore. If the best places to see fish and aquatic life are much farther out than that, it may be too safe to swim that distance. In that case, use a boat to get to the destination. There are boat trips available where you can visit many of the coral reefs and popular spots for diving. You will find different charters available that will take you out on 1/2 day or full day excursion to a few unique snorkeling areas. In some cases, all of your gear is included in the price of the charter. This allows beginners with no equipment or gear to try their hand at diving.

Snorkeling can be a great alternative to scuba diving. Sometimes you don't yet have the training or equipment to scuba dive. It can be a fun adventure for adults and children. Anyone that is comfortable swimming can master snorkeling in the ocean, this includes children.