How to Snorkel

Discover the underwater world with our comprehensive snorkeling guide. Learn the basics and dive into your next aquatic adventure.

Preparation

Knowing what to expect before you go snorkeling will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Check Conditions

Research weather, water temperature, visibility, and current conditions. Avoid snorkeling in rough seas or poor visibility.

Know the Location

Familiarize yourself with the snorkeling site, entry and exit points, depth, and any potential hazards or marine life.

Plan Your Time

Consider tide times, sun exposure, and your energy levels. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase duration.

Inform Others

Tell someone your snorkeling plans, including location and expected return time. Never snorkel alone.

1

Choose Your Gear

Select a properly fitting mask, snorkel, and fins. The mask should create a seal around your face without being too tight.

2

Practice Breathing

Practice breathing through the snorkel in shallow water. Keep your breathing slow and steady.

3

Enter the Water

Wade into the water slowly and put on your fins. Start in shallow, calm water to get comfortable with your equipment.

4

Float and Explore

Float face down and breathe naturally through your snorkel. Move slowly and enjoy the underwater scenery.

Essential Safety Tips

Always snorkel with a buddy and stay within your comfort zone. Never snorkel alone. Be careful when snorkeling with small children.

Check weather and water conditions before entering. Avoid rough seas and strong currents. Don't snorkel when there is high surf or dangerous conditions.

Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash guard to protect your skin from sun exposure.

Respect marine life and coral reefs. Look but don't touch, and maintain a safe distance.

Make sure you're hydrated!

It is very important to hydrate. Even though you are surrounded by water, the combination of the hot sun and the extra effort that your body is not familiar with can easily dehydrate you.

Snorkeling can be so mesmerizing that you forget about some of the basics like drinking water. Don't drink water from the ocean though!

Match your buddy's pace

Whether you are with a friend or your children, it is always good practice to go at the slower pace of the persons involved. Struggling to keep up can cause cramping and exhaustion.

If you are with kids who tend to have more energy than adults, two or more adults should take turns to avoid feeling weak or tired.

Know the conditions

To be best prepared, check not only the weather conditions, but also the tidal schedule in your location ahead of time.

You should always stretch before and after due to the addition extertion that comes from kicking with your fins. Otherwise, it may cause cramping. You can never be too prepared.

Frequently asked questions
Is snorkeling allowed at the location?

Depending on the location, there might be restrictions. It is always a good idea to check for posted signs first or check with the correct authorities for that location in case permission is needed.
Is snorkeling safe for kids?

Before allowing your children into the ocean to snorkel, it is recommended that you try it to verify they can handle the current conditions.

Many unexpected things can happen, so you want to be well prepared. Holding their hands while entering and snorkeling is a good idea.

If they are not strong swimmers or just learning to snorkel, you can have them use a snorkeling float for extra support while you hold their hand or onto the float.
How to deal with leg cramping?

Leg cramps put a damper on your experience, so it is important to know how to deal with them.

The most important thing is to make sure you are hydrated. If you feel a cramp, it's most likely on the back of your leg (your hamstring).

To deal with the cramp, remain calm, grab a hold of the tip of your fin, and pull it towards you while keeping a straight leg. If this doesn't do the trick, safely reach the shore and try it again from a better sitting position.
What's the best practices for wearing fins?

It may be easier to put your fins on while still on the beach, but be close to the shore to avoid having to walk too far of a distance with them on. While wearing the fins, you should slowly walk sideways or backwards so that the fin tips won't get caught in the sand and cause you to stumble.
What other precautions should I know about?
  • Be in good physical shape.
  • Be careful when snorkeling with small children.
  • Don't consume alcohol while snorkeling and don't snorkel if you have a hangover.
  • If you are a beginner swimmer, consider using a life jacket while snorkeling.
  • Don't snorkel in prohibited areas.
  • Don't snorkel alone, always snorkel with a buddy
  • Be careful near aquatic life, coral, and seaweed.
  • Don't snorkel when there is high surf or dangerous conditions.
  • Don't snorkel while taking cold medicine. Please consult your doctor for further advice.