What do I need to go snorkeling?
To be able to snorkel, you need a minimum of 4 things:
- Mask. The mask allows you to see clearly under the water and it prevents the (salty) water from stinging your eyes
- Breathing tube (snorkel). The snorkel allows you to breathe while you have your face in the water. This way, you can keep your face down while you swim along the reef or coral gardens
- Being able to swim. No matter how shallow the water is, you need to be able to swim before entering the water.
- Reef-safe sunscreen or rashguard. What many people forget, is that when you go snorkeling, the sun is burning your skin. You will not notice it because the water is cooling your skin. This is very dangerous. Therefore it is very important to apply reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water. Another option is to wear a rashguard. This is a t-shirt designed to wear in the water. It will protect you from the UV-sunrays and prevents you from burning while being in the water.
To make it more easy and fun for yourself, you can add a few more things:
- Fins. Using fins in the water, makes it easier for you to swim along the surface. You will be able to cover a bigger area and you will feel less exausted then when you would swim the same distance without fins.
- Under water camera. Ofcourse you wish to show your friends and family at home the amazing things you saw on your snorkeling trip. Nowadays they have waterproof covers in which you can put your phone. You can take it with you while you snorkel and capture all the wonderful things you saw.
- Wetsuit. In case you get cold quick, you can wear a wetsuit. The wetsuit is especially designed to keep you warm in the water. Another good thing, is that is makes you float real easy and makes snorkeling even more fun and easy.
As you can see, you don’t need alot to go snorkeling. And the most fun thing is: anyone that can swim, can join in! Young and old, big and small: everyone is welcome.