Snorkeling Guides - OpenWaterHQ

Which Side of the Head Do Snorkels Go On?

You might not think which side of the head you wear the snorkel on makes a difference, but this can ...

Are Barracudas a Danger to Snorkelers?

When people think of dangerous marine life they might encounter while snorkeling, they often think of sharks. However, what they ...

Can You Get the Bends From Snorkeling?

Even if you haven’t gone scuba diving before, you likely have heard about the dangers of “the bends”, or decompression ...

Is it Better to Wear Split Fins for Snorkeling?

Compared to the tried-and-true paddle fins which have been around for over a century, split fins are a relatively new ...

What to Do if You Encounter Sharks While Snorkeling

Sharks are everybody’s quintessential apex predator of the ocean (that title actually belongs to the killer whale who prey on ...

Why Are Snorkels So Short? Can I Use an Extra Long One?

Have you ever seen a snorkeler (or went snorkeling yourself) with a little snorkel and thought to yourself, “What if ...

Is Snorkeling Safe for Non-Swimmers?

If you’re thinking about snorkeling for the first time, you might have some questions, concerns, or even fears. You might ...

Best Time to Snorkel – Morning or Afternoon?

When is the best time to snorkel? Is it in the morning, afternoon, or perhaps at night? Since the vast ...

Best Tide to Snorkel – High Tide or Low Tide?

High tide or low tide? If you’re just starting out with snorkeling, this may not even be something that you ...

Why You Shouldn’t Give Fish Food while Snorkeling

One of the main reasons people snorkel is so that they can get a good look at the fishes. If ...

Snorkeling is a great way for curious adventurers to get a glimpse into what the underwater creatures and ecosystem is like. It requires minimal training and gear, unlike scuba diving. Furthermore, in tropical climates, snorkeling is a very popular activity. Selecting snorkeling gear is easy, and people who rarely snorkel can simply rent equipment at hotels or local scuba stores.

The basic gear you need to snorkel are the mask, snorkel, and fins. Depending on how cold the water and wind is, you may also want to wear a wetsuit to keep warm. The most important piece is a properly-fitting mask. Without it, water will keep rush in and obscure your vision. Next, the snorkel allows you to breath while looking down towards the water.

Lastly, the fins should be flexible and lightweight. They protect the feet from sea animals and sharp coral, and can help you swim better. Even though snorkeling is relatively safe, it is recommended you snorkel with at least one other person just in case.