Snorkeling is a fun water beach activity. Basic equipment for snorkeling usually consists of a mask, a snorkel, maybe some fins, some water, and you.

Many areas also require dive flags to provide more visibility to boaters and others who need to be aware of your presence. You definitely do not want a boat to run over you or one of your snorkeling partners.

With your mask, it is important to have good fit so that the water is kept out of the eyes and nose area as well as comfort. New styles and colors are always appearing. Defogging solution or the occasional rinsing of the inner lens with the water around you can help provide clear visibility.

Fins help propel you through the water so that your hands and arms can either relax or be more available for handling and exploring what you find underwater. They also help you cover greater distances deeper and farther, especially if your leg muscles are in shape. Be aware of underwater coral and other organisms and things which can be hurt by your fins even if your feet don't feel them through the fins. Sizes and color vary. Make sure that the straps on the fins are comfortable; otherwise, you may get some very uncomfortable blisters. Many snorkelers wear booties so that they can easily walk up to the beach and into the water, as well as providing padding between the feet and the fins.

Snorkels usually clip to the side of the mask. The mouthpiece should be flexible so that it is comfortable in the mouth.

With snorkeling you can usually walk out from the beach or even your small boat. And when one of your group becomes tired or wants to do something else, it is easier for the group to split up as necessary as opposed to scuba where there may be decompression times, longer distances from a shore, etc.

Be aware of the local surf conditions, especially during approaching storms and in areas where there are submerged coral and other things.

Please be sure to check out all regulations in the area you will be visiting.

Sea urchins, moray eels, sharks, sting rays, as well as coral which is stationary and not moving, can provide hazards to your snorkeling. Check with the locals as to what hazards you may expect to find when you enter the water.

Just as you look down in the water to see where you are going and to see what may already be there, also look up as you ascend so that you won't be surprised to find yourself hitting the bottom of a boat or another structure.

If you are interested in snorkeling for your next beach vacation, check to see if snorkeling is said to be good at the locality. There may be more adventure waiting for you below the water than you really expect!

To great snorkeling!

Snorkeling