How Hard Can Snorkeling Be?

Snorkeling appears to be relatively simple on the surface. You’re basically swimming with a snorkel mask on and breathing via a snorkeling tube. How tough could it possibly be? 

Snorkeling for the first time might be intimidating for many people. They may find it difficult to breathe through the snorkel without letting the water in. Perhaps swimming with fins is tough for them. Water may get into the mask, which is irritating.

However, these obstacles can be addressed quickly with a bit of effort, and you’ll soon be exploring all of the intriguing life under the ocean. Keeping your calm helps a great deal, as does wearing correctly fitting gear and being generally good at swimming. 

So, snorkeling isn’t difficult at all if you’re cautious and don’t put yourself in situations that are too difficult for you. 

We’ve included 12 pro tips to help you get started with snorkeling.

Does Snorkeling Require Expert Training?

Certainly not. If you’re not generally a fond swimmer, you might consider taking some lessons to get started with. In terms of snorkeling, a snorkel teacher or guide can guide you with the basics in a matter of minutes. If you remember my Maldives story from the intro, I only took two weeks to polish my swimming skills and prepare for my snorkeling adventures.

You may practice in a swimming pool. You won’t get to see any sea life, but even scuba divers will regularly test out their equipment in a pool. Unlike scuba diving, however, you’ll be able to pick up snorkeling in a relatively short manner. And You don’t need any scuba diving equipment. 

Your guide will most likely teach you some basics, such as the methods to drain water from your mask, clean the snorkel, and save energy when snorkeling.  

Many of these guidelines may seem self-evident, but they are easily forgotten in the thick of a snorkeling session, mainly when it is your first time. 

A guide may also warn you about any potential dangers in the area and touristic attractions and marine life to view underwater. You don’t necessarily require instruction to enjoy snorkeling, but rather some valuable tips.

Is Fresh Water Snorkeling Easier Than Salt Water?

Most people would prefer snorkeling in salt water because the water is heavier and keeps you floating without a lot of effort.  

But, salt tends to stick to your mask and snorkel, and if you accidentally swallow the water, it might irritate your eyes and throat.

This is one of the reasons why having a well-fitted, leak-proof mask is so important.

In saltwater, you must have a top-grade snorkel that is less likely to take in water to avoid this unpleasant experience.  

Look for one with a valve to prevent water from penetrating via the open end.

But keep in mind that water will always slip in at some time, even if it’s just a tiny bit, so be prepared. 

However, keep in mind that water will always slip in, even if it’s just a tiny bit, so familiarity with the procedures for cleaning snorkel masks and your snorkel is still necessary.

Is it Necessary for Me to Be Physically Fit to Snorkel?

Snorkeling requires perfect physical health and well-being, and if you’re on a professionally organized tour, you may be requested to fill out a medical certificate. 

Not as thorough as the medical examination standards for scuba diving, snorkeling can pose some hazards so that you may be questioned about primary health concerns like heart issues. 

Snorkeling may be physically demanding, so if this is a concern, stay to calmer regions where there are low tides or no current or waves to cope with. There are several phone apps to keep you on top of ocean conditions and help you ensure you have a wonderful snorkeling experience. If you are older, or are less fit than you’d like to be, it is even more important to take basic safety precautions such as using a flotation device or testing out your skills in a swimming pool.

Is Snorkeling for Everyone?

Snorkeling doesn’t have an age restriction for certification and has no higher age limit. Let’s put it another way; you must consider if your children are old enough to swim and whether or how good your swimming abilities are for this adventure.  

When children are snorkeling, they must be supervised at all times. They should always wear flotations. We’ll go with the minimum water sports age limit of 8 years old for snorkeling.  

That stated age is less of a factor than swimming skill. If your children are born swimmers, they may be able to begin at a younger age. 

Adults are in the same boat. There’s no reason why elderly people can’t snorkel, provided they can swim and are careful. Both young and old(er) will enjoy exploring the underwater world.

The Top 12 Snorkeling Tips

Just a few basic techniques, and you’ll be snorkeling like a pro!

1. Test Your Swimming Skills

Because you’ll be swimming most of the time during snorkeling, it’s a good idea to assess your swimming skills right now, which doesn’t rule out the possibility of snorkeling even if you can’t swim very well. However, recognizing your capabilities will help you determine how to get started.

Can you swim in the water for hours without fear of drowning? If that’s the case, well done! Snorkeling is a relatively simple activity to learn. 

If you aren’t the finest swimmer, snorkeling wearing a life jacket can assist right away.  

With a life jacket, you can float without having to worry about continually keeping your head above water. And, if something goes wrong (like your mask being wet), it’s simple to sit up and solve the situation above the water. As a beginner, it helps a lot by providing comfort and security. 

2. Get Your Snorkeling Equipment

It’s important to note that the snorkeling equipment for beginners will be different from those available for experts; choose your snorkeling gear wisely and test them before you get to the waters. Renting equipment is possible, but it is better to have your own equipment for hygienic, convenience, and familiarity reasons.  

Mask and Snorkel Set

Finding a mask with a perfect fit is significant to your whole experience, so try it on first. Place the mask on your face and breathe in with your nose for an instant test. If the mask latches smoothly and remains in place without your assistance, your mask is the perfect fit.  

Take the time to understand how you can defog your mask because nothing is more annoying than a mask that constantly fogs up. 

Fins

Including fins in your snorkeling gear may be really beneficial for a newbie. Learning to steer on land might be a little complicated, but they’re pretty helpful once you’re in the water. You can travel farther and quicker, allowing you to cover more space and increase your confidence in your ability to swim. 

Rash Guards

If you plan on snorkeling for the entire day, don a t-shirt or rash guard to prevent sunburn. Apply SPF, but be careful not to use sunscreen that could harm the reef-biodegradable sunscreen is ideal!

3. Check Your Equipment (Snorkel Tube, Mask, Fins)

Nothing is more annoying than equipment that doesn’t even fit. If bubbles and water leak into your mask or snorkel tube, this can trigger hysteria and terror. While borrowing equipment, it’s essential to try it out before heading out to sea. 

If you know you’ll be going for many snorkeling sessions, I advise you to acquire your own kit so you can keep track of its condition.  

However, all snorkeling newbies would love to have an underwater camera to capture their memorable experiences and the aquatic world surrounding them! 

4. When Necessary, Remove Extra Water From Your Mask

How to remove water from your mask is among the most crucial things to understand about snorkeling. It is preferable to understand this before entering the water. There are several methods for keeping your snorkeling mask from filling up with water.  

Don’t be alarmed when your mask starts filling up with water. You can always come to a surface to drain the water.

If you’ve seen anything incredible and don’t want to miss the sight, it’s better to master how to clean your mask in the water immediately. 

5. Use Full-Foot Fins to Save Energy

Fins unquestionably increase underwater movement, making the experience quite exciting. Beginner snorkelers will have to pick between full-foot or movable fins.  

For amateurs, full-foot fins are generally advised; make sure you get the correct fit. Avoid fins that are either excessively snug, floppy, or uncomfortable.

When your fins are firmly fastened, it’s advisable to have a practice run before going underwater. 

6. Stay Calm by Breathing in and Out

Do a test run of your snorkeling gear once you’ve double-checked everything works and fits. Make yourself comfortable breathing via a snorkel. If required, swimming around a pool can help. First, get acclimated to the sensation. If you’re on the beach, begin by snorkeling in the shallows before diving into the deeper ocean. 

By practice, you will become accustomed to the experience of swimming and breathing via the snorkel. Keep the snorkel’s top floating at all times. If water gets inside, you may simply blow it out.

7. Float Instead of Flailing Around

It may surprise you, but snorkeling is more like floating and not swimming on the whole. The primary principle is to avoid using your hands. You can keep yourself warm by folding them over your chest. Use your fins to float, move, and steer yourself. Swim at a regular breathing rate. Snorkeling is meant to be a peaceful experience. 

Remember, if you’re gasping for air and flopping around like a whale, you’re probably doing anything wrong. You can always put on your life jacket if you’re not comfortable on your own. Any type of flotation device helps you concentrate on your breathing so that you can relax.  

8. Always Go Snorkeling With a Friend

In most cases, particularly as a starter, you should not snorkel solo. 

Snorkeling with a friend ensures that someone will be there to look out for you as you would for them if you want assistance.  

It’s also typically more enjoyable and convenient since you can exchange the fascinating stuff you see and support each other in getting things done, like putting on fins and whatever else you require. 

9. Select an Appropriate Location

If you’re a new snorkeler, avoid snorkeling in a rough sea or rising currents. Instead, go somewhere with calm waters. When snorkeling, waves aren’t ideal- mainly if it’s your first experience. It doubles the amount of work required to go from one location to another.  

Instead of diving off a boat, we recommend coming to the beach, where you may progressively paddle to an appropriate depth.  

Pick a good location that you know has various exciting things to explore. If you travel out to a desolate coral, you’ll wonder why people even bother to snorkel. Find a fascinating location and be mesmerized by it. 

10. Pay Attention to the Guide’s Instructions

If you’re on a guided tour, make sure you listen to the pre-snorkeling briefing. 

They’ll go through crucial details about the surroundings, what you’ll experience, how to communicate, and how to be safe. 

As a learner, you’ll achieve maximum enjoyment and safety during your trip by implementing the advice of the specialists who are there to assist you. 

11. Keep an Eye on What’s Happening Around You

In addition to appreciating what’s happening underwater, you’re paying attention to what’s going on around you. 

If you’re not paying attention, it’s simple to lose sight of your friend or stray very far out from your departure point. 

Circumstances can shift, and if you’re not paying attention, waves or surf might drive you onto a reef or rocks. 

When snorkeling, understand the environment and avoid contact with anything since coral and other aquatic creatures are easily damaged.

Give it time to keep track of how far you’ve come, check in on your companion, and glance around to notice any changes.

12. Relax and Take in the View

To rookie snorkelers, the most crucial recommendation I can give is to Unwind. If you start to panic, simply raise your face, lie on your back, and start floating. The undersea environment is incredible, and when snorkeling, you’ll come across some wonderful and unforgettable experiences. 

The possibilities are unlimited; you can discover what seventy percent of the world is made up of.  

Snorkeling Do’s and Don’ts

DON’T Snorkel by Yourself

If you’re new at this, team up with someone who has more practice. Although snorkeling is not as thrilling and unsafe as scuba diving, you are out in the ocean, exposed to current flow, jagged reefs, and sea creatures. 

DON’T Touch Anything Underwater

Do not touch the wildlife, even if it appears to be the most innocuous. The same may be said for charming bouncy corals and sea urchins. Some aquatic life may see your hands and fingers as a threat, particularly if you approach them too closely. Keep your hands close to yourself and avoid picking up and touching anything.

DON’T Freak Out

If you’re scared, please do not grab the next person next to you. Instead, start floating on your back, take a deep breath, and signal for help (You’ll be taught some hand gestures for communication when underwater). If you’re not quite ready, get yourself a floating vest for a more enjoyable experience.  

DO Familiarize Yourself With Your Surroundings Before You Begin the Adventure

Check to see whether anyone else is snorkeling or swimming. Inquire with locals about riptides and strong currents. Are there any spiky rocks or denser corals nearby that you may end up on? Spend the moment to become acquainted with the place.