Snorkeling Buying Guide - Get Started with Top Gear Picks

Snorkeler Guide

Snorkeling is an interactive vacation activity that can be enjoyed by all, especially in the warmer months. If you’re thinking of taking up snorkeling this spring, we have you covered. From wetsuits and masks to tips on keeping safe in the water, we have everything you need to consider before jumping in the water.

Snorkeling Suits

The first piece of gear you need is a snorkeling suit. Depending on the water temperature and conditions where you’ll be snorkeling, you can choose from different options of snorkeling suit. If you are snorkeling in warm waters and on a sunny day, you may only need a rash guard or skin with UPF protection.

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Snorkel Sets & Packages

Snorkeling Combos

A snorkeling combo delivers your mask, snorkel, and fins, all together and in the same matching color and style!

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Kids Snorkel Gear

If you’d like to take your kids snorkeling this summer, here are a few things to keep in mind to give them the best experience possible:

-Keep them warm: Children get cold quickly and often without realizing it. If you see your child start to shiver, encourage them to take a break and warm up before reentering the water. Cover them in a blanket and give them a warm drink.

-Choose the right wetsuit: This is about keeping them warm, too. A properly fitted wetsuit will keep them warmer for longer and be more comfortable. If they will be snorkeling in waters that are prone to jellyfish, a skin suit or a long wetsuit is better.

-Sunscreen: Let’s keep that skin safe, and always put sunscreen on children before they enter the water. A reef-safe sunscreen is advised to help maintain healthy and colorful corals.

-Supervision is important: Even if your child is a strong swimmer, it’s important to keep an eye on them in the water and not allow them to snorkel alone. It’s easy for them to get lost or caught up in a current while they’re out at sea.

-Invest in a gear combo: Invest in one of our colorful kids’ snorkel sets, which feature fins, a mask, snorkel, and a ready-to-transport bag.

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Snorkel Masks

Snorkel Masks

Finding the right mask can be tricky. It’s best to try a few on and see which fits your face best. It’s important that the mask has a good seal around your face so that water will not leak in while you’re snorkeling. Masks come in various colors and styles.

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Snorkeling Fins

Snorkeling Fins

Fins are very helpful while snorkeling. They help you to move quicker through the water and save your energy. There are many different fins to choose from of various lengths. Short, plastic fins are fine for snorkeling and are easy to pack when you travel. Some fins slide on without the need for boots. These are great for when you’re jumping straight in the water from a boat. Some fins clip around your heels and require boots to be worn. These are for if you must walk over rocks to get to the snorkeling site.

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Snorkels

You will, of course, also need a snorkel to go snorkeling. There are different types of snorkels to choose from, depending on your confidence level and the conditions of the water. Here are the main five types of snorkels:

-Classic snorkel: A J-style snorkel which includes a simple plastic tube with a mouthpiece attached. This is suitable for calmer waters.

-Flexible snorkel: Features a flexible tube with a purge valve. Purge valves are useful when diving in choppy waters.

-Semi-dry snorkel: Includes a splash guard at the top. Also suitable for snorkeling in waves.

-Dry snorkel: Features a valve at the top to completely stop water from entering. Suitable for nervous snorkelers who worry about water entering their mouth.

-Full-face snorkel: Combines a full-face mask with a dry snorkel. Also ideal for those new to snorkeling, children, and those uncomfortable with their nose being covered by a mask.

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