If you’d like to take a closer look at what the world under the waves looks like, then you don’t have to invest in complex diving equipment. A small tube can connect your airway to the world overhead, allowing you to look directly downward without having to hold your breath.
Snorkelling tips for beginners
To get the best from your snorkelling experience, there are a few essential tips to bear in mind. In many cases, these can make the difference between an exhilarating session and a frustrating one.
Get a good fit
If your mask and goggles don’t fit properly, then you’ll get leaks. This might mean poor visibility, or a mouthful of seawater. You can test the fit of your mask by seeing whether you can hold it onto your face by simply breathing in through your nose. If it fits, you’ll get a good seal.
Start small
Breathing through a snorkel takes a little bit of practice. It’s worth spending a bit of time getting to grips with the equipment in a controlled environment, like a pool, or in the shallow water right beside the beach. It might take a little while before you’re truly comfortable, so be patient with yourself. If you’re about to go on a snorkelling holiday, then you might book a session at your local swimming pool, so that you can use all of your holiday time optimally.
Clear the mask
You’re going to be spending a lot of time emptying your mask of water. The more easily you can do this, the better your experience will be. You’ll either do this by blowing, or by using a special ‘purge valve’ to clear out the water through the mouth.
Don’t stress
If you’re panicking, then you won’t be able to breathe properly. Make sure that you’re in control of the situation, and that you’re not physically drained. This might cause you to make rash decisions. If you’re not used to swimming through seawater, then you might be surprised at how quickly you tire out. Don’t bite off more than you can chew when it comes to challenge!
Respect the ocean
You’re probably snorkelling to get a better view of the natural world – but you should resist the temptation to spoil the natural world by touching coral or other sea creatures.
Best snorkelling destinations
So, which destinations hold the most appeal for would-be snorkelers? There are a number of places to consider. If you’re heading for the Carribean, perhaps via Royal Carribean Cruises, then you’ll have plenty of clear blue water to explore with the help of a snorkel mask. Then there is the Galápagos, with its astonishing breadth of sea life. You might also consider Palau, which comprises 250 islands in the middle of the Pacific. Snorkelling in Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk is an experience like no other!
