Ask Joe & Larry

Snorkeling Equipment

What snorkeling equipment do I need to have an enjoyable snorkeling experience?

Good question!!

First, if you are a diver, there is nothing wrong with using your scuba gear as snorkeling equipment. The first equipment that a diver normally gets are their Mask, snorkel, fins, and booties, and this gear is fine to use when snorkeling.

Snorkeling Equipment vs. Scuba Equipment

In fact, normally the only difference between what most think of when you say Snorkeling Equipment, and Scuba Equipment, is that Snorkeling Equipment many times will include snorkeling fins that are full foot fins and don't require boots. The reason scuba divers prefer boots with their fins, is many times, we must walk over rough terrain, things like rocks, coral, etc, and carrying the weight of the gear while walking on rough surfaces with bare feet is not a great idea. And if you are always snorkeling where you are going off a boat, or off sandy shores, you can use snorkeling equipment that does not require boots - which would be full foot fins.

Boots will still afford more foot protection and warmth, but it will add a bit to the price of your snorkeling equipment, and boots take up a little more space - and get a bit stinky at times if you don't wash and deodorize them after use. So if you want to stick to full foot fins, one of the best out there for the casual snorkeler is the Split full foot snorkeling fins. Very efficient in the water, and light to pack.

The most important piece of snorkeling equipment, and dive equipment for that matter is finding a good mask. High quality silicone skirts, and good vision are paramount. And excellent choice for this would be the Panoramic Snorkeling Mask. It seems to fit virtually everyone, and is superior quality, so we include it in a lot of our snorkeling equipment packages, as well as our scuba packages.

The next piece of snorkeling equipment you need will obviously be a snorkel! The advances in snorkeling equipment over the last few years have been great for the casual snorkeler, as most people hate accidentally drinking in salt water, and now there is no need with the Dry Snorkel! It has a valve that closes if you submerge, or a wave goes over you to seal the air way to stop you from inhaling water.

If you want to gather your snorkeling equipment by going through the different categories and picking the products you want, you can, but here at ScubaToys we make it even easier...we have put together a snorkeling package perfect for the vacation, resort, and cruise ship snorkeling trip - the Dry Snorkeling Equipment Package. Or browse all our Snorkeling Equipment choices. And, as usual, give us a call if you have any questions or would like to personalize a snorkeling equipment package just for you!

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