I am going snorkeling in Belize in March and am very nervous about it. I only went once before and had to have major encouragement. Can you tell me exactly what is involved? Is the equipment safe and clean? Do you need water shoes? What if you can't swim --- do you need a life preserver? How about fins?
Please give me your thoughts on snorkeling, both experts and beginners.
The equipment they provide is usually okay. I would bring some alcohol wipes along to clean off the part that goes in my mouth if you are using equipment they provide (but I am kind of a clean freak).
Usually they have life jackets available for those who want them, if you are not a strong swimmer I would suggest taking one. Otherwise those "noodle" pool toys make a good float to. Just thread one under your armpits.
You don't need water shoes to snorkel, they make swimming harder. I don't often wear fins unless I am going on a long snorkeling trail.
To keep the mask from fogging up do the following. Get it wet in the water. Dump the water out and then spit into the inside of the lens. Rub it around and then wash it out well. It really helps to keep the mask from fogging up while in the water.
Also make sure that your hair is out of the mask seal completely or it will leak. Usually I get totally wet first so my hair slicks back and then put the mask on. Once you have the mask on your face breath in from your nose to seal it good. Then only breath from your mouth or you will have a leaky mask.
It is a good time and a great way to see the underwater. Make sure to take an underwater camera along. Kodak makes a good disposable one for about $8.00.
I will be snorkeling in Belize in December, we're going on the Spirit on the 13th. We have done some snorkeling before. I don't swim well either, but I feel totally comfortable when wearing the vest and fins. I usually take rubbing alcohol pads (from a first aid kit) and wash the mouthpiece off myself. Don't know if it helps much but it makes me feel better. Have a great trip!
I do not have any words of advice, I think Michelle and Susan covered all the bases. Just wanted to say that I snorkled for the first time last year at St. John. I used fins, next time I will not, they made swimming difficult. The vest is probably the single most thing that kept me from sinking like a rock!
It was rough going, but once I got the hang of it, it was very calming especially being underwater breathing. Now that is one strange experience!
I think you will enjoy it once you get the hang of it.
Have fun in Belize!
Hi Moon,
I have to totally agree with the girls here, take the vest, I was amazed how long I was out there and see all those beautiful fish and coral. Have a great time and be sure to post back after the cruise and give the rest of us some hints about the snorkeling there, have fun!
i have never snorkeled either and desperatly want to ... so i printed off your message so i will know what to do when i get my nerve up... my girlfriend and i are going on a cruise in may so hopefully i will get to do it then as she has and loved it !
Hi Pam,
I was really nervious the first time I tried it, but once you get the hang of it, its a gas! Be sure to buy an underwater camera at home before you leave, once onboard or on the islands, you will pay about double for the same camera.
Give it a try, and take the vest, you will be suprised how long you can stay out there with one and it also helps if you get a little tired, have fun.
There are several things you should know before you snorkle. Breath through your mouth and not your nose. Keep your eyes open. Dont have any fish in your pockets left over from lunch.
The first time I went snorkling no one there had a vest or any other floatation device. I left mine on the beach so I would not stand out as the only "non-swimmer." I strugled and did not really enjoy myself. It was two years before I tried it again. The next time, our leader made everyone wear a vest until they were sure that they did not need it anymore. I wore mine the entire trip and never enjoyed the water as much as I did that day. It was great and now I am hooked. We now vacation were we can find good snorkling. It has been many years since I wore a vest or any other floatation device (the high salinity of the water helps you float), but the vest made the difference.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I will definitely buy a camera, bring a vest, bring alcohol wipes, wet my hair, spit in the mask, keep breathing through my mouth, keep away from fish lunch, leave off fins, and mostly enjoy as much as I can. I like to be on top of the water and not too much in it, but will give it a try.
Snorkeling ... need advice
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