krukab

For a week in the Keys, would you recommend that I purchase snorkeling gear, rent it for the week, or rent it per use. I plan to snorkel about 5 times.. some on shore, and some excursions. Thank you.

starrsville

I like having my own snorkel equipment. I know it fits me, works well and I'll enjoy the snorkel trip. In fact, I bought my gear carrier while I was in the keys. For beach vacations it serves as a handy carryon on the plane. I know I will have my suit, snorkel gear and a thin beach towel (from Wal-Mart, etc) so I can start my vacation just in case my bags are lost (which has never happened).

Tandoori_Girl

Your snorkel will be cheap, cheap, cheap, so definitely purchase it. And you'll get better flippers and a better fit if you buy your own, although they're not cheap. If you're old enough that your feet have stopped growing and can afford a pair of flippers ($80?) I'd definitely buy. You can use them again and again.

tpatricco

IMO, it's a fine line between buying good quality gear & renting.

We've been renting for a about 3 years now, and after our last trip to STJ for 10 days, realized we should've bought by now.

If you like to snorkle, and expect to be snorkling at least once a year for a week at a time, it's probably worth it to buy. Otherwise, within a short time the rental costs exceed what you could've owned your equipment for.

I'd also recommend buying gear at the destination vs. at home. Prices for us are much less expensive in the islands than they are for good quality gear here in NJ! Internet purchase is an option, but only if they have a good return policy. It's important to try on the gear and make sure it's right for you, mask seals properly, fins are comfortable, etc.

tod

I took a snorkeling/Diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef 2 years ago and went to a lot of trouble buying my own goggles and snorkel before I left. Goggles have to fit exactly right on the face and the way to do that is to push your hair back on the forehead, tilt your head back, lay the goggles where they should be over the eyes and nose, then suck in through your nose till they stick to your face, now pick your head up. They must stay on without the strap!
I did not find it necessary for my own flippers. They are the easy part to loan. I also took a short sleeve dive vest for extra protection against the coral as well as gloves in case I picked up something poisoness.
I love snorkelling and have been to the Florida Keys but wasn't into it at that time. Have a lovely holiday!

mscarls

We have bought our own equipment. However, on trips where we may only snorkel once or twice during the whole trip, we take our mask and snorkel but rent the fins. With the airlines getting tighter on weight restrictions, the fins are just too heavy and large. And I have other things that are more important for my carry-on's.

If you buy equipment, make sure you care for it properly. Although I have tried to do this, the rubber on my mask is beginning to look discolored, so I may have to replace it soon.

IamBooth

I purchased my own gear because I was tired of going out on a snorkel cruise and using the gear they give you on the boat and spending the entire time trying to get the water out of my mask. I also hated using a snorkel that some guy with bronchitis may have been slobbering into. I found out that good gear does not guaranty you will see prettier fish. It just keeps the water out better.

JJ5

I bought mine. It the googles especially, as noted above. You have to get a fit, and one does not fit all.

When I was just in the Caribbean, I noticed that some who rented washed the mouthpiece out with Listerine first.

Budman

We're going to Hawaii in May, and I want to snorkel. It's been years since I've done it. I went out and bought my own mask and snorkel. Using someone else's to me would be like using someone else's toothbrush. Yuck!! To each their own.

I'll rent the fins (if I'll need them) when I get there.

Marilyn

I think they sterilize the snorkels in something between users.

I own my own gear, and would always take my mask and snorkel because I know they fit well. I'd only bother taking the fins if I expected to do a lot of snorkeling. Five times in a week is a lot, IMO.

justme22

when i went to hawaii i did as the travel books recommened, bought my own mask, snorkel (and ear plugs- the silicon blobs that shape to your ear ) and i rented the flippers. you can get reasonable equipment for 15 to 25 dollars. just go to any walmart like store where you are, if there is snorkelling, they will have a big selection and good prices.

GoTravel

In places like the Florida Keys, you will find that everywhere sells snorkel and dive gear.

My local Walmart sells US Diver gear.

The World Wide Sportsman (or whatever the name is, someone here will know what I am talking about) should have a good selection and they are in Islamorada.

starrsville

I don't remember the Sportsmans "paradise" (my word) having snorkel gear, but there are several locations for a dive gear outlet in the keys. You could stop at the first in Key Largo and buy your stuff (I'll try to remember the name).

You should stop in Islamorada to see the Sportsman store. It's amazing. The Hemingway bar overlooking the marina is great (2nd floor of store) and they have great food. Good seafood restaurant at the marina too. I've picked up private snorkling trips from there too.

If you have any interest in seeing the African Queen, stop at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo. The boat from Golden Pond is there too.

amwosu

I just bought snorket gear two months ago to take Open Water scuba certification course. I suggest you go to a dive shop to check out equipment and get advice, even if you don't buy the equipment there.

I got the best type of snorkel which automatically shuts off water if you go under. I also got the newer split fin "flippers" which are much easier on your legs- less cramping and much more efficient in the water. I bought midrange equipment and the costs were-
snorkel- $45
fins- $189 (made of material that holds up better than the less expensive ones which is why they were rather pricey)
mask- $85

GoTravel

You can also purchase it online from the World Wide Sportsman. They carry US Diver, AquaLung, and Body Glove.

Go to www.WorldWideSportsman.com or www.BassProShops.com.

razzledazzle

My lesson learned the 1st time I went
snorkeling:
Get fitted at a competent dive shop for the mask.
Small fortunes need not be spent. As MrR5 already had good gear-We purchased a set of Body Glove mask,snorkel, fins at a Sportmart for me (just in case this sport wasn't for me.)

First day out in the ocean snorkeling I spent most of my time fighting water leaks in my mask and the snorkel mouthpiece broke off ! Absoulute cr*p!
(Thank goodness I am an excellent swimmer)

At the time we were up on the North Shore of Oahu so we had had an excellent selection of dive shops. I tried on all price ranges and manner of masks-
and came away with the one I still use
(and take with me) today for $45.

You can probably risk rental fins,
(I find it is MUCH more fun to snorkle
with them) and purchase an inexpensive snorkel,but
find out prior to your 1st swim if
if the mask fits.

That's funny, starrsville, our equipment
is our carry on as well!
R5

starrsville

I agree completely, razzledazzle. The whole point is to buy in person with the help of someone who knows what they are talking about (as said before on this post). The fit is what counts. Ordering online would be the equivalent of rental for me.

I baby my equipment and am happy to carry it as carry-on. I'm surprised at how much other stuff I can stick in the snorkel bag to have on hand while on the plane. And once I get off the plane, I know I can start enjoying my vacation immediately, even if my bags have to catch up with me later (has never happened).

Krukab, Capt. Ann Baxter took us out on the snorkel trip from Islamorada. She's located at the marina behind the Sportsman store. They also keep her business card at the back register of the store.

makai1

I like diversdirect.com for snorkel gear and apparel... also agree that you need to fit your mask before purchasing. I checked around different places, determined what I wanted and purchased w/ divers. I wouldn't be w/o my own snorkel.

IamBooth

I don't bring my snorkel gear on the airplane as carry-on. My wife and I just wear it on the plane. Usually we find that no one is sitting in the row with us.Then we can have a seat between us on the flight.

starrsville

You jest (I think) IamBooth, but I do know of someone who wore his racing suit AND helmet (helmet at least on take-off and landing) on his honeymoon flight to Italy. His new bride simply pretended she didn't notice anything strange. After a few years of marriage he no longer suits up when he flies.