muffin

We may go to Aruba in January and my husband has expressed a desire for both of us to go snorkling. I am really afraid of seeing stuff underwater etc. Has anybody else gone snorkling and conquered this fear? Help!!!

TurquoiseWaters

The first time I snorkled was in Cozumel. We took a day trip and snorkeled in 30 feet of water. Alot of fun, but all of the coral was down near the bottom and quite a "safe distance" from me. The second time I snorkeled was a different story. I was in 5-6 feet of water and the coral was huge - it grew to within inches of the surface in many places! I felt like I was in an alien world - I actually became quite overwhelmed emotionally and had to get out of the water for a while. But after a while I got back in and became more comfortable. Don't give up if you find yourself feeling scared or overwhelmed by the experience. It is new and "alien" but so worth trying! You will never forget the sights you see and will become more comfortable every time you do it!

Statia

If you are nervous about your first time, try lying across a boogie board and staying in shallow water at first.

It also helps to have a quick class from a dive shop in the proper technique for clearing your snorkel, clearing your mask, etc. if you plan to go in deeper water and free dive.

Good luck! The underwater world is magnificent and you will probably be in awe of what you see, even in shallow water. Snorkeling is very relaxing once you get over the initial fear. I'm sure you will end up really enjoying it.

ScottB

It's all about staying relaxed. Some folks new to snorkeling put way too much effort into it, meaning they make way too much movement to stay afloat. Remember that you will be incredibly bouyant in the salt water down there, and should float like a cork with very little movement if any at all. Stay clear of the coral. If you are inexperienced, do not swim in water that is only a few feet above the coral, as you don't want to touch it....as it will damage very easy, and takes years to grow back.

Get good equipement for sure. A cheap leaky mask is just not what you need to deal with, especially your first time. Go to a good dive shop and spend the $$ on a good set.

Practice in calmer waters to start. Get comfortable withthe breathing before you go some where that might be a little tricky with currents.

As far as sea-life goes....enjoy it. There will be very little chance of running into anything that will hurts you as long as you leave evrything alone, and just watch. You are very likely to see a Barracuda while snorkeling in the caribbean, but all they do is look at you....they are just curious, and will not attack. As intimidating as the fish and other sea-life can be, you will learn to love seeing them.

Again, it's very important to stay calm and relaxed. Have fun with it. There's really nothing to be afraid of. Snorkeling is a huge part of our vacations in the caribbean. In my opinion, a lot of the islands beauty lies below the surface of the water.

muffin

Thanks so much! I am feeling more confident already. Can I rent equipment?

Sunnyboy

Yes, you can rent equipment and some snorkel tour operators will have equipment that you can use "free" but as ScottB pointed out it is important that you use a properly fitted mask and that is best done with the help of an expert. Besides do you really want to put a snorkel that has been used by countless strangers in your mouth? If you purchase a good mask and snorkel they will serve you well for years and years (I have two masks and snorkles that are over 15 years old and they are just about as good as new. You can use rental or the tour operators fins without any problem (they'll have plenty in all sizes).

Dreamer2

Muffin, I am the ultimate "nervous nelly," and I found snorkling to be incredibly relaxing. You can just sort of lay there, while the water rocks you, seeing all this cool stuff from another world happening, with white noise in your ears! It's kind of like watching a great big aquarium in suspended animation. Hope you enjoy it!

mnag

I am not very adventurous nor am I a very good swimmer but I still love to snorkel. I use a life jacket while snorkeling so this way I dont have to worry about staying afloat and can relax and enjoy the sights. I agree... a good fitting mask is important.

cruisin_tigger

Try to get a mask and snorkel and practice in a pool first. Obviously that is a very comfortable environment and that way you only have to practice breathing through the snorkel, which for a first timer is a very odd feeling. That way when you try it out in the ocean, you'll have gotten used to the breathing part and can enjoy the underwater scenery. Its loads of fun - enjoy!

benj

I am not a water person at all having almost drowned as a child. We went to Negril in May & were set to go snorkeling when my husband's dive class ran late & he couldn't go. The 2 kids (almost grown) & I went & I was in a panic. They went right in but the boat guys had to pry me off the boat. The boat crew were wonderful. They held my hand & showed me how to put my face in until I was ok with breathing. Then they guided me around to see the stuff until I was ok on my own. I felt like a kid learning to ride a bike without training wheels. The other days I was better so it was a big step for me. Would have regretted missing it. However, if the boat would have had a glass bottom.... I might have chickened out!

LA_FadeAway

Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in the Carribean!! As others said, you might try putting on the mask and snorkel in a pool to get used to breathing with it on. Once you get the hang of it you'll love it. I personally get nervous if I'm swimming without my mask and snorkel, because I can't see what's under the water around me. At least with the snorkel, I can scope the area and look for jelly fish and stuff before I swim too long.

meta

Snorkeling is great. As mentioned, you should definitely buy a mask and mouthpiece at a dive shop. It doesn't have to be expensive, just as long as it fits well.