nn

This is probably a question with varying answers, but can any of you who have done a fair amount of snorkeling help me?

What number sunscreen will I want to use to still get some sun, but not burn?
I am tanning ahead of time, so I have some base tan, but when I am in the water snorkeling will I want maximum protection like 45? I want to take plenty of sunscreen, but not four different bottles(8, 15, 30 , 45) I know everyone tans/burns differently, but I am hoping some of you who have been there can offer some wise advice. What worked for you? TIA

GoAway

I generally use 15 when I don't want a burn, and apply it several times throughout the day. Find one that is water resistant. The other thing I'm apt to do when snorkelling is wear a lightweight t-shirt. It keeps my back from getting too much sun, and adds just a little bit of warmth if the water is a little cool. (Really glad I had it on last week in Roatan - the water was just a tad cooler than I expected!)

cdt

I agree with wearing a T-shirt while snorkeling - started doing it a few years ago and it really helps.

I used a 45 sunblock in Aruba and came home with WHITE skin. Switched to 30 for a USVI trip and it was more than enough. I think 20-30 is the right range, depending on how easily you burn.

As one of my daysail captains said, "If your sunblock bottle says it's waterproof, it's the BOTTLE that's waterproof." Reapply frequently!

By the way, I've also been a happier snorkeler since I bought all my own equipment - prescription mask, "dry" snorkel, cheap fins, mesh bag to carry it all.

Jed

It depends on your type of skin, the total amount of time you are out, the time of day, how much swimming you do, etc. If you go out into the sun, you will "get some sun," but if you don't want to burn and ruin your vacation, you should wear the highest number, apply it frequently, and wear a T shirt. Some sun will come through to your skin no matter what you do.

Knowing

I am very fair skinned and wear 45 all the time on vacation and don't lay in the sun, but love the water and the snorkeling. I found that I still came home from GC with lots of sun color.

donkeypunch

Just got back from St. John, snorkeled everyday. Wore spf 30 the first day and 15 the following days. Got plenty of sun, but didn't burn. We were literally out all day, for 6 days straight. In the afternoon if I felt like I was getting too much sun, I'd throw a T Shirt on. SPF45 is like liquid T-Shirt--but if you have really fair skin, you might want to use that instead of 30.

nn

Thanks for all your help. I know everyone is different in their response to the sun, but it helped me have a basis to go off of! I can't wait to get there!

Louis

My wife and I love to snorkel and some 30 years ago we learned the hard way to put on cover when in the water for extended periods or your neck, back of your arms and legs will turn into a painful red color. Our first low cost solution was some turtle neck long sleeved cotton T shirts and a pair of nylon dancers tights. We perhaps looked strange but a couple at Caneel Bay that looked like lobsters, years ago mentioned, as we were getting out of the ocean that they now understood our costume. Then Sports Suits of Australia came out with nylon suits and hoods. After over 30 years we still have them and use them. They take up little packing room. You can find similar ones for a reasonable price at most dive and good sports shops. They are much more pleasant than the feel no. 30 or 45 sun screen on your boddy and 100% successful. They alse give you excellect protection against jelly fish, coral and rocks. It takes very little to protect you from jelly fish according to people in Australia and many there wear panty hose for that purpose.