I was just wondering how good of a swimmer you need to be to try snorkeling - I am not a very good swimmer, but would hate to miss a chance to see the beautiful underworld on our next Carribean vacation.

You don't have to be a very good swimmer. You can purchase a snorkle vest at your local dive shop. They are inexpensive and will provide you with the extra boyancy to give you the confidence you need. My spouse is not a very good swimmer and uses one all the time. I also took my friends son snorkling with a vest. He didn't know how to swim but within 30 minutes he was doing it like a pro. The vests are inflatable so they don't take up any room in your luggage. Also, most snorkle tour operators have personal flotation devices you can use. The tour guides or watersports staff at your resort deal with novice snorklers all the time and will be happy to give you special attention.

Is the snorkle vest like a swimming vest- like the kind you can buy at Target or is it some special kind of gear? Also, what about the other snorkeling gear available at Target, Walmart,etc. Is that sufficient or is it better to purchase them at a dive shop.
Also, when you snorkle, do you immerse yourself totally under water in a parallel position or are you there halfway - just trying to get an idea of the experience. Thanks

I'm not sure what type of vest you have seen at Target. The snorkle vest slips over your head and inflatable, similar to the type you see demonstrated by the flight attendants on an airplane, only smaller. It does not inflate very much.

Some people use the snorkle gear you purchase at Target or Wal-Mart. They are OK but you have to make sure your mask fits properly (that's the most important aspect as fins and snorkels are pretty much the same whereever you get them). You'll get a better quality at the dive shop, but it will be more expensive. By the way, if you wear glasses, you can get prescription lens fitted to your mask at your local dive shop. That way you'll see everything clearly.

When you snorkle, you actually float on top of the water with your head facing down. You breath thru the snorkle tube. It is not necessary to submerge your entire body.

Forgot to mention that fins take up a lot of room in your luggage so consider not getting them. Most resorts have fins them available for guests use (either free or for a small fee). Snorkle tour operators also have equipment available. Use your money to purchase a good quality mask that fits properly and your own snorkel (they'll last you for years).

Just wanted to add a bit of advice about sunburning. If you're not already an avid swimmer who spends lots of time in the water, you may not know about the sun's rays being amplified by the water while you're snorkeling. Be sure to wear lots of waterproof sunscreen and even consider wearing a t-shirt to shield your shoulders and back from the brunt of the sun. Don't forget to put lotion on the backs of your legs, too! I hope you have a wonderful time snorkeling--I remember how magical my first time was.

Also, it may be helpful to purchase a snorkel tube that has a water purging function--it makes you less likely to accidentally swallow a mouth full of water that way.

As an avid snorkeler (hence my screen name!), you don't have to be a "great" swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water, especially if you decide to do a snorkel from a boat in deeper ocean water. Snorkeling off the beach in a calm bay - you will be fine. The key to a good snorkeling experience is being able to relax.

I always bring my fins, mask and snorkel. I travel lightly, with a backpack and one 25 inch rolling suitcase. I can easily place my fins in the bottom of the suitcase in the suitcase (and my fins are fairly long, not the mini fins) and then pack on top of them. Most people bring too many clothes on vacation, especially to the Caribbean.

I place my mask and snorkel in my backpack and have plenty of room.

I like having my own because I know how clean they are and I like having fins that I know fit my feet. I don't have to go to the hassle and expense of renting. But if you don't plan on doing a lot of snorkeling, you may want to rent. I bought a mask for my first snorkeling experience, and it was the best investment I ever made - I was hooked!!

One final piece of advice - definitely go to a pool and practice if you buy your own gear. You will be more used to it and will be more comfortable when you actually snorkel. Definitely wear a t-shirt and lots of water resistant sun block.

One other very important thing to remember - don't stand unless its sand - standing on coral can destroy the beautiful reef - corals take hundreds of years to develop fully - plus they can give you nasty cuts and some have buring stings if you get to close. Don't touch, take only pictures and leave only bubbles and you should have an excellent time!

Thanks to everyone for such good advice- I cant wait to try it. I just hope that I dont get too nervous...maybe the shallow beaches with calm water will be better fot the first time- but I dont think that the tour operators take you there - or do they?? I always thought they took you to these remote spots where the water is deep. In that case, I suppose I will be on my own.

Last week in St. Kitts, I saw a snorkeler who didn't have heavy sun screen on his back. Nobody saw him for 3 days.

Wow! What spf do you suggest?

For first timers I'd use at least SPF 45, and plenty of it!

You might want to try a dive skin (light lycra suit) - all over protection from the sun, etc. Here's a pic. http://www.island-scuba.com/page/001...etsuits/DS0034

Hi vacation24, Great tips from some very experienced snorkelers in the above posts! I will add, but as a relatively new snorkeler, just remember to breathe slowly. I had a tendency to breathe rapidly at first because it is so beautiful and you're excited, until I reminded myself to breathe in a normal fashion. It is truly magical, and sooooooooooooo peaceful. We really enjoyed it.
The older I get the more I believe that the experience of seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat makes me sorry I ever went to an aquarium. I have always been against the typical "swimming with the dolphins, etc" but even the little fish out there, after you snorkel, you won't view it the same again, at least I didn't. Enjoy, it really is a wonderful experience!
Safe journey, T.

Just thought of a few more things that might be helpful. (1) If you choose to use fins (which will increase your buoyancy but might make navigating more difficult until you're used to them), AND you're entering the water from shore, not a boat, put them on in waist-deep water. Then, walk backwards until the water is deep enough for you to swim in. If you try to walk forward with fins on, you may topple over from an awkward sense of balance.

(2) I personally don't mind it, but some people really hate the taste of salt water and use various things to help combat the taste. I've seen folks bring a tube of toothpaste with them to put just a little bit in the mouthpiece of the snorkel.

(3) if you're not a strong swimmer and have never swum in open water before, you might want to have your first snorkeling experience in an area that you can reach from shore, rather than from a boat. I've been a strong swimmer all my life, but the first time I got dropped off in open water made me just a little bit nervous. Snorkeling in 20-30 feet of water (or more) may not sound very deep, but it sure felt that way the first time I did it!

I took my friend snorkeling for the first time last June and she loved it. This reference might not mean anything to you, but her first time snorkeling she said she felt like Harry Potter on his first broomstick--it was the only activity she'd ever tried that seemed completely natural to her. For the five days we were vacationing together I couldn't get her out of the water, and the hotel ended up doing a small cake for her on her last night that said "Born to Snorkel."

Forgot to add one more thing. To keep my mask from fogging up, I rinse it out with a little sea water and then spit in it and swirl it around. I guess it helps equalize the temperature inside the mask and out. Sounds strange, I know, but it works for me.

Agree with ejcrowe above about fogging. Spit personally doesn't work for me, so you might want to try getting a mask defogger. I use psi500, which is a gel you smear around inside the mask and then rinse off. Its really great and it lasts for a few snorkels, instead of having to reapply every time you go in the water. Years ago when I was in Grenada, the guide suggested rubbing some sea grass on the side of the mask to stop it fogging up. Newbie that I was, I tried it and all I did was end up scratching the inside of my mask. So I don't advise that.

Do you think that my son (5 yrs.) can try snorkeling as well? He is just learning to swim. Is there special kind of gear for the little ones?

I would get a mask and snorkle for him and let him start getting used to it in a pool but I personally think he is too young to snorkle out in deep water. Even accomplished swimmers and snorkelers get a nose full of water now and then and you don't want to scare him at this age. I'm sure there are 5 yr olds somewhere that snorkle but they have probably been swimming since they were 2.

What kind of life vest/ jacket do you recommend for him (there are so many kinds out there) I would like to get something that does not take up that much room in the suitacase.