Hi,

Is it ok to participate in a snorkeling adventure even if one does not know how to swim?

Has anyone done snorkeling without knowing how to swim.

Would love some tips etc.

Thanks,

S.

I've been in and around water for decades. I wouldn't recommend that anyone who can't swim to go snorkling.
I know several people, my wife included and who can swim, who find snorkling disconcerting.
On a few snorkle trips we have been approached by sharks. I wold think a non-swimmer might get a wee bit freaked out by that.

Wait a minute! I have snorkeled many times and have yet to even see, much less be approached by a shark - I would think for the most part if you are comfortable in the water, you would LOVE to snorkle, I know I do! I have seen rays and baracoudas to no ill effect. But if you do not swim....I suggest you talk to the boat captain - I would think they could provide you with a good life vest and you MIGHT be comfortable - it would be wise to try it in a pool or from the shore ahead of time. I mean, are you comfortable being in the water even if you don't swim? Going out on a boat can be great even if you don't get in the water to snorkel - sometimes you can see fish from the boat as well. I think some of the trips in Key West combine a snorkel trip with some kayaking around mangroves.

You will be given a float device of some sort but if you are not able to swim at all, I would not recommend it. The waters can be a bit rough and choppy and in some areas up to 20 feet deep or so. I just do not see how one who cannot swim could manage it. With that said........its a beautiful thing to do! We love it and you will see sharks, barracudas and beautiful salt water fish. Take a swim course at your local YMCA to help your comfort level in the water. It will be well worth it.

Thank you so much for the responses. Getting near sharks sure sounds scary. (I was imagining just some benign fish and corals). I took swimming lessons a few years back, and cannot confidently swim - somehow have the daring to enter the water!

I called Floridays and they said that they do take non-swimmers along, and put a lot of floating gear on them, so there is less chance of drowning - overall it is okay... they say. I hoe they are not just saying that to get a few new customers ...

S.

You will love Floridays! We went out with them with my nephew who was young and not a strong swimmer and they really worked with him and he had a wonderful time.

Two things about the Floridays, three if you count that it is a great trip.

The first is if it is convenient, go on the early afternoon trip. Sometimes the morning trip goes to a place where the conditions are not perfect. By the 2nd, afternoon trip all of the captains have spread the word where conditions are good and where they are bad. (Ask if they are going to Sand Key. This is one of the best places to snorkel)

And try to sit on the small seats in the very stern of the boat, set into the stern rail, as it makes a U-turn and sails out of the harbor.
This gives you the best view of the hotels and small beaches as you sail away. The small beach with the concrete pier is called Bum's Beach.
Don't be too proud to wave to the people at the Pier House.

Pjk

Let me second (or third) Floridays. My husband and I are older than dirt and we took our first snorkel trip with Floridays. They were wonderful!

My kids have been snorkeling in the Keys since they were 6 and 7. They couldn't swim then and they're not great swimmers now, but all the companies down there have "horse collar" inflatable vests and they never had a problem being non-swimmers. By the way, they're 23 and 24 now so they survived!

Thank you all for the replies. I think I'll be able to manage it... will let you all know how it went.

Has anyone snorkeled in Dry Tortugas? How is it? Is it better than the key west coast. Also, is it worth the trip (in terms of time and money).

Thank you,

S.