snorkel equipment - rent or take your own?
 

Do you have your own equipment that you bought for this trip (hoping to use again!). Or did you use equipment as part of a package (hotel, cruise boat, etc). Or is there a place to rent for a week at the time? We'll be on the sunny side of the Big Island for about a week, and will probably snorkel for at least a few hours almost daily.

When we went last year, we brought our own masks and snorkels. I wear glasses so I purchased a prescription mask in advance.

8-)

We have our own and it works out great for us.

-Bill

We rented (for a week) from Snorkel Bob's while on the Big Island. We intended to purchase snorkel equipment for our trip to Kauai, but never got organized enough to follow through, so we rented daily at our condo's beach hut.

Both of the rentals worked out, but I promise myself that next time I'll purchase equipment for our trip.

I always bring my own equipment to snorkel when I am on vacation.

We have our own and travel with it. The only item I would consider renting would be fins. Your mask must fit YOU properly-
if it doesn't you'll be miserable in the water, and a snorkel is, IMHO, a kinda' personal thing,
LOL !
Take a bit of time and buy them when you get there from a decent dive/snorkle/surf shop where one of the staff is trained to assist you. The selection & quality will be better than from one of the XXX-mart type places.
and not that costly.

R5

Agree-Agree! Buy your own mask/snorkle and don't skimp. A cheap mask will be misery! I got mine at a dive shop in my town and my poor sister didn't have access to a decent place in her hometown. During our Caribbean holiday I had a great snorkle experience and my sister had to keep going up to clear her mask, wipe the lens, refit it. What a nightmare.

We rented fins from our hotel. I also recommend a "floaty" belt if you aren't a strong swimmer. Plus a watertight container for your keys, etc., so you don't leave that kind of stuff on the beach.

Have fun!

Buy your own and take it with you. My snorkel bag is my carryon for tropical vacations. I tuck in shorts & tee, swimsuit and thin beach towel (from Kmart, etc) and my reading materials and am good to go. Even if my bags don't make it, I have all the makings of a great vacation! :-)