Snorkeling - Just Float and Watch

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, one of the most exciting ways to see the fantastic life in the seas, particularly at tropical resort destinations. No special skills are required and no exertion is required to stay afloat.

Face down in the water and breathing through a short tube called a snorkel, your body is naturally buoyant. Even non-swimmers can do it safely using a flotation device.

Tips for Safe Snorkeling

1. Never swim alone. The safe minimum snorkeling team is 3 swimmers: a buddy pair to lookout for each other in the water and a shore lookout.

2. One up, One down. While diving with your buddy, avoid both diving under water at the same time, one should stay on the surface in case the diver has problems.

3. Check your equipment. A strap breaking on a fin, a badly fitting mask or a leaking snorkel valve while you're at sea can cause problems and discomfort. Take good care of your equipment and check it carefully to reduce the chances of problems.

4. Wear clothes. Avoid sunburn and jellyfish with soft and comfy clothes. Try these first in a swimming pool to make sure they fit well and feel good in the water.

5. Get Fit. You will be able to enjoy your snorkelling more and be much safer if you stay fit. A good way is to regularly swim in clothes. The resistance gives you strength over time.

6. Choose a safe site. Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic, dangerous currents and rip tides. Make sure the entrances and exits to the water are easily accessible and that there are alternative places to exit if the dive is cut short.

7. Check tides. The safest times to snorkel are at the slack water, which usually occurs near high or low water.

8. Check weather and surf. Before setting off check the weather forecast. Rain is usually no problem. You'll get wet anyway. Wind can cause waves to increase which make snorkelling tough. Force 3-4 (12mph+) is usually enough to cancel.

9. Do not hyperventilate. Hyperventilation can reduce the levels of CO2 in your lungs, which decreases the trigger to breathe and can lead to black outs.

10. Don't dive with a cold If you have cold you could force mucus into the Eustachian tubes and cause an infection.

11. Get proper training. Learn with a recognised training scheme, like a progressive training course to help people build skills and technique and enjoy the sea safely.

Reef Excursions by Boat

Explore remote areas on a snorkelling boat trip. They may take you to a hidden beach or out to the reef. Please keep to a minimum of clothes and gear, space is precious on the boat:

1. T-shirts and shorts
2. Anorak and pants, or a hooded track suit
3. flat shoes
4. towel, hat
5. sunglasses, sun block
6. mask, fins, snorkel and snorkeling suit (if not, it may be provided)
7. a passion, dream or story to share