Snorkel Equipment to Travel With

[Bearvet]

DH and I are going to Hawaii for 3 weeks next June/July to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We decided our Christmas gift to each other will be basic snorkel equipment so we don't need to keep renting it (we'll be on 3 islands). I also don't want to use equipment that has been used by other people.

I'm not really sure where to start looking for this - any suggestions? I don't want the fins to be too heavy or bulky to pack. Thanks for your help!

 

[highland3]

We just travel with our own masks and snorkels. It is really tough to find light weigh flippers.

If you want good quality (and the price that matches) make sure you visit a dive pro shop for gear... but you can pick up decent vacation gear in a sporting goods store.

 

[wdwmom2]

DH and I are going to Hawaii for 3 weeks next June/July to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We decided our Christmas gift to each other will be basic snorkel equipment so we don't need to keep renting it (we'll be on 3 islands). I also don't want to use equipment that has been used by other people.

I'm not really sure where to start looking for this - any suggestions? I don't want the fins to be too heavy or bulky to pack. Thanks for your help!

Your best bet would be to find a local dive shop and explain what you plan on doing. There are way too many brands and types of masks, fins, snorkels on the market to just pick one out without trying them on first!! You definitely want your mask to fit correctly or you will constantly be clearing water from it. Water in mask = miserable dive/snorkel!!!!

 

[Green Tea]

If either of you are glasses wearers, you can buy prescription lens masks. They are wonderful!

 

[luvflorida]

The previous posters have all given some good advice. Definitely try on a few different brands to see what fits best. A leaky mask will totally ruin a day of snorkeling.

I always pack my own snorkeling gear and it doesn't really take up that much space. I recommend purchasing a sturdy net-type bag to keep your gear in. I can't remember where I bought mine, but I've used the same bag for years. It's made of rope-like material and has a draw-string closure. I find it's great for carrying the snorkeling equipment, and the holes in the bag allow water and sand to escape.

Have fun in Hawaii! We vacationed on Oahu a few years ago, and it was one of the best vacations we've ever gone on. Loved it!

 

[rparmfamily]

Have fun!! Snorkeling is awesome here!!!

 

[denisem]

Ditto on going to a dive shop for your mask/snorkel - makes ALL the difference in the world to have it properly fitted.

As far as fins, I was a casual snorkeler (yearly on cruises) and also concerned about size/weight when traveling. Ended up paying a fortune for Force Fins, but that was 15+ ago. Just did a Google, and was pretty amazed what's available now in lightweight, smaller fins in reasonable prices.

Have fun!!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Another vote for getting fitted at a dive shop. The fit is so important and it can make or break your day! Well worth the extra $$ in my opinion.

 

[S. C.]

We got ours several years ago at Sams Club, We did try on the mask to make sure it was a snug fit. They are body glove brand and was only about $25, DH's came with a backpack type carry case and mine had a sling case.

 

[rparmfamily]

We got ours several years ago at Sams Club, We did try on the mask to make sure it was a snug fit. They are body glove brand and was only about $25, DH's came with a backpack type carry case and mine had a sling case.

This is what we use. I got a kit at Costco for about $40. Has worked great for us!

 

[PatsGirl]

LLBean makes a nice set.