Snorkeling gear for excursions

[FigmentSpark]

We are going on a snorkeling excursion on our trip. While I know the equipment is provided or rented, it kind of creeps me out to put something in my mouth or over my nose that a stranger likely used. So I was thinking of bringing our own masks and snorkels. I may or may not also bring the fins.

1. Am I being wise or paranoid in bringing my own equipment?

2. Can I use part of their equipment and part of my own or should I just bring our own fins, too?

3. I'm looking at this set from Costco. What are your opinions?
https://www.costco.com/U.S.-Divers-...un-Metal-%26-Dark-Blue.product.100328692.html

4. I'm a newbie, but my family's done a bit of snorkeling. Will I still be able to have fun, even on a first time?

5. As age takes it's toll on me, I'm finding myself needing reading glasses. While I can see far away (4'+) just fine, the close up things, like my underwater camera screen or anything that comes close to me will be blurry, but not impossible to make out. So, while I will know what I took a picture of, I won't know if I got a crisp shot or not. Should I look at getting some kind of mask with a bifocal in it? It's only a once or twice excursion, so I don't want to pay a fortune, either.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[frostymom]

Oh boy that's a long list! I think the set from Costco would be great. when you go to Castaway you will have the opportunity to use your equipment again. I think it's money well spent. I don't know about your vision but they do make scuba masks with prescription lenses. I don't know if it's worth the expense or not. Snorkeling is easy you will be great at it. my nine and twelve year olds tried it for the first time and were fabulous. As far as being paranoid, they do clean the equipment between uses. I could not find my own equipment and had to rent. that was frustrating but I'm here to tell you I live through it! have a great vacation

 

[Sir William]

I always bring my own mask and snorkel, but I use the fins and floatation vest provided by the vendor. Fins take up too much space and weight in the luggage. I use the same type snorkel as you linked to as it keeps the water from coming in. I've never had a vendor question me about using my own mask and snorkel.

I like using my own mask as I know it fits. Every snorkel excursion I've been on, and at CC, has the inexpensive open-ended snorkels, which I don't like.

All the snorkel excursions I've been on includes some basic instruction on how to snorkel. Some people put a bit more air in their flotation vest, and then practice putting their head in the water and breathing until they are comfortable with the idea, then letting most of the air out of the vest and get to it on their own.

Can't help with the underwater vision. I've seen a few people use prescription swim goggles instead of a mask.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

When it comes to snorkel/dive equipment it all comes down to comfort and personal preference.

The set you picked out is fine for a beginner but the fins do seem small to me. I would have to see them in person. I'm not sure if castaway cay provides any prescription mask options but it's worth calling about. I think the actual excursion snorkel groups will have them though.

 

[SleepyDeb]

We always bring our own mask and snorkel. We've used them so many times they have saved us a bunch. We haven't bought fins because of the pain in bringing them. No one will care that you aren't renting mask and snorkel from them.

Every time I snorkel it takes me a minute or so to get used to breathing through the snorkel. I have to calm myself because I have a second of panic, every single time.

I love snorkeling. It's absolutely amazing.

 

[KCBelle]

First snorkeling tour we went on the snorkel tube provided to me had the little pegs you hold between your teeth completely chewed off on one side and half hanging off on the other. Yuck! It also wasn't a dry snorkel so if I tipped my head to far...whoosh...mouth full of water. Since then I bought a set for $12 that didn't include the fins and is a dry snorkel (like the one in your costco picture). It's so much easier. I know it's clean and in good condition and I don't drown myself constantly. I use the fins and vest provided on the excursion and at Castaway I rent fins. As far as seeing underwater, i too wear reading glasses and I can't see the screen on my camara well mostly because of reflection. I just point in a general direction and take lots of pics and delete the lame ones later.

 

[panda123]

I think bringing along your own snorkel and mask is a great idea. I suggest trying on the mask before going to make sure you get a good seal. That sort of mask fits most but not all faces, depending on your nose/cheekbones/etc, and if you don't have a good seal you'll spend a lot of time emptying your mask of water and not having a good time. When trying on the mask to test if you get a good seal, just press the mask against your face without putting the back strap around your head. You know you've got a good fit if the mask is basically suctioned to your face and doesn't fall off when you lean forward.

 

[Marc D]

We brought our full-face masks but used the fins and vests from the vendor last month. We will do the same for our snorkeling excursion in Grand Cayman next time. They don't ask questions or make comments.

Know that you will be looked after by the crew, so don't worry but also don't try to keep up with your family or other guests if you reach your limit. It is not a contest. It can get very tiring if the waters are choppy, if you are not an experienced swimmer or if you are not in good shape that day.

 

[dcassetta]

You've already gotten some good advice about bringing your own mask and snorkel, so I'll comment on the prescription element. My vision is actually pretty terrible, but for some reason when I'm snorkeling it doesn't seem to be an issue. I use a regular mask without any sort of vision assistance and I can see fine. Don't know why that is though!

 

[FigmentSpark]

Wow! Thanks, all! That's all great advice!

The mask did suction to my face. Yay!

I laughed at "point and delete the lame ones later'. That's so me, even when I do have glasses on.

I'm glad I've got a good set, too. That's a relief, because they didn't break the bank.

Yes, I panicking a moment when I noticed I couldn't breathe in through my nose (and I haven't even hit the water yet), so it will take a little getting used to.

Good advice not to try to keep up with the family. That had me worried.

I assume no one wears a wetsuit (unless you're a regular), just a bathing suit?

 

[Sir William]

Wow! Thanks, all! That's all great advice!

....Yes, I panicking a moment when I noticed I couldn't breathe in through my nose (and I haven't even hit the water yet), so it will take a little getting used to.

...I assume no one wears a wetsuit (unless you're a regular), just a bathing suit?

The breathing aspect is why I suggested practicing a bit when you first get in the water. After a bit, it'll come more or less naturally. I do find that I tend to breathe too rapidly at first, but then I calm down and don't even think about it.

Swimsuit is all you need.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Thanks.

 

[tigger2002]

I have this one and it is great https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANAGE7U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cressi makes great mask. I swim a couple of miles a week in this one and it has held up well. A lot of people are also going to something like this https://www.amazon.com/Octobermoon-...ion+180°Full+view+Panoramic+Snorkel+Mask-Full

Go to your local Y or high school and ask if you can swim a few times to try out your mask.

 

[ludari]

I'm an avid scuba diver and I typically go diving at as many ports as possible when I cruise. Obviously I bring my own mask, snorkel and dive computer but I typically do not pack my own fins. My basic rule of thumb about packing something other than clothing is do I plan on using this more than once. If yes, than I pack it. They are plenty of other options for purchasing dive/snorkel equipment instead of Costco and I prefer to actually try on the masks because everyone face is a little different and I want to make sure I have a proper fit so I visit my local dive stores, but you can also try Amazon or other online stores to purchase equipment. You should be fine even as a new snorkeler because you will have a inflatable vest if you need to make adjustments to your masks, having issues with your snorkel and just need to adjust. Because of the water and you wearing a mask your vision may not be as bad as it is on land. However, I wear glasses so when I scuba dive I wear contacts but they are other alternatives such as prescription dive masks, prescription dive inserts that either snap in place inside your masks or the adhesive type but you must install these properly or they will come loose. I hope this helps.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Keep in mind sunscreen as your back can get very sunburned while snorkeling. I like to wear a rash guard. Keeps me warm and protects my back from the sun and the reflection of the sun's rays off the water.

 

[Marc D]

A lot of people are also going to something like this https://www.amazon.com/Octobermoon-Gerneration-Panoramic-snorkeling-Technology/dp/B01LN1UEPA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485177276&sr=1-1&keywords=Octobermoon+Second+Gerneration+180°Full+view+Panoramic+Snorkel+Mask-Full.

That's what we use. It has many advantages : a better field of vision, the hability to breath normally with the mouth and nose and mine has a Gopro attachment on top. They are pricey but worth it if you plan on doing it more than a few times or if breathing from the mouth only is not something you are comfortable with.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I have this one and it is great https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANAGE7U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cressi makes great mask. I swim a couple of miles a week in this one and it has held up well. A lot of people are also going to something like this https://www.amazon.com/Octobermoon-Gerneration-Panoramic-snorkeling-Technology/dp/B01LN1UEPA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485177276&sr=1-1&keywords=Octobermoon+Second+Gerneration+180°Full+view+Panoramic+Snorkel+Mask-Full

Go to your local Y or high school and ask if you can swim a few times to try out your mask.

That full face mask is cool. I imagine, like the others, it isn't for eveyone, in that the fit has to be just right.

@ludari - I hope I won't have trouble with my vision. I just wear cheaters (like you buy at the drugstore), so I'd hate to have to buy a prescription set.

Keep in mind sunscreen as your back can get very sunburned while snorkeling. I like to wear a rash guard. Keeps me warm and protects my back from the sun and the reflection of the sun's rays off the water.

Good reminder! It's way too easy to forget our backs, especially in water!

 

[Starwind]

Does anyone know if, at Castaway Cay, if we bring our own snorkel and mask if we can JUST rent fins (and the free vest) ?

If so, does one may the full price one pays for snorkel-mask-fins or is there a reduced price for just fins ?

Thanks !

SW

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Does anyone know if, at Castaway Cay, if we bring our own snorkel and mask if we can JUST rent fins (and the free vest) ?

If so, does one may the full price one pays for snorkel-mask-fins or is there a reduced price for just fins ?

Thanks !

SW

There have been mixed reports on this here on these boards. Some say you can, some say you can't.

I asked that specific question when I was on CC at the rental place, my sons had the masks/snorkels they just needed the fins, but I was told I couldn't do that.

Other people on this board have reported the opposite experience where they asked to rent just the fins, and were allowed to do so. I don't know how much they were charged.

The vest is free to all, so no worries there, even if you rent nothing at all, you can have the vests.

 

[texasgingerbread]

Second vote for Cressi brand. Def bring your own...yuck. Fins - just rent if you can. Not sure about CC fin rental only.