Snorkling for Beginners

[JerseyMom]

Does anyone know if the snokling excursions expect you to already be experienced at it? I have never been but I would love to do at least one. Do they show you how? What about the snorkle? Does it get tossed after every use? The thought of using a snorkle that someone else has used sort of grosses me out.

Also, how strong of a swimmer do you need to be? I am a very good swimmer when it comes to swimming pools but I am fairly inexperienced in the ocean and dealing with currents.

Thanks!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

Many (but not all) of the snorkling excursions are in sheltered bodies of water where you won't be swimming against any ocean currents (and if it's something of an inland lagoon like at CC, then even if there are high waves in the ocean, the snorkling excursions are still mostly in calm water).

The snorkles are NOT tossed after every use (a typical snorkle cost around $20-40 unless your talking about the kiddy snorkles you can get at wal-mart, but even those are a couple of bucks each time).

They place the snorkles in a water that is supposed to sanitize them between each use, but you'll never really know how sanitized they really are.

I'd suggest purchasing your own snorkle and mask from a local dive shop. That way, you can get a mask that will fit your face so that it doesn't leak. You can even get something called a dry snorkle if you're afraid of getting water in your snorkle as a beginner. Your own personal mask will likely run around $30-$40. So in total, it will cost you about $50-$70 to get a snorkle that is personally yours (no other mouths using it all day) and a mask you know will fit (because a leaking mask will quickly ruin a snorkle trip, and you don't want to waste your time trying different masks during you're limited snorkle time.

But if you consider your self a strong swimmer in the pool, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[JerseyMom]

Thanks for the great advice. Even though it's a little pricey to buy my own snorkle and mask, I think it is worth it just so I don't have to use a used one - especially since I have 3 cruises scheduled (one is Disney). I am so glad you mentioned the dry snorkle - I have never heard of one but it sounds like a good idea.

 

[cotomom]

I absolutely second all the advice of HooKooDooKu.

My parents used to take me snorkeling all the time when I was a kid, and I loved it..

My recent experiences have been miserable with burning saltwater in my eyes from a mask that didn't properly fit.

I hope you're able to do a snorkel trip and have a fantastic time seeing many beautiful fish!!!

 

[musicgirl]

Even for little kids, snorkeling is really easy. On the excursions we went on (Cat. reef and sail -nassau, Capt. nautica-St. Thomas) they showed you what to do.

We also had required vest that enable you to float nicely and stick your mask in the water. Even if you don't get the hang of breathing (it's really easy), you can look into the water. That is what my nephew did.

Capt. Nautica also had floaties and noodles to relax with and look in the water. On this one, we had very young kids around 5.

Lorie

 

[musicgirl]

A few more tips.

I also had some leaking, even with my own mask.

Make sure all hair is out from under the mask.

Right after you put on the mask, breathe in through your nose once very deep to "suck it to your face". Breathe out through your mouth or you'll lose the seal. Of course, this is before you go under the water!

Bring along a bottle of water to rinse off your hands and eyes if needed in case the salt water is bothering you. Very handy with young children. Our excursions both provided water, but we definitely kept it close when we were at CC and at Dawn Beach in St. Martin.

Also, when you get fins make sure they are tight fitting. We took our own masks and snorkel on the excursions, but not our fins. I got a nice blister because the fins were too big. I traded them in twice before I got the right size. I had to wear the child's size because of small feet and I don't think she thought my feet were that small.

Lorie

 

[natdencro]

Make sure you wear t shirt if the sun is hot! DH got dreadfully sunburnt at C Cay. He thought that, as his face was in the water - his back was also! Big mistake. Hence........trip to hospital.Please be careful, especially with youngsters. Snorkeling is fun - Im assured - but think I will stick to the bike ride!Nat

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by JerseyMom
Does anyone know if the snokling excursions expect you to already be experienced at it?

My first ever snorkeling experience was on the 7-day Eastern's Champagne Catamaran. They provided instruction (thank goodness because I was a nervous wreck). Also, I am an average swimmer and that was probably the scariest part for me -- but I survived. In the descriptions of the excursions on dcl.com, look for notations of 'instruction provided.' That will be a good indication that they don't just give you the equipment and throw you in the water.

 

[FLGalInTN]

originally posted by natdencro
Make sure you wear t shirt if the sun is hot!

Actually, a wet t-shirt won't offer much protection from the strong Caribbean sun and it can trap sea lice (yikes!). The best protection is a high SPF waterproof sun block applied at least 30 minutes before getting in the water. I have very fair skin and Bullfrog is the one I swear by.

If you buy snorkeling equipment before your cruise, take it out to a pool and give it a go. That way you will be used to the feel of the mask and flippers and will be more comfortable when you snorkel for real. That's what I did (even though my son is now thoroughly embarrassed to be seen with me at the neighborhood pool).

 

[JerseyMom]

I have gotten some wonderful suggestions here. I am going to print out this thread just so I have it with me as I am buying stuff for the trip.

Thanks for the tip on the Bullfrog - I will definitely look for it this weekend.

I love this board!

 

[randytenn]

Definately get the best sunscreen for snorkling. I used waterproof 45spf, and still burned my back, but it was pretty mild, and never peeled (just got hot under my tux on Formal Night).

We bought some snorkles at Wal Mart. They were 10 dollars and were actually pretty good. That might be a good route, if you are unsure that you will want to do this. Then, if you love it, you can buy the expensive ones.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

For those interested in a Dry Snorkel, here's a link to one of the manufacurers

 

[JerseyMom]

Thanks so much for the link - I even found several places that sell them fairly close to me. I will take DS to one of them over the weekend to get a mask that fits. I definitely think that the dry snorkle is the way to go - especially for my 9 year old.