Snorkeling: Basics

Snorkeling is an underwater adventure trip just below the surface level of water to catch a glimpse of the fascinating marine life, sea creatures and nether world denizens such as moray eels, black sea urchins, multi colored frisky little schools of fish, sharks, jelly fish, green sea turtles, humpback whales, stonefish, sting ray, varieties of dolphins, mollusks, star fish, cephalopods, flat fish, marine organisms like sea cactus, other varieties of sea turtles, shrimp, sea weed etc.

These denizens reside in obscurity in the midst of the coral reef which is their habitat along with being their source of food. Only snorkeling along with scuba diving can afford you the delight, pleasure and opportunity of admiring and experiencing the exotic sea life from such close quarters and observing the ways and habitat and lifestyles of marine creatures in their natural setting.

Snorkeling is done, usually with three types of gear – a diving mask which should fit closely and never leak; a bent pipe or tube shaped like the letter L and known as snorkel (that should always be kept water free or you wont be able to breath) which helps you to breath and fins which ought to be put on after paddling in waist deep water.

Snorkeling is best done in warm waters with crystal clear visibility in bright sun light and preferably in shallow waters though deep water snorkeling is also quite popular. Here you don’t dive into water head first. You have to gently push yourself into the water feet first. Try to avoid getting into cold or chilling waters and if you have to please wear a wet suit.

Shallow scuba diving regions and tropical beach vacation destinations are the popular centers of this recreational activity and it is mostly done in Australia, Hawaii, Caribbean islands, Seychelles, Maldives, Thailand, Fiji, Mexico, and in coral rich seas such as the Red Sea, Coral Sea, and Caribbean Sea etc.

Ideal conditions for snorkeling include zero current, zero whirlpool, warm water, minimal waves and interesting marine exotica just near the surface level of water. Snorkelers often carry water proof cameras to capture the indescribable beauty of under water life and freeze it into eternity.