I was originally going to title this post Ain’t That a Kick in the Head and if you’ve taken a snorkeling excursion through a tour operator I’m sure you’ll agree that’s what it feels like, literally. However, I wanted to be a little more serious with this post since it’s a subject that’s dear to my heart.
I have always loved the water and been fascinated by the life that calls it home. About the same time I started cruising I took up snorkeling and neither passion has wavered all these years later. I am somewhat ashamed to admit there are a number of ports that I’ve only seen land from the deck of a catamaran as we sailed to a snorkel site.
I love snorkeling but it can be trying at times, especially as part of an excursion. So here’s my advice on making the best of it for you and everyone else trying to enjoy the underwater world.
- Maintain personal space. As the title implies there have been too many times where an amateur snorkeler gets excited, scared or maybe both and kicks you the in head with their fins.
- Bring your own equipment. If you’re really passionate about snorkeling and want the best experience pickup a set of gear before you embark. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on professional equipment it could be a set from your local Wally World but its yours, you know what to expect and how its been cared for.
- You don’t always need fins. Most excursions put you right on top of the action. Unless you are expecting strong currents or having to cover a distance you can often enjoy without fins. This will cut down on the space required to bring your own gear and what you have to carry ashore. I’m sure the comments will roll in telling me I’m wrong and you’re not really snorkeling without them so take it or leave it.
- Sunscreen matters. You don’t want to head back to the ship red as the lobster that use to be served on the ship, more on that in another post, so please make sure to use sunscreen. With that being said, spend a few extras dollars and pick up some that is reef safe and biodegradable. Here’s a hint, if it’s aerosol it’s not what you should be using. I’m not going to ramble on about all the harm that is being done by hordes of people spraying on gallons of chemicals and then jumping into the water but do some research or simply take my word and pickup the proper sunscreen before you embark.
- Last but certainly not least, do everything in your power to leave the site better than you found it. Don’t touch the coral, don’t litter and if you see trash pick it up and dispose of it properly. I have watched site after site progressively get worse each year and its disheartening. Don’t you want future generations, possibly your own kids or grandkids, to be able and enjoy these natural wonders just as you do?