Share The LOVE The Hidden Wonders of Snorkeling Snorkeling is a popular water sport that allows you to explore the ocean floor without having to swim. It’s also known as snorkeling or freediving, and it can be done with or without scuba gear. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about snorkeling: how it works, its history; what gear is required; where you can go snorkeling; and more! Types of Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the ocean and its inhabitants, but you can do it in different ways. Here’s what you need to know: Recreational snorkeling: This is just like it sounds, a recreational activity that doesn’t require any special training or equipment. You don’t have to be certified by an instructor or take classes. All you need is your mask, fins, and some basic swimming skills (if you don’t already have them). If this sounds like something for you, check out our guide on choosing gear for your first time! Freediving: Freediving is similar in many ways but has its own unique characteristics as well. It involves diving without any breathing apparatus at all. Hold your breath underwater until resurfacing again with no help from scuba gear or air tanks. The sport requires intense physical conditioning because of how long divers can hold their breath while swimming through deep waters without any support other than their bodies. Equipment Needed for Snorkeling Mask Snorkel Fins Wetsuit (optional but recommended) Health Benefits of Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great way to get some exercise and relieve stress. It can also improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility, help you sleep better at night, and even make you feel happier overall. Snorkeling is a great activity that provides numerous health benefits. Improved cardiovascular health: Snorkeling increases the heart rate and strengthens the heart muscle, which improves cardiovascular fitness and may decrease the risk of heart disease, heart failure, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Stress relief: Being in the water and surrounded by nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, which can help reduce stress levels. The controlled breathing required for snorkeling is similar to many meditative breathing techniques that seek to relax and calm the body. Improved joint health: Snorkeling can be a low-impact exercise that can help improve joint health. Enhanced mood and outlook: Snorkeling can be a fun and rewarding activity that provides a sense of accomplishment, which can help improve mood and outlook. Improved floating and diving ability: Snorkeling can improve your ability to float and dive, which can be useful in other water activities. Social benefits: Snorkeling can be a social activity that can help build relationships and connections with others who share similar interests. Spend more time in nature: Snorkeling allows you to spend time in nature, which can provide additional health benefits such as improved mental health and reduced stress levels. Muscle toning: Snorkeling can help tone muscles, particularly in the legs, core, and back. Overcome fear of the water: Snorkeling can help overcome the fear of the water by gradually exposing individuals to water activities in a safe and controlled environment. Get your vitamin D: Snorkeling can be a great way to get vitamin D from sunlight exposure, which is important for bone health and other bodily functions. Environmental Impacts of Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great activity to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. However, it can also have an impact on marine life and ecosystems. Here are some ways you can minimize your environmental impact while snorkeling: Avoid coral damage by not touching or standing on living coral. Minimize plastic waste by bringing reusable water bottles and biodegradable sunscreen instead of buying single-use plastic bottles or lotions that will end up in landfills after one use. Safety Tips Check the weather and tides -The best time to go snorkeling is when there’s not too much wind, so check out a local forecast before you head out on your trip. Use a dive flag -If you’re snorkeling in an area where there are other boats or swimmers around. Make sure to use an orange or red flag so they know where you are in case of an emergency and vice versa! Use a buddy system– If possible, bring along someone who knows how to swim and has experience with snorkeling; it’s always better to have someone watching over your back than just going off into the deep end alone (literally). The Five Best Places to Go Snorkeling Great Barrier Reef, Australia: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. Snorkelers can explore the shallow waters around the reef to see the stunning coral formations and marine life up close. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: The Galapagos Islands are a unique ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Snorkeling in the clear waters around the islands, you can see a variety of marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and sharks. The islands offer some of the best snorkeling experiences in the world due to the lack of predators and the abundance of marine life. Red Sea, Egypt: The Red Sea is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkelers can see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. With warm waters year-round and a range of snorkeling spots, the Red Sea is a great destination for snorkelers of all levels. Mamanuca Islands, Fiji: The Mamanuca Islands are a group of 20 small islands off the coast of Fiji. The islands offer a wide range of snorkeling experiences, from exploring coral reefs to swimming with manta rays. The crystal-clear waters around the islands are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Silver Bank, Dominican Republic: Silver Bank is a protected marine area in the Dominican Republic that is home to a large population of humpback whales. Snorkelers can take a guided tour to see the majestic whales up close and hear their songs through an underwater microphone. Snorkeling in Silver Bank is a unique experience that offers a rare opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Tips for Beginner Snorkelers Practice breathing and clearing your snorkel. Take a lesson. You don’t have to be an expert swimmer, but it’s best to swim on your own in the water before trying out snorkeling. Get comfortable in the water: If possible, get used to being submerged by taking small dips into deeper areas of the pool or ocean during warm-up exercises at the beach or poolside, just make sure no one else is around! Advanced Techniques While you can do these without taking a course. As a professional Master Freedive Instructor, I highly recommend that you take a course with a professional before freediving. Freediving is a technique that allows you to hold your breath and swim underwater without using scuba gear. It’s an advanced skill, but it can be done by anyone who has mastered swimming and received instruction from a professional. Night snorkeling is another advanced technique that requires special equipment like lights or headlamps to see in the dark. This can be fun if you want something different from your usual daytime snorkeling experience! Underwater photography is another way of capturing images while underwater. It’s more challenging than regular photography because fewer light sources are available. If you love taking pictures with your phone or camera, this may be worth trying out! In Summary Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience the ocean. It’s easy, it’s fun and you don’t need any special gear or training to do it. Snorkeling allows you to get up close to sea life without scuba diving equipment or even a boat! You can swim around in shallow water while looking at beautiful coral reefs or exploring shipwrecks on your own time and at your own pace. Suppose you’re interested in learning how to snorkel but unsure where to start. In that case, this guide has all the information you need–from choosing where and when (it’s not just for summer!) as well as tips on gear selection and safety considerations before getting into the water with fins on your feet! Written By: Teagan Kane (Teagan the Vegan) PADI Master scuba diving instructor and Molchanov’s Wave 3 instructor. Ultra runner, and vegan lifestyle advocate. See author's posts