Snorkeling Tips

Learn how to stay safe and have fun in the water by following these essential snorkeling tips. Also, the crew is always happy to answer any questions and to provide any
assistance.

Using the Mask

To try on the mask, move the strap out of the way, brush your hair out of the way, and gently push
the mask onto your face. Gently inhale through your nose to seal the mask to your face. If the mask
remains there unsupported, then it is making a good seal. It is best to try on and adjust the
mask straps before entering the water. If any assistance is needed one of the crew will gladly help.
In order to prevent the mask from fogging up while in use, there is defogging solution aboard the boat.

Using the Snorkel

To keep the snorkel upright while you are swimming face down on the surface of the water, you may need to adjust the snorkel strap properly on the mask strap. Now you can just float or swim along the
surface, breathing through the snorkel and observing the underwater world below.

Fins

Fins aren’t really a necessity for snorkeling, but they do help you to move around more quickly so
that you can see more of the underwater world. Before entering into the
water, one of the crew will provide you with a pair of fins. It is easiest to put the fins
on while sitting on or near the diving platform. Walking with your fins on is not the easiest thing
to do, not to mention it looks pretty funny! When you wish to return back onto the boat it is
easiest to take your fins off near the ladder and hand them up to one of the crew before
attempting to climb out of the water. One of the crew is always on or near the platform to assist
you getting back onto the boat.

Snorkeling Hazards

The southeast coast of Florida has a lot of coral. Coral is made by tiny creatures who go out
and collect discarded razor blades and cement them together to build sturdy, defensible homes.
Okay, I’m kidding; However, coral is actually quite fragile and can be easily damaged by clumsy
swimmers, but it is also often razor sharp, which is another reason to avoid contact. It takes many
years for a coral reef to grow. Coming into contact with coral generally kills it so please
avoid contact with the coral.

For the safety of the marine life and yours, as a general rule of thumb,
don’t touch anything.