Clean your mask before snorkeling by wetting it, then spitting into it and spreading the saliva around with your fingers. Then rinse out the mask. This is a useful tip to prevent the mask from fogging up.
Make sure that your hair is not trapped under the seal of the mask. This will cause the mask to leak.
If water gets into the breathing tube, blow sharply through the tube to expel it.
If water gets inside the mask, breathe in through the snorkel and out through your nose while pressing the top of the mask against your forehead.
Always snorkel with a partner.
When diving down, pop your ears by holding your nose and gently trying to blow out through it. Swallowing can also help your ears to pop. Make sure to do this gently or it can rupture your ears!
You can buy mask, fins, and snorkel at home at Costco, Wal-Mart, or the like for a good price, and be ready to go when you get to vacation! This will also help to ensure that you get good fitting equipment that won't leak.
Most hotels and dive shops rent snorkeling gear for around $5/day.
Remember, sandy beaches are great for sunning yourself, but rotten for snorkeling. Stick to the coral and the rocks and you'll see much more sea life.
We've included links to information about the fantastic snorkeling of the area below. Click on a link to jump to the section that interests you.
