When you try to list out places to go for vacation, the beach is bound to make the list. Not only does it offer spectacular views, but also various fun water activities.
You don’t have to engage in “extreme” sports like surfing, jet ski riding, or paragliding. Instead, you can have fun at a much more relaxed pace by swimming around the shore or snorkeling.
For some people, snorkeling can seem a little intimidating. It isn’t simply about swimming, but also looking beneath the surface to see all the corals and fish wandering around.
However, it will be well worth it. The view is unlike any other on land, and it will be something you can’t easily forget.
For those interested in snorkeling, let’s find out everything you need to know about snorkeling for beginners, and some handy snorkeling tips after that.
Is Snorkeling Hard for Beginners?
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Snorkeling is a safe, inexpensive, and great way to start if you take an interest in the underwater world. It requires no formal training, unlike scuba diving with its prerequisites and required gears.
Other than fun, snorkeling also provides numerous benefits. Physically, swimming has a positive effect on your skeletal form and can put more muscle in your limbs. It also can help improve your heart’s condition.
Meanwhile, mentally, snorkeling is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Being in the water gives a calming effect that helps lower your blood pressure and heartbeat.
Snorkeling is a fairly easy activity to learn as well. All you need is the right equipment and some tips below, and you’ll be a snorkeling master in no time!
Read Also: 5 Skydiving Places in Indonesia That Takes Your Breath Away
Best Snorkeling Tips for Beginners
1. Choose the Right Location—and Don’t Go Alone
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Before setting off, be sure to do some research and find a good snorkeling spot for beginners. It’s best to choose somewhere where the water is calm, offers rich marine life to explore, and doesn’t have much crowd.
Ideally, pick a spot where you can start snorkeling from the beach instead of one that needs a boat ride. This way, you can gradually swim towards the depth you’re comfortable with. You can always go back if you’re not ready to explore much further too.
Be sure to have someone with you. Preferably someone with more experience, or just someone to calm you from the panic of having a muscle cramp or foggy mask.
Avoid any spot with strong currents or waves, as you’ll have a hard time using your equipment and swimming in. On top of that, it doesn’t give much room for underwater visibility, so you can’t really enjoy the underwater view.
2. Make Sure the Equipment Fits
When renting (or buying) the equipment, be sure to check the condition. Try it on before going out to the sea with them.
It’s crucial to have equipment that fits so that it won’t hinder you from moving around freely in the water. Here’s how to test each piece of equipment:
- Mask: Place it against your face without using the strap. Suck gently through your nose, then let go. If the seal is good, the mask will stick to your face for a couple of seconds with a gentle touch.
- Fins: Make sure they fit snugly without rubbing or pinching your feet. Try to sit down and shake your foot around in all directions. If they’re too loose, they may cause chaffing, inflict painful blisters, or even fall off in the water.
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3. Learn Basic Equipment Care
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One of the most important snorkeling tips for beginners is how to get used to the equipment.
It can feel a little weird to breathe through the snorkel at first, so be sure to get used to the feeling before going into the deep water. You can swim around in the shallow area to do so.
Other than that, you should learn how to clear your snorkel and mask. To clear water out of your snorkel, you can firmly blow through your snorkel to force the water out to the top.
As for getting water out of your mask, go up to the surface or inhale through your snorkel to get a lungful of air. Then, press the top of your mask against your forehead with your palm. A tight seal will form on top, where you can then expel water from the bottom of the mask. You can then exhale to force the remaining water out.
Lastly, defog your mask before diving in. To clean your mask, apply a small amount of toothpaste to it, scrub it with a toothbrush in hot water, and rinse it thoroughly.
4. Just Relax
Snorkeling is more about floating than swimming. Let yourself glide through the water. Conserve some energy. To avoid exhaustion, keep your arms relaxed at your sides and kick your fins around gently.
5. Look but Don’t Touch
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Last but not least, the marine ecosystem is rather fragile. It already faces pollution and increased acidity, so the best way to preserve it is to leave it as it is—untouched and undisturbed by human hands.
Be sure not to touch the coral, fish, sea turtles, or any other sea creature you encounter. Touching just one can disrupt their ecosystem and possibly cause harm or anxiety for the sea life.
Read Also: The Only Traveling Checklist You’ll Ever Need for Trips and Holidays
Another Way to Admire Nature? Stay at Bobocabin!
Snorkeling isn’t the only way to admire the beautiful nature; stay at Bobocabin for a chance to witness picturesque view directly from your doorstep.
Each cabin is powered by the Internet of Things to make your stay much more comfortable. With features like the smart window to give you privacy, a mood lamp to adjust your lighting, and a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood, you’re guaranteed to have great rest.
You can also enjoy a night sky full of stars accompanied by Bobocabin’s campfire and barbeque facility.
Download the app for reservation and further information.
Header image by: Betty Sun via Unsplash
