A how-to guide from starting out to buying snorkel equipment and having a comfortable, safe and enjoyable in-water experience. 

Choosing the right gear and ensuring it is prepped and ready for adventure!

When you enter the world of snorkeling, getting started with your equipment can be difficult but that’s why we’re here to help! We have a few tips that will give you a hand in getting started; 

Mask– When it comes to purchasing a mask, there is only 1 thing that is paramount… the fit. You need to ensure that you have a properly fitted mask to your face shape. An ill fit will let water in which is super annoying! To check if a mask fits you can do the ‘suction test’- place it on your face without the strap behind your head and inhale through your nose, give your head a wiggle and it should stay in place!

Snorkel– Your level of snorkeling experience may determine the snorkel you find most comfortable. For beginners, we recommend what we like to call a ‘dry snorkel’ as opposed to a ‘wet snorkel’. Dry snorkels are designed to stay dry whereas wet snorkels are designed to get wet, simple! Dry snorkels are equipped with a few extra gadgets that will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling experience. An essential feature on the dry snorkel is a purge valve. This valve allows for easy clearing of any water that enters the snorkel tube, ensuring clear and unobstructed breathing without interrupting your snorkeling session. You may also enjoy a splash guard on the top of the snorkel, this prevents water from entering the breathing tube when submerged, reducing the need for frequent clearing of the snorkel. A great snorkel to start out with is the Cressi Epsilon Snorkel. A wet snorkel does not usually have these features, meaning sometimes water can get inside the snorkel and you will need to clear it out. A wet snorkel can have other benefits though, such as the ODE roll up snorkel, that rolls small and compact for all your holiday snorkeling adventures. 

Fins– The best snorkeling fins are those that are lightweight and fit comfortably. Generally, snorkel fins won’t require you to wear booties or socks due to them being so light. Full foot fins are a great option for warmer waters. Subject to ocean conditions and if you’re going to be duck diving depends on if you would prefer a small paddling fin or a longer freediving style fin. Freediving fins pack extra power due to their length – dealing a lot better with speed, currents and diving down however can be difficult to navigate for a beginner. Our favourite snorkel fins are the adjustable Cressi Palau fins or the full foot Cressi Agua fins. You can buy both of these in a bundle with a high quality mask and snorkel too, making the perfect durable kit to get set up!

Treating your mask

Have you ever baked muffins? If the answer is yes – do you know how you grease the tin so that they will pop out perfectly after baking? Masks are basically the same, they just don’t taste as good! When masks are made, they are put in a mould and then popped out. After this, a greasy layer will be all over your mask (including the silicone) and will need to be removed before you hit the water. There are a few different treatments you can use. Burning the glass and cleaning with toothpaste are the most common methods for treating a new mask. Most of these techniques work effectively however, our top tip for new snorkel masks is dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquid was created to breakdown grease, so really cuts through that greasy layer. It is important that you scrub the whole mask, not just the lens, so the grease is removed from the entire mask. 

Note: Do not burn plastic masks or tinted glass lenses. 

After this, we would still recommend you use an anti-fog each time before snorkelling to prevent fogging.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are an optional extra. In warmer waters, you may choose to wear a long sleeve rashie instead of a wetsuit however, wetsuits can be a great additional safety layer for weaker swimmers. Wetsuits add an additional layer of buoyancy to help you float. Plus, they mean your back is covered to avoid that nasty snorkeler sunburn. 

Pro tip: If you know you aren’t a super strong swimmer- take a pool noodle or float when you go snorkeling. Safety is the #1 priority. Remember to always stay within your capabilities. Between me and you, I always take one so that I can relax on the surface with minimal kicking!

Testing your gear

A good idea before hitting the big blue is to test out your gear in shallow water. Before you head in, stand in waist deep water and ensure that you are happy that your mask won’t fog or leak and how tight your fins are etc. This will give you that extra boost of confidence knowing you won’t have to worry about any issues in deeper water. When you test out your gear, it is also a good idea to get grasps of basic skills such as clearing your mask or blowing forcefully through your snorkel to clear water.

Pro tip: Once your mask is on your face, try and leave it on. Every time you break the air seal, it will fog up.

Ready to hit the water?!

The first step after taking the plunge is to just relax and take it all in. Try standing with your face in the water to begin taking normal breaths through the snorkel. When you’re ready, drop your legs back and start paddling. Swimming with fins can be strange to start… they’re like having XXL feet! But remember, you will get the hang of it, practice makes perfect. 

Calm breathing and relaxation is pivotal when snorkeling. Otherwise, you end up using all of your energy getting distressed, which can put you in a compromising situation. If you find yourself getting worried, head back into shore and start again in shallow, calm waters or seek a guide for assistance if you are on a tour. Remember, don’t fight with the water, flailing makes everything harder. If it is your first time snorkeling, a tour is a great option. An experienced professional will take away any worries you may have and give you lots of help both in and out of the water. Check out our Dunsborough Eco Boat Tours where you can explore the turquoise blue waters of Cape Naturaliste or Busselton Jetty Sculpture Tour where you can snorkel the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. 

No touch

It goes without saying that when we are enjoying the beauty of the ocean, we don’t want to harm it. To ensure a safe and sustainable practice, make sure that we’re not taking or touching anything. As stated previously, a good idea is to practice in shallow water, this will prevent the temptation to stand on or grab corals.

Corals literally take thousands of years to grow, let’s keep the ocean beautiful by respecting it. Plus, sometimes there are nasties that look gorgeous but can potentially hurt you. For example, Cone Shells or Blue-Ringed Octopus. 

Safe Snorkeling practice 

To make sure you have the best possible experience and want to hit the water again, there are a few safety essentials to follow. 

Buddy up– Make sure you head out with a buddy and know where they are at all times. Duck diving to depth should only be conducted with proper training. Having someone on shore that has an ETA for your return is also a good idea. 

Conditions– Snorkel within your own limits, no one else’s. For beginners, sheltered bays are fantastic. Always check the weather forecast and know the site before heading out. 

Stay close to shore- Safety is pivotal when snorkeling. Always make sure you can see the shore and are a swimmable distance away from it. 

From the team at Swan Dive, we hope that you have a fantastic in-water experience whether it be your first or you’re seasoned snorkeler! We would love to guide you through the magical waters of the South West on one of our curated tours! 

Written By Meg.