These of us who love the water usually discover ourselves gravitating towards holidays that permit for brand spanking new aquatic experiences. Certain, it’s nice if the lodge has a pleasant swimming pool, however we additionally usually need to spend time on or within the open water. We’re at all times up for white-water rafting, water snowboarding or browsing — no matter our location gives.
Not everyone seems to be into adrenaline sports activities, although, and generally you need one thing a bit extra enjoyable that the entire household can do collectively. Why not strive snorkelling? It’s accessible (you don’t want in depth coaching or certification such as you do for scuba diving; all you want are a masks, snorkel and fins, you get to see cool stuff (the aquatic life may be wonderful, particularly within the tropics, and experiencing it underwater is far completely different from trying down from above) and it may be a very good exercise (you would simply float round in a single place — and perhaps you’ll need to should you can’t tear your self away from the proper fish-watching spot — however should you select to swim round, whether or not on the floor or underwater, you’ll get muscle-building and cardiovascular advantages).
For those who haven’t snorkelled earlier than, maintain the following pointers in thoughts to ensure your expertise is a optimistic one:
Use gear that matches. There’s nothing extra annoying than a masks that continually fills up with water, so be sure to get one that matches your face and creates a very good seal. And your fins must be comfortable sufficient that they gained’t slip off, however not so tight that they damage or you need to curl your toes.
Apply biodegradable coral-safe sunscreen earlier than you begin. When you have notably honest pores and skin or are planning to snorkel for a number of hours, you would possibly need to put on a rashie as effectively to stop sunburn.
Preserve a watch out for different recreationists. You don’t need to get run over if boats or jet skis are in the identical space. Carrying bright-coloured clothes may help make you extra seen.
Snorkel with a buddy. It’s at all times a good suggestion to pair up so you possibly can be careful for one another in case an emergency arises, even in case you are each sturdy swimmers.
Concentrate on ocean situations. Take note of the tides, and keep away from pounding surf and rocky shores.
For those who’re snorkelling by a coral reef, don’t contact the coral. It’s extraordinarily fragile (and a few species are protected). Plus, reefs can harbour toxic or stinging creatures. Greatest to simply watch and never contact!
Do you’ve any further tricks to share with first-time snorkelers?
