Snorkeling

Published May 7, 2021

Snorkeling is sometimes overlooked as a recreational sport. For many visitors to tropical destinations, it is portrayed as something that anyone can do. Moreover, it frequently entails plowing through the surface while wearing rental gear and a snorkelers vest. 

However, it is a beautiful way to enjoy the water, and learning how to snorkel like a pro will make the experience much easier and more enjoyable. It’s something anyone can try because it is pretty simple to learn. If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, there are a few things to know and points to consider to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

How to Start Snorkeling: Tips and Tricks

A little planning ahead of time will help you make the most of your next snorkeling vacation and leave the amateurs in your wake. Here are the most basic tips and tricks to remember:

1. Ensure your fullface snorkel mask fits comfortably and isn’t rubbing up against your nose or the bridge of your nose right between your eyes. 
2. The mask’s skirt should fit snugly around your face, with no gaps. Pulling the strap tighter to do this will not work. In fact, it will only cause the mask to leak and be uncomfortable to wear. 
3. The snorkel is attached to your mask and should be adjusted so that it fits in your mouth properly. 
4. When renting a snorkel, make sure the mouthpiece is not torn because a damaged mouthpiece may feel uncomfortable and difficult to grip. 
5. Lightly hold the mouthpiece with your teeth and seal your lips over it. 
6. If your swimming abilities aren’t up to standard, enroll in swimming classes at your local pool. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, improving your skills will help you in the water.

Proper Breathing Technique While Snorkeling

Many snorkelers simply stay on the surface and breathe via the snorkel while looking down. A few more proficient snorkelers try to venture into the skin diving area by plunging beneath the surface while holding their breath. By doing this, you wont be able to miss getting a closer look at the marine fauna, examine barrier reefs and other underwater features up close. 

If there is some water inside the snorkel, it is good to practice breathing with it. This circumstance is unavoidable, so getting used to it and being calm is a smart idea before venturing into deep water.

• Begin in shallow water where you can easily stand up
• Maintain an upright posture while bending your legs to sink to the roughly mid-forehead depth 
• Breathe in slowly and carefully so that you don’t inhale any water from the snorkel 
• Gradually suck air past the water. It will produce a bubbling gurgling sound, but it will allow you to take a full breath

How to Clear Water From Your Snorkel

If there is any water in your snorkel, it is very simple to remove. With a full breath, blow out as loudly and harshly as you can through your mouth. This exhalation will force water out of your snorkel. Inhale gently again and repeat if necessary. Remember that some snorkels contain self-draining valves that make emptying water considerably easier.

How to Stop Water From Getting Into Your Snorkel 

Choppy conditions and waves will splash water in from above, potentially getting into your snorkeling gear. The biggest culprit, though, is your head position. The temptation when snorkeling is to look directly down; doing so tips your head and lowers the end of the snorkel toward the water. However, when you look straight ahead, you tilt the snorkel backward, allowing water to enter more easily.

The correct head position for dryer snorkeling is to have your head slightly angled upwards and look at the reef a meter or so ahead of you. This technique will keep your snorkel more upright and less vulnerable to water getting in at the top.

How to Stop Your Mask From Fogging

You can do a few things to the mask lens to prevent fogging, including applying a drop of anti-fog solution. An Anti-Fog spray is an effective anti-fogging solution.

Snorkelers may also spit on the lens before putting on their masks and snorkels. The saliva will work as a natural anti-fog agent, allowing you to see well underwater for an extended period.

How to Let Out Water From The Mask While Snorkeling

This is a technique taught to scuba divers when they are scuba diving. Therefore, it’s a tried and tested method. You just simply press the top of your mask frame with your forefinger and thumb, or your palm, to keep the upper portion of your mask sealed to your forehead. Then, forcefully blow air down your nostrils. This air fills your mask, pushing the water out. You can do this while in or out of the water.

How to Move Around While Snorkeling

Once you’ve mastered proper positioning, you should be able to float face down in the water. This allows you to breathe effortlessly as well. You don’t have to kick to keep upright, so you’ll be able to relax, float, and conserve energy. If you wish to move around, you must use either your arms or your legs, or both. If you are not wearing swim fins, you can simply swim. If you’re wearing one, though, keep them below the water’s surface.

You can either flutter kick or frog kick; for the former, make sure the kicking motion comes from your hips rather than your knees. This is because your legs are stronger than your arms; you don’t need to utilize your arms if you’re wearing fins.

How to Dive Down When Snorkeling 

Snorkel Dive Step 1: Lie flat on the surface and kick forward but horizontally. 

Snorkel Dive Step 2: Let your arms hang down, 90 degrees to your body.

Snorkel Dive Step 3: When you’re ready, lean forward from the waist down into the water, aligning your arms and torso pointing downward. Your body and legs have now reached a 90-degree angle.

Snorkel Dive Step 4: Raise your legs as high as possible so that you are perfectly straight but pointing down as if attempting a handstand. Because your legs are hefty, they will pull your torso down.

Together with vertical posture, this weight will make the most difference in the fluency of your dives. Of course, you can assist by swimming down with your arms and then kicking with your legs after your feet are submerged, but your body position is critical. 

You’ll be surprised at how simple this is and how much it improves your snorkeling experience. To ensure your safety, dive in groups of two. One of you will remain on the surface, monitoring the other before switching. Ideally, you can bring a float with you to serve as a marker as well as a place to rest after your dive.

Holding Your Breath While Snorkeling

You must hold your breath while snorkeling underwater, limiting your dive time. You can increase your time by taking two or three deep, quiet breaths before your final one, which you will hold. Allow yourself time to recover once you surface before your next dive. If you feel faint or dizzy, don’t dive.

Relieving Ear Pressure While Snorkeling

You may feel pressure on your ears depending on the depth you reach. To alleviate this, pop your ears in the same way you would in a flight. Hold your nose closed and softly blow against it to do this. Do not use force; if you can’t do it simply and gently, stay shallower. It’s not easy in a head-down posture, especially if you’ve never done it before. Importantly, do not continue digging deeper and causing your ears to suffer.

Surfacing Properly During a Snorkel Dive

When you feel the desire to surface, swim up while spinning around so that you can see the surface from all angles. Raise one hand as if you were Superman to shield your head. If you tip your head back and exhale during your final meter of ascent, the air should clear your snorkel, allowing you to relax and breathe normally on the surface without lifting your head or kicking up. If your snorkel has a self-drain, this procedure may not be as effective as surface blast cleaning.

Staying Safe When Snorkeling

• Always snorkel with a companion and always stay together. That way, you’ll have someone to aid you, and someone will be aware that you’re gone.
• Use a surface marker if you’re in larger and deeper locations. There are markers available that also function as a flotation device and can transport snorkeling equipment, water, life vests, and snacks.
• Keep an eye on your surroundings and know where you are in the water. Wind, current, and sheer fun can rapidly cause you to lose track of your whereabouts.
• Wear a life jacket if you are a beginner. It will keep you safe and make you feel comfortable, allowing you to save energy while relaxing and enjoying the experience.
• If you’re going to be in a scorching climate, wear sunscreen. Wear a rash vest similar to a t-shirt but is meant for usage in the water. Get one that extends all the way to your wrists. A skinsuit, which is similar to a very thin wetsuit, provides the best protection.

Published Sept 21, 2021

Snorkeling in Florida is one of the most common leisure activities that locals and foreign tourists often enjoy. The perfect weather of the city makes everyone die for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Therefore, you should know the top beaches in Florida that you should go to if you plan to escape reality. With that said, you won’t have a hard time determining which place to go because you have the information you need in the back of your mind. 

If you observe the beaches in Florida, you will notice that it is like a palette of colors spreading across the beauty of the ocean. This is because it lies near a gulf and the Atlantic Ocean, making it an enchanting place to spend your vacation. Also, the water temperature in Florida beaches tends to be warm since it is in the middle of everything, which makes it better a thousand times more.

With that in mind, here are a few of the top beaches for snorkeling in Florida.

1. Middle Keys

Since it is located in a warm water region, it became one of the top-notch snorkel spots. However, keep in mind that reaching the middle keys may require you to ride a boat because it is in the middle of the beach and far from the seashore. Also, your snorkeling experience in the area will genuinely be memorable for you since the underwater scenery in the area is extremely colorful.

The Cheeca Rocks, Hen and Chickens, and Alligator Reef Lighthouse are a few of the venues that you can go to when you reach the island because of their jam-packed marine sceneries and tropical fishes that will leave you in awe. Keep in mind that tourist guides will accommodate you in the best way possible to have an ultimate experience of a lifetime.

3 Things To Do In Middle Keys:

• Diving
• Restaurant-hopping 
• Fishing 

2. Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its white-sand beaches and bright blue-colored body of water. Therefore, both local and foreign tourists go head over heels for this location because of its picturesque beauty that is not like any other. Moreover, the disaster turned into exquisite art can also be seen in the area since infrastructures that meet halfway between the water and the surface is the town’s main attraction. Also, this shipwreck makes the venue unique from any other place in the city because it is a great place to explore as the tourists snorkel. 

3 Things To Do In Dry Tortugas National Park:

• Sightseeing
• Diving
• Island Hopping

3. Coral Cove Park, Jupiter

The Coral Cove Park in Jupiter is a family-friendly location that the children often enjoy because of its sandy shorelines as lime rocks surround it. In addition, the natural design of the area makes it safe for people lingering around the seashore from being reached by big waves during high tides. Therefore, if your family is looking for a spot to bond and forget about the chaotic road of the city, then this place will suit you perfectly. It is a powerhouse area, and all you have to worry about is how to enjoy your time in the best way possible.

3 Things To Do In Coral Cove Park, Jupiter:

• Picnic
• Playground Bonding
• Dinner By The Beach

4. Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail

The Phil Foster Snorkel Trail is perfect for you and your friends to bond in, especially if you are indeed in love with snorkeling spots in Florida. It entails a manufactured snorkeling park recommended for every swimmer to visit, even the beginners. Thus, tour guides and professionals will be happy to accommodate you, and all you have to do is bring the needed snorkel gear and snorkel mask to enjoy the beauty of the place. Also, you will enjoy seeing various kinds of marine species since they linger around the area most of the time. With the beauty of rock formation below the ground, it will never be crowded on the shore.

3 Things To Do In Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail:

• Underwater Sightseeing
• Restaurant Hopping
• Souvenir Shopping

5. Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

The Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, is a perfect snorkeling trip for new snorkelers who would love to learn the sport in a peaceful place with subtle currents. Also, the view of the place will make you forget that you are starting the progress in the stated activity because it will genuinely give you peace of mind that no other place can ever offer. Therefore, it is best to book a hotel near the place so that you can enjoy the beauty of this sea life right away.

Published July 25, 2021

Simply told, the Bahamas boast some of the best snorkeling in the world. When mentioned in the press, the majority of these remarks focus on the undeniable high quality of the top Bahamian beaches and reefs, as well as the surprising sights it has, such as pink sands, golden shores, and swimming pigs. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, The Bahamas’ 700-plus islands are uniquely designed to impress. 

Of all the underwater sites on the planet, you won’t find ones that are as extraordinary as those in The Bahamas. 

When snorkeling in The Bahamas, it’s critical to understand that your experience will vary depending on the place you choose. You’ll see plenty of tropical fish and coral in some regions, while more exotic sea life such as seahorses, angelfish, and lionfish may be found in others. Additionally, you might see a variety of sea turtles, squid, and small stingrays. To know which place is best for you, we’ve compiled 10 sites that offer the best snorkeling in Nassau.

Where is the best place to go snorkeling?

In general, The Bahamas is an excellent snorkeling destination, with hundreds of beaches spread over the tropical archipelago’s numerous islands. Nassau is home to some of the most accessible dive sites and reefs, which are teeming with beautiful underwater life. If you’d rather avoid the hassle of picking, you can book a tour through resorts or a tour operator who can guide you to some of the most incredible Nassau snorkeling sites. All beaches in The Bahamas are open to everyone, so you must have your own equipment if you go alone. While the view from the coast may not be spectacular, most beaches in Nassau provide an optimal snorkeling experience. If you have friends or relatives who own boats, you’re in luck because you’ll be able to explore some incredible spots for free!

What sites offer the best snorkeling in Nassau?

1. Adelaide Beach

Adelaide beach is located on New Providence Island’s south-western coast. This beach’s pristine and warm waters make it ideal for snorkeling. It is accessible by bus, car, or foot if you stay within reasonable walking distance. Many visitors report that this beach has a more ‘out island’ vibe than other beaches in Nassau, owing to its lower visitor traffic. The feeling of being on an ‘out island’ is more frequently linked with islands located outside of Nassau. During the week, this beach is generally deserted, leaving lots of areas for exploration. On weekends, this place tends to be more populated by locals. Adelaide Beach is ideal for novice snorkelers, as its shallow waters contribute to the beach’s family-friendly designation. While it may not be the finest location for rare underwater sightings, you are certain to see something interesting!

2. Cable Beach 

Cable Beach is an excellent spot for snorkeling in Nassau since you can rent snorkeling equipment directly on the beach. It is situated on the northern coast of Nassau’s western part and is reasonably easy to find whether you take a taxi, drive, or walk. Cable Beach is one of The Bahamas’ most popular beaches. If you are fortunate enough to locate an excellent day to visit, you may expect spectacular snorkeling enhanced by the quiet and beautiful seas. If you’re ready to explore, you’ll discover a few coral heads on this beach, and you’ll be able to swim right into a whole new world of marine life.

3. Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach is easily accessible from the northeast coast of Paradise Island. It also includes a variety of aquatic adventures that will ensure your beach day is a blast, even if you’ve come solely to snorkel. Moreover, it is surrounded by numerous bars, hotels, and restaurants, but there are also some quiet areas with excellent snorkeling. Take the stairs down to the beach, turn right towards the rocky headland, and you’ll find an excellent snorkeling site with plenty of potential sightings. 

4. Love Beach

Love Beach is pristine, gorgeous, and inviting for snorkeling enthusiasts. It is easily accessible on New Providence’s western-north shore. It is one of the less busy beaches in Nassau and is not very shaded, though you are unlikely to notice since you will most likely spend the majority of your day exploring what lurks beneath the calm azure waters. Love Beach is an excellent location for a day of snorkeling, with possible sightings of parrotfish, damselfish, angelfish, reef butterflyfish, grey and yellowtail snapper, and lionfish between the shoreline and the reef.

5. Clifton Heritage Park

Within the Clifton Heritage Park, you’ll discover the famous Jaws Beach, which was featured in ‘Jaws the Revenge’ (1987), a movie that probably scared lots of civilians from stepping foot into the ocean. Thankfully, most of us have forgotten about these Hollywood scars. Here there are no great white sharks. On the contrary, fish seem pretty friendly. If you float quietly for a minute, you may find yourself surrounded by different varieties. We’re sure though, that you’d love to keep your goggles on and explore the undersea. 

Clifton Heritage Park is located off New Providence’s western end. Just off the coast, you may find a gigantic underwater sculpture –– Ocean Atlas –– which is known as the world’s largest at 18 feet tall. It was made by Jason deCaires Taylor and, what’s more, is part of the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden. However, you may want to change from snorkeling to scuba diving to fully explore this underwater feature.

6. Gambier Deep Reef

Some of Nassau’s most popular snorkeling destinations may charge a fee. This specifically refers to as part of a tour that leads you to the ideal place. This is not always a negative thing, since it may save you time from attempting to figure things out and looking for places on your own. Gambier Deep Reef is one of these places, located on New Providence Island’s northwestern coast. It is not one of the beaches accessible by taxi or car — it is only accessible by boat. The breathtaking snorkeling spot is located approximately nine kilometers from downtown Nassau. The reef itself descends approximately 80 feet, which appeals to scuba divers. Moreover, snorkelers will be equally pleased with the sights and variety of fish found in the top region of the coral reef.

7. Goulding Cay Reef

Snorkeling, in its purest form, is the exploration of marine life’s habitats. Reefs are frequently vibrant and lively, and can frequently appear to be entirely distinct worlds. This is how a visit to Goulding Cay Reef feels like; it is like exploring something so strange that it’s difficult to believe it exists. Goulding Cay is located on the western tip of New Providence, less than an hour from downtown Nassau. This shallow reef is popular with both novice and professional snorkelers and has previously been recognized as one of the world’s top shallow water snorkeling destinations. The reef is primarily composed of elkhorn coral, and it is surrounded by an abundance of fish. The shallow depth of this reef makes it suited for all ages and facilitates interaction with the rich marine species present here.

8. Rose Island Reef

The Rose Island Reef is another reef that can be accessible only by boat while in Nassau. Snorkelers of all levels agree that this site, located around three miles east of Paradise Island, is not to be missed. Indeed, many believe that snorkeling here ranks highly on a global scale, not simply in the Caribbean. Top three for a reason; shallower reef compared to most, making it easier to explore while discovering the best of the ocean’s wildlife. Not only will you find tropical fish here, but also two shipwrecks – The Mahoney and The Alcora – that are well-known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Because Rose Island is a rather distant beach, you’re more likely to have the beach to yourself unless you join a tour.

9. The Andros Barrier Reef

With a length of 190 miles, the Andros Barrier Reef is one of the most popular diving destinations in The Bahamas. It is highly recommended for Nassau snorkeling, as it is the world’s third-largest reef complex. It is located west and south of New Providence Island, parallel to Andros Island. Due to the fact that the Andros Barrier Reef is only accessible by boat, you must arrange a tour in advance. The reef stretches for around 124 miles and is divided into zones such as the shallow lagoon (which includes mangrove areas), the back reef, and the inner fore reef. This site is home to approximately 150 kinds of fish, including tarpons, marlins, tunas, sailfish, and snappers, as well as numerous coral species. Additionally, the Andros Barrier Reef has the Tongue of the Ocean ‘drop-off,’ a submerged cliff approximately 65 feet below the surface that extends 6,000 feet over the edge. The travel duration from Nassau to Andros is approximately two hours via fast ferry, which costs around $45 for each trip. 

10. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

It’s difficult to find a better snorkeling location in The Bahamas than Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It is a popular alternative for travelers to the islands looking for an all-encompassing snorkeling experience that also includes other side attractions within a 22-mile-long park. The famous 176-square-mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is home to multiple blue holes that contain freshwater, land and sea caves, and numerous awe-inspiring underwater drop-offs. This celebrity-inspiring setting has served as the backdrop for films such as James Bond’s ‘Thunderball‘ and ‘Never Say Never Again‘. Both were taken at the Thunderball Grotto marine grotto, which is a must-see for anyone snorkeling in this area. When it comes to snorkeling, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park are exceptional! The travel duration from Nassau to Staniel Cay, Exuma, is approximately 2.5 hours via fast boat, which costs approximately $45 for each trip.