TIPS ON HOW TO SNORKEL IN THE RIVIERA MAYA (AND ANYWHERE ELSE YOU CAN SWIM)

Good tips for snorkelers

Snorkeling is one of the best experiences to tick off your bucket list. And snorkeling in the Caribbean with its calm, clear waters and living reefs full of coral and fish — ahh!

It’s one of the main the reasons why expats end up here. Everyone falls in love with the water, above on the beaches and underneath with the fishes!

Snorkeling involves swimming and breathing through equipment. Your comfort, fitness, skill and the conditions all matter; tell the crew if you are new to it.

FLOTATION DEVICE

Tell the guide about your swimming ability before entering. Use properly fitted flotation as instructed; a water noodle is not a substitute for appropriate safety equipment.

WETSUITS (OPTIONAL)

A properly fitted wetsuit can provide warmth and cover skin, but it does not replace required flotation or remove water hazards.

REEF-FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN 

Use sun-protective swimwear and follow the site’s sunscreen rules. “Organic” wording is not proof that a product cannot affect a reef. NOAA explains sunscreen and marine-life considerations.

MASK & SNORKEL

Snorkel equipment is available for the relevant H2OH snorkeling charter. Confirm the route, package and equipment before booking.

If you get into it, buy your own set to take with you whenever you travel. Saves you rental costs! And the fit will be even better.

How to fit your mask, snorkel and fins:

• Choose a mask that fits comfortably without pressing painfully on your face. Ask the guide to check the seal.
• Try the mask before entering the water. Hair caught beneath the seal can cause leaks; do not rely on appearance alone to judge the fit.
• Check the mask’s seal and comfort with the guide. Facial hair can affect the seal, but fit should be checked individually.
• Now try the straps. The fit should be snug, not tight. The straps should sit high on your head. If they rest on your ears, that will be painful.
• Try it with a snorkel. Put your snorkel in your mouth. This is enough to shift your face muscles, but it shouldn’t break the seal/suction of your mask. If it does, try another one.
• Look for semi-dry/dry snorkels. They have splash guards or a valve at the top that seals when your snorkel goes underwater, and a purge valve at the bottom so you can easily blow water out. Don’t forget, the snorkel mouthpiece should be comfortable in your mouth.
• Use a suitable mask defogger according to its instructions. Keep it away from your eyes and follow the guide’s preparation advice.
• If your mask leaks or you are uncomfortable, stop and signal the guide rather than continuing without clear vision.
• Avoid improvised no-rinse soap instructions. Use a product intended for mask preparation and follow its label.
• Fins. Like your mask, your fins should fit comfortably. Snug, not tight. The big fins may look awesome in the movies, but that’s for experienced swimmers. They require a lot of muscle to use. Opt for smaller fins.

PRACTICE SNORKELING

When you’re familiar with it, it keeps you relaxed. You enjoy the water, instead of worrying if you’re doing things right.

Get used to your snorkel. Don’t bite. Rest your teeth on your snorkel. Avoid a sore jaw by staying relaxed.

Ask the guide to demonstrate clearing the mask and snorkel in a suitable supervised setting before heading away from the boat.

• Simply get out of the water and let the water out.
• A mask is cleared by gently exhaling through your nose, not your mouth. Ask for a demonstration; stop and get help if you cannot clear it comfortably.

Practice at the surface in suitable calm water with supervision. Stop if you become tired, breathless or uncomfortable.

• Keep the snorkel upright. Get help from a friend with more experience. At H2Oh, we help you out with this!
• Gently kick with your fins to get yourself moving. That’s it! You’re snorkeling!

Practice looking around. Get familiar with your mask and your surroundings. You lose some of your peripheral vision because of the mask. Always look around so you don’t bump into other snorkelers.

SNORKELING SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE

When you head out with us, we go in groups with guides, so stay close. Or if you’ve chosen a beach, make sure you have a spotter or a lifeguard, or better yet a buddy system and only go out together. Watch out for flags or anything indicating rough conditions. You may see whitecaps or heavy winds, red flags or yellow flags.

Currents, waves and marine hazards can occur in the Riviera Maya too. Follow local flags and the captain’s assessment; skip entry when conditions are unsuitable.

Touch nothing and take nothing. Even a shell can look harmless — but if everyone took just one tiny shell, what would be left? 

Touching nothing applies to your feet as much as your hands. Be careful to swim a safe distance so you don’t kick corals. This could damage your skin and your fins. But the damage to the coral is worse. Corals are living creatures and so essential to marine life. It’s up to us to preserve them. It’s so tempting to touch them, but don’t. It can poison them.  

Do not stand on or kick coral. Give the reef space and use the guide’s directions when you need to rest.

Every creature deserves its personal space. Don’t go too near. If they’re used to people, they’d come to you instead! Let them, but don’t stress them with cuddles. Remember, no touching.

No feeding either. It turns out that feeding fish creates havoc on the ecosystem. Think about it. If certain species are too full from feedings, they won’t eat the creatures they’re supposed to eat, and they’re supposed to eat those so they have the nutrients needed by those that eat them.  And so on. It has a rippling effect. 

Photograph wildlife from a respectful distance without feeding, baiting, touching or chasing it.

MOST OF ALL…

Take breaks, stay with the guided group and drink water. Protect exposed skin; being in the water does not prevent sunburn.

When you get back aboard with us, one of the crew can get you a water to enjoy while you think of all you experienced. 

Any jumping or other water activity must be allowed by the captain for that yacht and the current conditions.

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