Experience the thrill of a lifetime with snorkeling, which lets you explore the ocean close-up to all the underwater action. If you crave adventure, give snorkeling a try this summer. However, it’s not as simple as grabbing your gear and jumping in. Learning in advance will help you make the most of your snorkeling experience.

Common First-Time Snorkeling Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Prevent Your Mask From Leaking

Leaking face masks understandably provoke a lot of fear in beginners. Thankfully, this common mistake is easy to avoid. Before you join your boat tour, examine the various mask sizes and shapes. The right size can be adjusted to your face for maximum comfort and safety. 

Get Quality Equipment

• Snorkel: Some beginners don’t know what to look for in their snorkel mask, which could result in water puddling in your snorkel when you test it out in the water. Try a snorkel with a specialized purge valve at the bottom so you can easily blow out excess water.
• Fins: You want your fins to be comfortable since they’re your underwater shoes to explore beneath the waves. Feet shrink a bit underwater, so aim for a snug fit. You don’t want loose fins to fall off. Quality fins will aid your swimming propulsion. 

Stay Relaxed

Beginning snorkelers often get exhausted, so swim slowly to avoid fatigue. You don't want to tire yourself out and miss out on the sights. Go with the flow and you might even get to see turtles drifting along or schools of colorful fish darting around the reef.

Know Your Limit

Never feel pressured to swim too far or go out too deep. There is no set length a beginner should travel, so stay where you’re comfortable. If you prefer starting shallow or swimming to a set point, let your guides know this. Snorkeling is all about practice, and once you master the basics, you’ll catch on quickly.

Want to try snorkeling? Head out on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion with Dolphin Excursions Hawaii in Waianae. An experienced staff of marine biologists and naturalists will teach you the basics as you explore the most magnificent shorelines along the West Coast of Oahu, view ocean life like spinner dolphins and Hawaiian green sea turtles, and enjoy breathtaking seascapes on boat tours. Visit the website to learn more, or call (808) 239-5579 to book your tour today!