Snorkeling gear is not complicated. There is only a short list of necessities: snorkel, mask and fins. You might also want to get a life vest if you are unsure about swimming in the area you plan to explore.
You can easily find snorkeling sets with basic gear to get you ready to go. Sets are a good place to start but if you are looking for an upgrade, here are some general tips on what to consider when buying new snorkeling gear.
Fins help propel us through water faster and keep us from depleting our energy. Without fins we have to work harder to stay afloat. There are many different types of fins but generally, there are two main types of fins suitable for snorkeling: full foot / closed-heel / full-pocket fins and open-heeled / half-pocket fins.
The full foot fins will enclose the entire foot. When sized correctly they stay on well, also they are usually cheaper and more lightweight.
Half-pocket fins have an adjustable strap that’s goes around the heel, this is useful if multiple people with varying foot sizes will be using the fins. Half-pocket fins are usually less secure and have more potential to slip off in the water. Regardless of the type of fin you choose, it is important to try them on and make sure they fit snugly. Fins feel tight when on but you should always be able to wiggle your toes.
It is important that the “skirt” of the mask fit properly, the skirt is the soft rubber responsible for making a water tight seal to you face. If it does not seal properly you can count on leakage and fogging issues. The nasal area is important that it be large enough to fit the particular size our your nose, this is one of the main areas of mask leakage.
Lenses come in different materials but plastic has a tendency to crack under pressure and is prone to discoloration as well as other obstructions.
Tempered glasses lenses are durable and let in more light for clearer visibility. If ultraviolet light is an issue, you can find snorkeling goggles with UV protection. Also, corrective lenses can be made specifically for compatible masks. Here are some great snorkeling mask options for corrective lenses.
There are two basic types of snorkels, open top and dry top. There are other types but they will vary slightly based on these two.
Open top snorkels are strictly used in freediving and scuba because they do not trap air inside which would increase buoyancy. Open top snorkel can be used for snorkelers and are standard issue when renting gear, it’s good practice to learn how to use them but the open top lets water splash inside and can be frustrating to use on the water surface.
Dry top snorkels are an alternative for snorkelers because they do not let water splash in, or when submerged, due to a purge valve in the tube that plugs the top opening.
When snorkeling in Cozumel the water temperature of the water within the first 20 ft will average around 82°F (28°C). It is not necessary to wear a wetsuit at all, especially not more than 1-3mm thickness if you only plan to stay within this snorkeling depth. However, overexposure to tropical sunlight can reveal short- and long-term harmful effects to skin.
Wearing UV protective clothing like rash guards and surf leggings can protect your skin and substitute in areas where you would normally have to apply and re-apply sunscreen.
Wearing protective clothing also reduces the amount of sunscreen that eventually wears off in these delicate reef habitats. Normally you can find rash guards and surf leggings in less than 1mm thickness.
They are stretchy and comfortable to wear, they also come in bright colors which helps you stand out in the water if you were even lost at sea. You may also find yourself in an ecological zone that does not permit the use of any sunscreen. In this case, it is helpful to already have an alternate option to protect your skin.
Most places do allow sunscreen. Some require sunscreen to be “reef safe” while other places do not have any mandatory requirements. We should strive to protect the reefs since it is just as easy to find non-toxic sunscreen. It is best to look for biodegradable, mineral-based products that do not contain oxybenzone which has proven to harm coral and fish. Stream2Sea Sunscreen is a great option and can be purchased here.
No matter how clear the water you are in, you are bound to experience fogging in your mask at some point. There are some mask prepping tips to consider to prevent fog. To start, use a plant based biopolymer product like FogKicker to coat the inside of your mask lenses so you don’t have to deal with the problem while you are in the water.
