Snorkeling: 30+ Things to Know

30+ Useful Information and Curiosities About Snorkeling

Snorkeling: what it is, how to do it, and how to practice it safely

Snorkeling has a very ancient origin; for ages, humans have been exploring the sea from the surface with interest. Here is a brief guide to snorkeling where you will find useful information for a fun and safe snorkeling excursion.

1. What is snorkeling?

Snorkeling is a very popular and exciting water sport that consists of observing underwater life with a mask and snorkel while remaining at the surface. It is a simple sport suitable for all ages.

2. What does it mean to go snorkeling?

Snorkeling means lying face down on the water's surface using a mask and snorkel to admire the wonders of the underwater environment.

The meaning of the word snorkeling is derived from the English word “snorkel” which means mouthpiece/vent, the tube used to breathe with the face submerged in water.

The purpose of snorkeling is not to swim fast but to observe the scenery and the life of the fish.

3. How difficult is it to snorkel?

Snorkeling is very easy and fun. If you are a beginner, rely on the experience of a guide who will take you to the most beautiful snorkeling spots and provide you with all the necessary information to do this activity safely. It will be a truly enjoyable experience!

4. Why go snorkeling?

Snorkeling is a relaxing activity that allows you to reconnect and strengthen your bond with nature. This water sport is practiced in the water and awakens the “forgotten sensations” we experienced before birth.

5. What equipment do you need for snorkeling?

The minimum equipment needed for snorkeling consists of a mask, snorkel, fins, and a signaling buoy; a short wetsuit (shorty) may also be useful.

• the mask: a fundamental component of snorkeling equipment that allows you to see underwater;
• the snorkel: a rubber or plastic tube used to breathe with your face submerged in water;
• the fins: allow you to move agilely in the water like a fish; fins provide resistance to water that allows you to advance with less effort;
• the wetsuit: depending on latitude and the time of year, you can use a short wetsuit – shorty – or a long wetsuit to avoid feeling cold;
• the signaling buoy: to indicate your presence in the water and, if necessary, as a buoyancy aid.

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The wetsuit is generally not mandatory but is really very useful:

1. to protect against the loss of body heat;

2. as a buoyancy aid;

3. to protect the body in case of accidental collisions.

Even if it’s warm, don’t snorkel without a wetsuit.

6. Why do you need a mask to see underwater?

Have you ever tried putting your head underwater in a bathtub while keeping your eyes open? You can’t see very clearly! So the right question is “Why does everything look blurry underwater?“

Underwater, things appear blurry because our eyes need air to see clearly; that’s how our eyes work!

The purpose of the mask is to create a small space of air between our eyes and what we’re looking at underwater; without this space, our eyes cannot focus.

7. How do you use the mask?

This is a point of fundamental importance because if the mask is not appropriate, it’s harder to snorkel.
Before you start snorkeling, it’s important to:

• Try the mask: place the mask on your face (without putting the strap around your neck) and inhale through your nose. If the mask adheres to your face and doesn’t fall off, it means it fits well to the shape of your face. It’s the right one!
• Adjust the strap: it should not be too tight or too loose; when in doubt, prefer loose. Often, people think it’s better to tighten a lot to prevent water from entering the mask; actually, the tighter you pull the strap, the more water enters. If you tighten it too much, it will leave a noticeable mark on your face for a few minutes.

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Remember that the tighter you make the mask strap, the more water will enter!

• Apply anti-fog treatment: you need to know that when you use the mask, the glass fogs up so you can’t see anything; that’s why it’s necessary to apply an anti-fog treatment. Before wetting the mask, you should put saliva on the inside of the glass and spread it well; in slang, it’s called 😜 “spitting on the mask.” This operation may seem disgusting but is really very useful to prevent the mask from fogging.

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VERY IMPORTANT the mask must be dry when you perform the anti-fogging operation,

There are also anti-fog sprays available on the market, but nothing works better than saliva.

8. Can I wear prescription glasses while snorkeling?

There are no masks that can be worn with prescription glasses; if you have vision problems, you can wear contact lenses.

Consider that if your issue is mild (you don't have severe vision problems), you will probably have no difficulty seeing because the correction factor of the water tends to make things appear 25% closer and about 30% bigger. That’s why fishermen say they’ve caught enormous fish!

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If you become passionate about snorkeling, you can purchase masks with prescription lenses suited to your needs.

9. Why do you need a snorkel for snorkeling?

The snorkel allows you to breathe comfortably while lying on the surface of the water without having to lift your head continuously to get air. Snorkeling without a snorkel is really uncomfortable.

10. How do you use a snorkel for snorkeling?

The snorkel for snorkeling must be comfortable and of the appropriate size for your mouth. Kids' snorkels are not suitable for adults and vice versa. A snorkel that is too large can cause cramps in the cheeks, while a snorkel that is too small is uncomfortable and lets water in.

After finding a snorkel of proper size, it is necessary to check that the mouthpiece (the teeth) on the snorkel is intact. These mouthpieces are necessary for correctly positioning the snorkel in your mouth and to prevent water from entering.

The correct use of the snorkel involves gently biting the mouthpiece – squeezing it gently with your teeth without biting too hard – and then sealing the surrounding area with your lips. “Fish mouth”

11. Can you breathe underwater with a snorkel?

Snorkeling is done swimming at the surface with your face down using fins, mask, and snorkel. So the snorkel is used to breathe underneath while staying at the surface. To dive deeper underwater, it is necessary to use a regulator and tank, but this activity is different from snorkeling.

12. Why do you need fins for snorkeling?

Fins are used to move like a fish because the resistance they offer to the water allows you to advance with less effort.

🏆 TIP
When snorkeling, you should proceed slowly to see everything and enjoy the experience fully. If you go fast, you will miss most of the fun!

13. How do you use fins?

The fins must be of the correct size; if they are too loose, you risk losing them, and if they are too tight, they can hurt your feet and nails.

To check if the fins are the right size:

wear ONE fin, check that it is not too tight and place your foot with the fin on the ground;
move forward with the foot not wearing the fin, as if taking a step.
If the fin doesn’t come off, it’s the right size!

The technique generally used for finning is “freestyle,” so scissors kicking with your legs. To not strain your back too much, it’s better to also engage your abdominal muscles. When you use freestyle fins while snorkeling, try not to bend your knees; it’s important to keep your legs straight to make the finning effective without excessive energy loss.

Another type of finning generally reserved for professionals is “frog kick,” which is very useful if you have back discomfort but is not suitable for those with knee problems. If you are a beginner, I suggest using the “freestyle” technique; it will be easier and more comfortable.

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To avoid damaging the environment and ruining the equipment, do not rest the fins on the bottom and do not move them too quickly when near rocks. Moving fins on the bottom could stir up a “cloud of sand” that, besides obscuring everything, could harm the flora and fauna.

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Do not walk with fins on; if you need to take a few steps, it’s better to walk backward to avoid tripping.

14. Why do you use a wetsuit for snorkeling?

The wetsuit is used to protect against the cold and from impacts, as well as to help with buoyancy. Snorkeling is not a speed sport; movements are not fast, so without a wetsuit, it’s easy to feel cold. Also, consider that in water, the body cools 20 times faster than in air, so a wetsuit is always useful.

15. How do you wear a wetsuit for snorkeling?

The wetsuit should be of proper size; if too tight, it is uncomfortable, and if too loose, it allows too much water circulation and does not warm you.

The wetsuit should be worn just before entering the water because it keeps you very warm. This is a very important indication because, especially on summer days, it helps to avoid excessive sweating, potential dehydration, or even heat stroke.

16. Can you wear a life jacket for snorkeling?

Sure, if you wish, you can wear a life jacket over your wetsuit. Keep in mind that the wetsuit allows you to float easily, so it may not be necessary.

17. Why do you use a buoy for snorkeling?

The “diver's buoy” is a colored balloon, usually red or orange, with a red flag with a white stripe across it. People in the water must remain within a radius of 50 meters from the flag, preferably closer. The flag indicates that boats must stay at least 100 meters away.

Sometimes the buoy may be replaced or supplemented by a flag placed on the support boat.

The signaling buoy or buoy is essential to indicate the presence of people in the water and is also useful for resting.

18. How do you use the diver's buoy?

The balloon is equipped with a floating line that allows you to pull the balloon while snorkeling. It is important that the buoy is close to the group and that the snorkelers remain in a compact formation.

The balloon is usually carried by the snorkeling guide, which is also useful to quickly locate the guide if you want to signal something interesting to see.

19. Do I need water shoes for snorkeling?

No, water shoes are only necessary for walking and are not suitable for swimming or snorkeling at all.

During snorkeling, your feet do not touch the bottom, so fins are used to move easily in the water.

20. Is it necessary to have personal snorkeling gear?

It is not necessary to have all your own equipment; it is generally included in the price of the snorkeling excursion. Centers that conduct snorkeling tours have equipment of all sizes and models suitable for beginners. In many cases, after trying it in the water, if you wish, you can also purchase it.

Once you have learned to snorkel, you will want to have your own equipment that fits your body and needs; until then, you can rent it and try all the available models.

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If you have your own mask, rinse it with fresh water after each use. If you don't use it for long periods, store it in a cool, dry, and dark place to preserve the rubber/silicone.

21. How do you clear a mask underwater?

During the snorkeling tour, you may not need to perform this operation because you will spend most of the time on the water's surface without diving down.

However, it can be useful to know that you can clear the mask underwater by looking up and blowing air from your nose. The bubbles that escape allow you to eliminate the water that enters the mask.

22. Do you use tanks for snorkeling?

No, snorkeling is a surface water sport that requires the use of a mask and snorkel to see the underwater landscape.

There is no need to hold your breath – apnea – and no diving tanks are used.

23. Is snorkeling safe even if you can’t swim?

In general, it is not necessary to be a proficient swimmer or know all swimming strokes to snorkel, since the equipment – wetsuit and buoy – aid in buoyancy. However, it is necessary to have a good comfort level with the water and know the basics of swimming.

24. Does snorkeling help you lose weight?

Snorkeling is a water sport in which you generally move slowly. Certainly, the movement in the water combined with the calorie expenditure to maintain body temperature is an excellent daily workout.

Regular snorkeling combined with a balanced diet and proper hydration contributes to maintaining ideal weight. Snorkeling is also a relaxing activity that helps the mind escape from daily routines and reach a state of mindfulness.

25. How deep is the water where snorkeling is done?

Snorkeling is generally done in shallow water, near beaches, islands, reefs, and cliffs. There are some special cases where snorkeling is done in deeper waters, such as when spotting pelagic fish, but this is expressly indicated in the activity description.

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The shallower the water, the easier it is to spot all the small animals that inhabit our wonderful sea.

26. What are the best places for snorkeling in Sardinia?

As you may have understood by now: if there is sea, you can snorkel. Everywhere in the sea, there is something interesting to see while snorkeling.

There are areas considered of particular environmental relevance and therefore particularly interesting for eco-tourism activities including snorkeling.

Below is a list of parks and Protected Natural Areas, Parks, and Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia (sources sardegnaambiente.it, parks.it) related to activities to do at sea, where to go snorkeling or sea watching activities:

National Parks in Sardinia:

• La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (North Sardinia – Arzachena, Palau, Cannigione);
• Asinara National Park (North Sardinia – Sassari, Porto Torres, Stintino);
• Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park (East Sardinia – Gulf of Orosei, Dorgali, Cala Gonone).

Regional Parks of Sardinia:

• Porto Conte Regional Park (Northwest Sardinia – Alghero);
• Molentargius Regional Park (South Sardinia – Cagliari).

Marine Protected Areas of Sardinia

• Protected Marine Area Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo (Northeast Sardinia – Olbia);
• Protected Marine Area Capo Caccia – Isola Piana (Northwest Sardinia – Alghero);
• Protected Marine Area Capo Carbonara (South Sardinia – Cagliari, Villasimius);
• Protected Marine Area Capo Testa – Punta Falcone (North Sardinia – Santa Teresa Gallura);
• Protected Marine Area Penisola del Sinis – Isola Mal di Ventre (West Sardinia – Oristano);
• Sanctuary for Marine Mammals (France Italy, Liguria – Tuscany – Corsica – Sardinia).

Natural Monuments in Sardinia

• Natural Monument Punta Goloritzè (East Sardinia – Baunei, Gulf of Orosei, Dorgali, Cala Gonone).

27. Where is the best place to snorkel: sand, rock, or seagrass?

There is something to see everywhere; you just need to know how to look.

In the Mediterranean Sea, you can find multiple interesting scenarios for snorkeling, each with its own peculiarities.

The main underwater scenes you will visit while snorkeling are:

Snorkeling on sand: this substrate may initially seem uninteresting, as the animals that live in the sand generally blend in well, but to an attentive eye, the sand reveals its explosion of life. You can find many animals on the sand including the comb jelly, the holothurian, the sand sole, the starfish, the sand eel, the whiting, the stingray, the sand crab, and the sand urchin which is difficult to see as it lives burrowed. During night snorkeling excursions, you may encounter the Balearic grouper, a common nighttime sight that is always very striking.

Snorkeling on rocks and pebbles: a truly interesting environment to explore where you can admire incredible varieties of both animal and plant species. Among the rocks, animals find refuge, so peeking into the crevices, you might see the scad, crabs, shells, urchins, and starfish. Among the fish, you might spot the moray eel, the grouper, the corvina, the mullet, and the Apogon or Royal Sandeel that live under the rocks. You can also see stretches of sea umbrellas – Acetabularia acetabulum – the unicellular algae visible to the naked eye. You can admire green algae and brown algae, noticing the difference in vegetation between the sunny upper part of the rocks and the shaded part below.

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Try not to touch anything and be particularly careful when using the fins; with a little movement, you could destroy work that nature has done over thousands of years.

Snorkeling in seagrass meadows: the meadows of Posidonia oceanica are a concentration of life; the leaves, stems, and roots of this aquatic plant serve as a huge nursery where animals find food and shelter from predators. Among the fish, you can certainly spot the salpa – a vegetarian fish that spends its day grazing in schools – the bream, the damselfish, and on the luckiest days, maybe the needlefish. On the leaves of posidonia, you can also find nudibranchs, small stars, and eggs patiently laid. Remember that in the water, you often "don't see what you don't know" because there are animals with the most varied shapes and colors that resemble a plant, a flower, or a cucumber.

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STAY CLOSE TO THE GUIDE; an experienced snorkeling guide will show you a spot that initially seems empty, but then, as you approach, the wonders of the sea will magically appear.

28. What do benthos, necton, and plankton mean?

Benthos: these are all aquatic organisms that live attached to the seabed. Examples of benthic animals that spend part or all of their lives on the sea floor include the sea tomato (fig. 1), sole, sea urchin, and starfish.

Necton: these are all animals that live and actively move in the water column. Examples of nectonic animals are bogue (fig. 2), tuna, greater amberjack, and bream.

Plankton: all organisms, both animal and plant, that live suspended in the water without being able to oppose wave motion and currents. Examples of planktonic organisms are jellyfish (fig. 3), Talya democratica, and the Venus girdle, as well as krill.

The difference between plankton and necton is that necton can resist waves and currents while plankton is at their mercy. During the snorkeling excursion, you will certainly see specimens belonging to all three categories.

29. What is the difference between algae and plants?

Aquatic plants have roots, stems, leaves, and produce flowers and fruits, just like terrestrial plants.

Seaweeds are organisms "thallus" which means that their body is not differentiated into tissues; algae do not have leaves, stems, or roots, and they do not produce flowers or fruits.

Posidonia oceanica is a vital marine plant for coastal conservation because its roots hold the soil, preventing coastal erosion. Additionally, many animals find shelter among its leaves where they can reproduce and populate the sea.

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Do not tear leaves and plants; just like in the mountains, plants are very important because they hold the soil with their roots.

30. What is the difference between sole and flounder?

When they are born, these little fish have a "normal" symmetry—one eye on the left, one eye on the right, and the mouth in the middle. During development, the fish lies on the seafloor, and the eye facing the sand migrates closer to the other one, just like the mouth. The result is that as adults, flounder and sole live with one side flat on the seafloor and have eyes and mouth on the side of their body facing the water. Sole have both eyes and the mouth on the right side, while flounders do so on the left side.

31. Are there strange animals that look like flowers?

In the sea, there are many animals with incredible shapes and colors. On land, we are used to:

plants that live with their roots grounded in the soil from which they draw nutrients
animals that move, walk, fly, crawl, in short, they relocate to find food.

In water, our idea of animals and plants is somewhat overturned because in the sea, there are many animals that live sedentarily attached to a substrate (rocks, sand). These animals can live their lives without moving because the water, which has a higher density than air, brings food right in front of their mouths. Therefore, animals in the sea can take on different shapes from what we are accustomed to and may even resemble plants, flowers, or leaves. Some are so different from expectations that "if you don't know them, you won't see them".

32. Can I collect sand and shells while snorkeling?

No, it is not allowed to take anything from the sea and in many areas, it is prohibited by law.

Consider that if everyone took away shells or sand, there wouldn’t be much left to see.

🍀 ECOTIP
Snorkeling is an ecological activity in full contact with nature: “take only memories and leave only bubbles.”