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 interested in exploring the sea from the surface. Here’s a brief guide to snorkeling where you can find useful information to enjoy a fun and safe snorkeling excursion.
1. What is snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a very popular and exciting water sport that involves observing underwater life using a mask and snorkel while remaining at the surface. It’s a simple sport suitable for all ages.
2. What does it mean to snorkel?
To snorkel means to lie face down on the surface of the water, 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 refers to the tube used for breathing while your face is submerged.
The purpose of snorkeling is not to swim fast, but to observe the scenery and fish life.
3. How difficult is it to snorkel?
Snorkeling is very easy and fun. If you’re 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 information needed to do this activity safely. It will be a truly enjoyable experience!
4. Why snorkel?
Snorkeling is a relaxing activity that allows you to reconnect and strengthen your bond with nature. This water sport is practiced in 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; it might also be useful to have a short wetsuit.
- the mask: a fundamental component of snorkeling equipment that allows you to see underwater;
- the snorkel: a rubber or plastic tube used for breathing with the face submerged in water;
- the fins: allow for agile movement in the water like a fish; fins provide resistance against the water, enabling 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 keep warm;
- the signaling buoy: to signal presence in the water and, if necessary, as a buoyancy aid.
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The wetsuit is generally not required but is very useful:
1. to protect against heat loss;
2. as a buoyancy aid;
3. to protect the body in case of accidental impacts.
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 with your eyes open? You can’t see very well! So the right question is, “Why does everything look blurry underwater?“
Underwater, everything looks blurry because our eyes need air to see clearly; this is how our eyes function!
The purpose of the mask is to create a small air space between our eyes and what we’re looking at underwater; without this space, our eyes can't focus.
7. How do you use the mask?
This is a crucial point because if the mask is not appropriate, it will be harder to see.
Before starting to snorkel, it’s important to:
- Try the mask: place the mask on your face (without placing the strap on the back of your head) and inhale through your nose. If the mask sticks to your face and doesn’t fall off, it means it fits well. You’ve found the right one!
- Adjust the strap: it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose; better loose if you’re uncertain. Many believe it’s better to tighten it a lot to prevent water from entering the mask; however, the tighter you strap it, the more water will seep in. Also, if you tighten it too much, you’ll have a noticeable mark on your face for several minutes after
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Remember that the tighter you strap the mask, the more water will enter!
- Apply anti-fog solution: you need to know that when using the mask, the glass will fog up, making it difficult to see; this is why it’s necessary to apply an anti-fog treatment. Before wetting the mask, you need to put some saliva on the inside of the glass and spread it well; in slang, this is called 😜 “spitting in the mask.” This operation may seem gross, but it's really useful to prevent the mask from fogging up.
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VERY IMPORTANT, the mask must be dry when applying the anti-fog treatment,
There are also anti-fog sprays available, but nothing works better than saliva.
8. Can I wear glasses while snorkeling?
There are no masks that can be worn over prescription glasses; if you have vision issues, you can wear contact lenses.
Consider that if your problem is mild (you don’t have serious vision problems), you will likely have no difficulty seeing because the water correction factor tends to make things appear 25% closer and about 30% larger. This is why fishermen say they caught huge fish!
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If you become passionate about it in the future, you may 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 water's surface without having to lift your head to breathe constantly. Snorkeling without a snorkel is really uncomfortable.
10. How do you use a snorkel for snorkeling?
The snorkel for snorkeling must be comfortable and the right size for your mouth. Child-sized snorkels are not suitable for adults and vice versa. A snorkel that is too large can cause jaw cramps, while a snorkel that is too small is uncomfortable and lets water in.
After finding a properly sized snorkel, you need to check that the pegs – the little teeth – on the mouthpiece are intact. These pegs are necessary for properly positioning the snorkel in your mouth and preventing water from entering.
Properly using the snorkel means gently biting the pegs on the mouthpiece – clenching them with your teeth without biting too hard – then closing your lips around it to create a seal. “Fish mouth”
11. Can you breathe underwater with a snorkel?
Snorkeling is done by swimming on the surface face down with fins, mask, and snorkel. Thus, the snorkel is used to breathe underwater while remaining 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 are fins needed for snorkeling?
Fins are used to move like a fish because the resistance they provide in the water allows you to advance with less effort.
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When snorkeling, you should proceed slowly to see everything and better savor the experience. If you go fast, you’ll miss most of the fun!
13. How do you use fins?
Fins must be the right size; if they’re too loose, you risk losing them, and if they’re too tight, they can hurt your feet and nails.
To check that the fins are the correct size:
wear ONE fin, check that it’s not too tight and place your foot with the fin on the ground;
move forward with the foot that’s not wearing the fin, like taking a step.
If the fin doesn’t come off, it’s the right size!
The technique generally used for finning is “free style,” which involves scissor kicks with the legs. To avoid straining the back too much, it’s advisable to also engage your abdominal muscles. When using
The buoy is equipped with a floating line that allows the balloon to be towed during snorkeling. It is important for the buoy to be close to the group and for the snorkelers to stay in a compact formation.
The buoy is generally carried by the snorkeling guide, making it useful for quickly spotting the guide if you want to point out something interesting to see.
19. Do I need beach shoes for snorkeling?
No, beach 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 personal equipment; generally, it is included in the price of the snorkeling excursion. Centers that offer snorkeling tours have equipment of all sizes and models, suitable for beginners. In many cases, after trying it in the water, you can also purchase it if you wish.
Once you have learned to snorkel, you will want to have your personal gear 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 a personal 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 I empty my mask underwater?
During the snorkeling tour, you will probably not need to perform this operation because you will spend most of your time on the water's surface without diving.
However, it can be useful to know that you can empty the mask underwater by looking upward and blowing air out of your nose. The bubbles that come out allow you to eliminate the water that enters the mask.
22. Are tanks used for snorkeling?
No, snorkeling is a surface water sport that involves using a mask and snorkel to see the seabed.
There is no need to hold your breath – no free diving – and scuba tanks are not used.
23. Is snorkeling safe even if you can't swim?
In general, you do not need to be a skilled swimmer or know all swimming styles to snorkel, as the equipment – wetsuit and buoy – helps with buoyancy. However, it is essential to have a good comfort level in the water and know the basics of swimming.
24. Does snorkeling help with weight loss?
Snorkeling is a water sport that generally involves moving slowly. Certainly, 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 an ideal weight. Snorkeling is also a relaxing activity that helps the mind escape the daily routine and achieve a state of mindfulness.
25. How deep is the water where snorkeling takes place?
Snorkeling is usually done in shallow water, near beaches, islands, reefs, and cliffs. There are some specific cases where snorkeling is done in deeper waters, such as for 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 little animals that inhabit our wonderful sea.
26. What are the best places for snorkeling in Sardinia?
As you may have understood: if there's the sea, you can snorkel. Everywhere in the sea, there is something interesting to see while snorkeling.
There are areas considered to have particular environmental significance and are therefore especially interesting for eco-tourism activities, including snorkeling.
Below is a list of parks and Nature Reserves, Parks and Protected Marine Areas in Sardinia (sources sardegnaambiente.it, parks.it) related to activities to be done in the sea, where to snorkel or to engage in sea watching:
National Parks in Sardinia:
- National Park of the Maddalena Archipelago (North Sardinia – Arzachena, Palau, Cannigione);
- National Park of Asinara (North Sardinia – Sassari, Porto Torres, Stintino);
- National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu (East Sardinia – Gulf of Orosei, Dorgali, Cala Gonone).
Regional Parks in Sardinia:
- Regional Park of Porto Conte (Northwest Sardinia – Alghero);
- Regional Park of Molentargius (South Sardinia – Cagliari).
Protected Marine Areas of Sardinia
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo (Northeast Sardinia – Olbia);
- Marine Protected Area Capo Caccia – Isola Piana (Northwest Sardinia – Alghero);
- Marine Protected Area Capo Carbonara (South Sardinia – Cagliari, Villasimius);
- Marine Protected Area Capo Testa – Punta Falcone (North Sardinia – Santa Teresa Gallura);
- Marine Protected Area Sinis Peninsula – 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 meadows?
There is something to see everywhere, just know how to look.
In the Mediterranean, you can find multiple interesting scenarios for snorkeling, each with its own peculiarities.
The main submerged scenes you will visit while snorkeling:
Snorkeling on sand: this substrate may initially seem uninteresting as the animals that live on the sand generally camouflage well, but to a keen eye, the sand reveals its explosion of life. Many animals can be found on the sand, including the comb jellyfish, sea cucumber, pufferfish, sole, sand star, red mullet, thornback ray, sand crab, and the sand sea urchin, which is difficult to see as it lives buried. During nighttime snorkeling excursions, you may encounter the little grouper of the Balearics, a common and really fascinating sight at night.
Snorkeling on rock and pebbles: a truly interesting environment to explore where you can admire amazing varieties of both animal and plant species. Among the rocks, animals find shelter, so by peeking into the crevices, you can spot the chili fish, crabs, shells, urchins, and sea stars. Among the fish, you may see moray eels, groupers, sea bass, mullet, and Apogon or red mullet king that live under the rocks. You can also see fields of sea umbrellas – Acetabularia acetabulum – the unicellular algae visible to the naked eye. You can admire green algae and brown algae, noting the difference in vegetation between the upper part of the rocks, illuminated by the sun, and the lower part that remains in the shade.
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Try not to touch anything and be especially careful using your fins; with a small movement, you could destroy the work that nature has been doing for thousands of years.
Snorkeling in meadows: the meadows of Posidonia oceanica are a concentrate of life; the leaves, stems, and roots of this aquatic plant form a huge nursery where animals find food and shelter from predators. Among the fish you can spot are certainly the salpa – a vegetarian fish that spends its day grazing in schools – sea bream, wrasse, and on luckier days, you might even find 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 "do not see what you do not know" because the sea is home to animals of the most varied shapes and colors, creatures that resemble a plant, a flower, or a cucumber.
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STAY CLOSE TO THE GUIDE; an experienced snorkeling guide will point out a spot that initially seems empty but then, as you get closer, 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 life on the bottom include sea tomato (fig. 1), sole, urchin, sea star.
Necton: these are all animals that live and move actively in the water column. Examples of nectonic animals are mackerel (fig. 2), tuna, amberjack, bream.
Plankton: all organisms, both animal and plant, that live suspended in the water without being able to resist wave motion and currents. Examples of planktonic organisms are jellyfish (fig.3), democratic Talya, Venus girdle, and krill.
The difference between plankton and necton is that the 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.
Algae, on the other hand, are organisms “with a thallus,” meaning their body is not differentiated into tissues; algae do not have leaves, stems, or roots and do not produce flowers or fruits.
Posidonia oceanica is a marine plant crucial for coastal conservation because its roots help bind the soil, preventing coastal erosion. Many animals find refuge among its leaves, allowing them to reproduce and populate the sea.
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Do not tear off 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 “normal” symmetry: one eye on the left, one eye on the right, and a mouth in the middle. As they develop, the fish lies flat on the bottom, and the eye that faces the sand migrates closer to the other eye, as does the mouth. The result is that as adults, flounder and sole live with one side flat on the bottom and have their eyes and mouth on the side of the body facing the water. Soles have both eyes and the mouth on the right side, while flounders have them 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 buried in the soil, from which they draw nutrients
animals that move, walk, fly, crawl, in short, they move to find food.
In water, our idea of animals and plants is somewhat distorted because the sea has many animals that live in a sedentary manner attached to a substrate (rocks, sand). These animals can live their life without moving, as the water, which has a higher density than air, brings food right to their mouths. Thus, animals in the sea can take on shapes different from what we are used to and 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.
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Snorkeling is an eco-friendly activity in full contact with nature: “take only memories and leave only bubbles.”