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Snorkeling vs. SCUBA Diving

What if I told you that there is a way to enjoy the reef when SCUBA diving isn’t an option or if you’re a diver traveling with non-divers?

Snorkeling is an underestimated supplement to SCUBA and unless you’ve actually taken a class there are skills and techniques that would allow you to get much more out of your snorkeling opportunities.

So rather than snorkeling vs. SCUBA Diving like yet another MCU movie, snorkeling and SCUBA diving are buddies.

Let’s dive into reasons snorkeling can be a valuable part of your next diving adventure!

Why a Snorkeling Episode?

When we spend the time, effort, and money to travel it’s nice to know that we’re ready to get the most out of the trip. Snorkeling can be both a supplement to your diving adventures as well as a substitute if something prevents you from SCUBA diving.

I want to dispel the myth that snorkeling is a ‘surface only’ activity. With some instruction and practice, you can learn to dive under the waves and swim down to experience the reef up close.

  • Expanding your skill set to snorkeling gives you options!
  • Snorkel during surface intervals.
  • Enjoy the reef with family and friends that aren’t SCUBA certified.
  • Use it as a backup if you have gear or other issues that prevent you from SCUBA diving.
  • Get in the water when you’re traveling and don’t want to take your dive gear.

Equipment

The good news is that if you already own quality SCUBA gear… you already have SCUBA quality mask, fins, and snorkel, your barriers to entry are essentially zero. Some instruction will benefit most snorkelers as there are techniques that can be used to dive under the waves and get the most out of your experience that you can learn and practice.

Snorkel Vests

Not to put too fine a point on this but I hate snorkel vests! I know why some operators insist on them but for the most part, it’s extra stuff that isn’t necessary if you’re comfortable in the water. As I’ve said many times before and will many times in the future. If a vest provides you value or the comfort you need to enjoy the reef then by all means put one on and get in the water!

You’ll see two basic vests. One is the regular life jacket which is the kind I really don’t like because they prevent you from swimming down underwater. The second kind is the inflatable vests similar to what you see during the safety briefings on all the flights it took you to get to your dive destination :). These are okay as long as you don’t inflate them unless you need to do so to stay on the surface safely.

Pro tip… need a little extra buoyancy but don’t want to wear a vest? A wetsuit might be just enough lift to make you comfortable and it will keep you warmer for long snorkeling excursions.

Full Face Snorkel Masks

You may have seen full-face snorkel masks advertised at your local dive shop or resort destination. I will cover these more in the Gear Junkie’s Garage below.

Skills

One great thing about snorkeling is that you can enjoy the reef without the encumbrance of dive gear. While I’m an advocate of taking a snorkeling class to get helpful techniques, snorkeling is a low stress, low gear sport.

Relax

SCUBA and snorkeling are both best enjoyed when you’re relaxed and calm. I’ve found SCUBA diving to even be meditative! Take your time and chill.

Kicks

There are three kicks we generally use in diving and I recommend that snorkelers learn them. Because we have an inexhaustible air supply when snorkeling you can do it for a long time. By alternating between different kicks you can use different muscle groups and reduce cramping which means you’ll still be able to tango when you get back to the resort!

  • Scissor Kick (most common)
  • Mermaid Kick (both legs same motion)
  • Frog Kick (I can’t even begin to describe this one in words – cave divers use it a lot)

Dives

There are two dives you’ll learn when you take your snorkeling class. The head-first dive is probably the most comfortable and most often used while the feet-first dive may help in a constrained environment.

https://www.snorkeling-report.com/

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/hospitals-turn-to-snorkel-masks-to-ease-respirator-overload-2202841


 

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?The surface interval’s over…

get out there and dive!?