Snorkeling is the practice of swimming at the surface of a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swimfins. In cooler waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. Combining these tools allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort.

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort destinations and many places recreational scuba divers venture. Snorkeling is also employed by scuba divers when near the surface, and search and rescue teams may snorkel as part of a water-based search.

The primary attraction of snorkeling is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting. This may include coral reefs and their denizens, such as fish, octopuses, starfish, sea urchins, and mollusks. Snorkeling in sandy areas may allow sighting of rays and various flatfish. Other organisms that can be seen while snorkeling include various forms of seaweed, jellyfish, sea turtles, and occasionally anything else which may be found in the ocean. Many of the organisms found in reef locations are vibrantly colored and very abundant, making for an engrossing experience.

Getting started

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Snorkeling requires no special training, only the ability to swim and to breathe through the snorkel. However, it is recommended that one get some instruction from a tour guide, dive shop, or equipment rental shop, any of which often can be found around popular snorkeling locations. Instruction will cover equipment usage, basic safety, what to look for, and what to look out for, including how not to damage fragile organisms such as coral. As with diving, it is always recommended that one not snorkel alone, but rather with a "buddy" or a tour guide.

The mask and snorkel are similar to those used in scuba diving, but since they are not subjected to the pressures of deep water, they can be more lightweight and comfortable. Swimfins used in snorkeling are usually longer than those used in diving.

Experienced snorkelers often start to investigate amateur free-diving, which should be preceded by at least some training from a dive instructor or experienced free-diver.

Snorkeling locations

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Snorkeling is possible in almost any body of water, but snorkelers are most likely to be found in locations where there are minimal waves, warm water, and something particularly interesting to see near the surface. Some of the most popular locations are warm, coral-rich seas such as the Caribbean Sea the Coral Sea and the Red Sea.

Variants and related activities

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• Snuba - A blend of snorkeling and scuba diving
• Free-diving - Any form of diving without breathing apparatus, but often referring to competitive apnea
• Bog snorkelling - A sporting event, popular in Great Britain
• Spearfishing - Fishing with a spear, often done with snorkeling equipment

Sources

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• Snorkelling for All, BSAC, ISBN 0091883040

External links

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• alt.sport.snorkeling - Usenet newsgroup dedicated to snorkeling
• British Sub-Aqua Club site on snorkeling
• National Parks Conservation Association page on snorkeling
• Beachfront snorkeling

Diving | Free-diving | Swimming

Schnorcheln | Plongée libre | Snorkeling | Snorkeling | Snorkelen | Snorkeling