Things to Take on Your Snorkelling Trip – Preparing for Underwater Adventure

The piece of equipment that gives the activity its name! This most common type of snorkel is the "J" shaped one which has been traditionally used. It allows you to breathe while having your face submerged; since the open-ended tube sticks out of the water, you can breathe while swimming without having to keep lifting your face up to take a breath. Snorkels vary in size and features, and you do get different ones for both children and adults. These days you even get different types of snorkels such as the semi-dry snorkel that has what is called a splash guard that to a great extent stops water from entering the tube. Another type is the dry snorkel which has been designed in such a way as to minimise, to a large extent, water from flowing into the snorkel, as well as having a special valve that pushes the water out when one exhales.

While being able to breathe when partially submerged is important, equally vital is being able to have clear visibility of the many wonders that lie beneath. In places like the Maldives, resort hotel properties are most often surrounded by crystal clear waters with excellent visibility; however, even in such places, one needs to have a mask while snorkelling. Resorts such as Adaaran Club Rannalhi offer snorkelling equipment rental including masks; one should take the time to choose the right one which not only fits your face properly but also has good suction that prevents water from seeping through.

A piece of snorkelling equipment that may give you a "fishy" feeling (in a good way!), fins make swimming and travelling through the water much easier. Attached to the feet, fins vary in size and help one not only get around, but also lessen the strain on your feet which are constantly moving; this is especially true when you are planning for longer snorkelling excursions which require you to swim greater distances. While fins have been traditionally long in design as used by divers, for snorkelling, shorter fins are generally preferable since they are less in weight and also give you better manoeuvrability. An add-on to this, which can be considered is the use of neoprene socks which will help prevent the forming of blisters on your feet after extensive periods of snorkelling.

Using wetsuits are optional, though they do provide the benefits of not only offering buoyancy, but also helping to protect your skin against sunburns; remember you will end up snorkelling under the sun generally for long periods of time. You can also consider using a float vest, which is ideal for children and those who are not that great at swimming, since it lets you easily float along the water and enjoy the marine panoramas below.