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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for Snorkelling Tips For Beginners From Experienced Guides – For a safe underwater experience
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Joanna James Joanna James
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Snorkelling Tips For Beginners From Experienced Guides – For a safe underwater experience

When it comes to exploring all the magic the ocean has to offer, nothing beats doing so with a diving mask and snorkel, and there is some key information, anyone wanting to enjoy this activity safely should stay across.

1

Things to do before snorkelling

Do keep in mind that most people will require a bit of practice before heading out on an exciting snorkelling expedition. If you are staying with Langkawi resorts including the likes of Pelangi Beach. Resort & Spa, they would recommend a safety session. Doing a practice dive in a pool is highly recommended as it's a chance to get familiar with breathing techniques, snorkelling gear and more importantly getting comfortable in the water. This is especially important if it's your first time, as most people are not used to breathing through the mouth.

2

Ensure you have the right gear

When getting snorkelling gear, pricing, sizes and style are a few key factors to consider. It's also important to decide if you want to rent the equipment for the day or invest in your own. While you can purchase snorkelling gear online, heading to a store to get a feel for the equipment is highly recommended.

3

Choosing a location

When choosing a location, there are several factors to consider. Do make sure to choose one that matches your level of experience. Do make it a point to inquire about the endemic sea life sighting in the location from local dive instructors in that area before committing. However, it's important to understand that the day you choose might not offer the best visibility.

4

What you need and what you don't

To ensure the right fit in terms of equipment, buying or renting your snorkelling gear well ahead of time is a sound idea. Remember to take only essentials on your snorkelling expedition as valuables can be stolen or lost. Additionally, personal items can also weigh you down. Some key items that you will need include a dive skin or wet suit, which is ideal for protection or warmth, especially in colder temperatures. Booties are great for protecting your feet, especially when exploring coral reefs as well. Apart from that swim fins and diving masks are essentials. Swim fins in particular can be very helpful if you have to swim against a current and help conserve your energy

5

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Octinoxate and oxybenzone, two widely used ingredients found in sunscreen are extremely harmful to coral reefs and contribute to coral bleaching. Other potentially harmful ingredients to avoid when purchasing sunscreen include butylparaben, PABA, homosalate and octocrylene. In general, it's always a good idea to steer clear of sun protection lotions that also include oils.

6

Respect the marine life

Interfering with marine life can be hazardous, especially if the species happens to be poisonous. Also, remember not to take anything home with you, this goes for coral fragments, shells, starfish, sand dollars and sea urchins. In some places, this is illegal and can result in hefty fines.