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Snorkeling

as a hobby

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

Commonly attributed to Jacquis Cousteau

Snorkeling is a hobby that lets you explore the underwater world with just a mask and a tube. It is fun, easy, and rewarding, as you can see colorful corals, fish, and other marine life in their natural habitats. Snorkeling also has many health benefits, such as improving your fitness, reducing stress, and connecting with nature. To get started, you need to get a snorkel and mask that fit you well. Then, you can find a snorkeling spot that suits your level and interests, and enjoy the wonders of the ocean. Snorkeling is a hobby that can enrich your life and open your eyes to new experiences.

Helpful content to start snorkeling as a hobby

We aim to provide accurate information, but errors might be found. Always exercise judgment and discretion.

📼 Videos

Short visual inspiration.

YouTube | SNORKELING from land
SNORKELING from land
YouTube | Snorkeling | Scuba Schools International
Snorkeling | Scuba Schools International
YouTube | Snorkelling Rarotonga, turtles everywhere! Avaavaroa Passage and Fruits of Rarotonga- Cook Islands.
Snorkelling Rarotonga, turtles everywhere! Avaavaroa Passage and Fruits of Rarotonga- Cook Islands.
YouTube | How to Snorkel – Snorkeling for Beginners
How to Snorkel - Snorkeling for Beginners

🎙️ Podcasts

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Snorkeling can help you learn about marine life. Snorkeling is a great way to observe and appreciate the diversity and beauty of marine life. You can see colorful corals, fish, turtles, rays, sharks, dolphins, and more in their natural habitats. You can also learn about the ecology and conservation of the ocean by witnessing the effects of pollution, climate change, and overfishing.

📜 Terms

Basic lingo for orientation.

  • Duck diving is a technique that allows you to dive deeper and faster while snorkeling. It involves bending your body at the hips, lifting your legs out of the water, and using your arms to pull yourself down. Duck diving helps you overcome the buoyancy of your body and equipment, and reach the underwater attractions more easily.
  • Finning is a technique that allows you to propel yourself through the water while snorkeling. It involves using your legs and feet to move your fins in a smooth and efficient way. Finning helps you conserve your energy and oxygen, and cover more distance and depth while snorkeling. Finning also requires you to use different styles depending on the situation, such as flutter kick, frog kick, or dolphin kick.

How to start snorkeling as a hobby

First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.

Snorkeling is easy to start with. Buy basic snorkeling equipment and hit the nearest body of water. Make sure to follow safety rules and guidelines.

You can also check if there are any recommended snorkeling or dive sites near you.

📚 Books

Get read-y.

🪜 How-tos

Step-by-step tutorials.

YouTube | HOW TO SNORKEL | The Basics, Gear & Techniques
HOW TO SNORKEL | The Basics, Gear & Techniques

📄 Articles

Further reading.

🌐 Websites

Go-tos for information.

Snorkeling can be done in many places. Snorkeling is not limited to tropical or Caribbean locations. You can snorkel in many places around the world, from cold to warm waters, from freshwater to saltwater, from shallow to deep waters. You can snorkel in lakes, rivers, ponds, bays, reefs, caves, wrecks, and more. You can also snorkel in unique places such as the Jellyfish Lake in Palau, where you can swim with millions of harmless jellyfish; or the Silfra fissure in Iceland, where you can snorkel between two continental plates.

🍿 Movies

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

YouTube | Blue Planet II Official Trailer 2 | BBC Earth
Blue Planet II Official Trailer 2 | BBC Earth
YouTube | My Octopus Teacher | Official Trailer | Netflix
My Octopus Teacher | Official Trailer | Netflix

FAQS

Get a clue.

What do I need to start snorkeling?

The basic equipment you need to start snorkeling is a mask, a snorkel, and fins. You can buy them separately or as a set. You should make sure that they fit you well and are comfortable to use. You might also want to get a wetsuit or a rash guard to keep you warm and protect your skin from sunburn and stings. You can also get a flotation device or a buoyancy aid to help you stay afloat and adjust your depth.

Where can I go snorkeling?

You can go snorkeling in any body of water that has clear, calm, and shallow conditions. Research and make sure it is safe.

You can also check if there are any recommended snorkeling or dive sites near you.

Do I need to learn any special skills or techniques to snorkel?

Basic snorkeling does not require any special skills or techniques, other than breathing through your snorkel, swimming with your fins, and clearing your snorkel if it gets water inside. However, if you want to improve your snorkeling skills and enjoy the underwater world more, you can learn some special skills or techniques, such as duck diving, finning, and snorkel clearing. These skills or techniques can help you dive deeper, swim faster, and breathe easier while snorkeling.

What are some potential dangers or hazards of snorkeling?

Snorkeling is generally a safe and enjoyable activity, but there are some potential dangers or hazards that you should be aware of and prepared for. Some of the potential dangers or hazards are drowning, injuries, hypothermia, and barotrauma. You can reduce the risk of these by following the safety rules and guidelines, and wearing proper equipment.

How can I take pictures underwater?

While many smartphones are waterproof to some extent, it might still not be a great idea to take them for a long swim in the ocean. Instead, you can use dedicated underwater photography housing for your smartphone or buy an underwater photography camera.

📱 Apps

Smart assistance.

📦 Products

Essentials to have.

Courses

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📍 Near You

Get together.

Even without encountering exotic life, snorkeling is still a relaxing, meditative activity.

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💡 Tips

Additional advice for beginners.