January 09, 2022 6 min read

I hope you are ready to make some waves! Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or a novice, there is always something new to learn about swimming in the sea. As you probably know, water temperature is one of the most important factors to take into account before you enter the water. Luckily, the seasons are changing which means that it is now time to pack away your winter clothes and set out your summer ones!

When packing for a snorkeling adventure, it is important to wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to maneuver easily through coral reefs, as well as stay warm. In addition to your regular bathing suit, you will need to bring a pair of water-friendly shoes, a wetsuit, a hat with a brim, and a rash guard.

What is the Importance of Wearing the Right Snorkeling Attire?

Snorkeling can be a lot of fun and a great experience for those who have never done it before. There are a few facts to know about snorkeling attire. First, a wet suit is a great idea for those who live in a cold climate.

This prevents the cold water from soaking through the fabric and into the body, which can be dangerous to those who have been exposed to the cold for a long period of time. The next important aspect to know about snorkeling attire is that it can also protect you from sharp fish hooks as well as other fish. Fish teeth are sharp!

Also, consider what time of year you'll be traveling. If it's summer then a light cover-up or a rash guard will do. However, if it's winter then a wetsuit might be a better choice to stay warm. Boots are a vital part of your snorkeling attire. Boots will protect your feet from being stepped on by the fishes and sharp corals. You'll want to find a type of boot that you can roll up for easier access. You'll want to find a pair of goggles to protect you from the sun which can be harmful tips for safety when snorkeling.

How to Stay Comfortable in a Wetsuit When You Snorkel

snorkeling equipment
The first thing to do is make sure you know your size. When you purchase a wetsuit, it is always good to know what size will best suit your body. The next thing to do is make sure you have a wetsuit that is meant for the type of activity you will be engaging in. Read the product descriptions to make sure you know what you are getting. It is always a good idea to take care of the suit, as well as take care of your body. Here are some additional tips to stay comfortable in a wetsuit:

1) Use Vaseline or other slippery lotion to make the suit less difficult to grip.
2) Bring a towel to dry off with after you come out of the water.
3) Bring a hat if you're not wearing a head mount.
4) Avoid higher concentrations of salt or clay water, or at least understand that it's hard to be comfortable in those conditions.

Common Mistakes People Make When Dressing for Snorkeling

Don't wear cotton clothing while

Cotton clothing can be quite comfortable to wear when you are snorkling. The downside to wearing cotton clothing while snorkling is that the fabric does not breathe and will trap water and salt. This will not only make your clothes very uncomfortable, but can cause some skin reactions and itching. If you are going to wear cotton while snorkling, make sure to rinse it before and after you're finished and hang it up to dry.

woman snorkeling

Don't wear beach shoes while snorkling

I've seen plenty of people wear sandals or flip-flops to snorkel, but they are wearing the wrong shoes. Believe it or not, sandals and flip-flops can sink easier than water shoes, which can lead to injuries like cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

One of the most common injuries is swimmers' foot or Athlete's foot, which is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist places--such as sandals or flip-flops.

Not researching the best places to snorkel

There are many places to snorkel. The Caribbean and Florida have more snorkeling spots than any other part of the world. In addition, research and find out what, where, when, why, how, and why not. You should also know that there are some places that you'll need a boat to get to the best spots. Research will also help you find out what you'll need to know if you want to snorkel by yourself on vacation.

Tips for safety when snorkeling

Almost everyone loves snorkeling and visiting different beaches and seeing all the cool and unusual fishes and corals, and while it is so exciting and interesting, it is also important to be mindful of your safety while snorkeling. There are so many things that can go wrong and while we may not think these things will happen, it is just better to be safe than sorry.

The first step for safety when snorkeling is to make sure you have the right snorkel equipment. The first piece of equipment should be the right snorkel. If you are diving, you need a diving snorkel, but if you are not, please invest in a good snorkel. There are a few different shapes and sizes and the first step is deciding which one will work best for you! A few other pieces of equipment that you should have with you are a life vest and booties. These will help keep your feet and your head warm and safe under water. Now that you have the equipment, make sure you go with someone. This is very important! It is always good to havea partner

To Wrap Things Up

You are probably wondering what to wear snorkeling? There are many different opinions about what to wear when snorkeling. Some people say to wear the typical bathing suit, but others say to wear a t-shirt and shorts. The most important thing to remember when snorkeling is that you should dress for maximum water absorption. You should also take into consideration the time of year, the body type, and the destination. The typical bathing suit can be made out of polyester which won't absorb the water. If the bathing suit is made out of cotton, it will absorb the water. You can also wear long sleeve shirt or wear a rash guard over the bathing suit. There is a lot of differences between snorkeling and scuba diving. After a lot of experience of snorkeling, maybe you should try and scuba diving. It's different experience, can be fun.

Common Questions

What kind of swimsuit should I wear snorkeling?

You can be comfortable in a swimsuit or certain watertight clothing that is designed for snorkeling. The most important thing to keep in mind is to not wear anything that can get caught on coral or seaweed as you're swimming and snorkeling. If you're not sure what kind of swimsuit to wear, here is a suggestion. A one-piece swimsuit provides maximum coverage and is looser, so it's easier to move around and not ride up as you move.

couple snorkeling

How do you breathe while snorkeling?

I always feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience when I'm snorkeling. You are floating in the water, breathing in the salty air, and looking at the world from a whole new perspective. Remember that you only need to snorkel for a few minutes at a time and that you can take many deep breaths in that time. You can't depend on floating on your back to breathe, so when you are snorkeling, try to focus on pulling in one, long breath when the water is at its stillest. You'll have more oxygen available in your lungs when you are calm.

How deep is the water when you go snorkeling?

Snorkeling in the ocean is becoming more popular each year. Before you go snorkeling, you should know how deep the water is. Depending on your location, you may be able to snorkel in waters that range between 6 inches and 36 inches deep. Those shallow waters are found around coral reefs that form on the ocean floor. The coral reefs are usually very colorful and make for great underwater viewing.

What is the important thing to remember while snorkeling?

Snorkeling is different for everyone. There are many things you need to do before you start. First, you should be sure to check the weather before you go. Next, you need to make sure you're packing for the weather. Always plan to be outside for at least six hours, so plan for snacks and drinks. When you're packing, pack your snorkel, mask, fins, and snorkel gear. You'll also want to remember sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterproof camera, and your waterproof smartphone case. 
Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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