| Snorkeling is one of the many water sports you and | | | | your own mask and if you wear prescription glasses, |
| your family can do while vacationing inexpensively in | | | | you can have a mask made with your prescription. |
| the Bahamas. Snorkeling is easy for everyone in | | | | The snorkel is the tube that attaches to the mask |
| family to enjoy. Beginners and experts can snorkel | | | | that provides the air while you are submerged. |
| along the shoreline or take a snorkeling excursion to | | | | Snorkels come in different colors, choosing a neon |
| deeper water. Spend the day floating above the reef | | | | color is an added safety bonus. Some snorkels even |
| or dive into the crystal clear water to get a closer | | | | come with splashguards to help keep the waves |
| look at the coral and tropical fish. If you are | | | | from dumping water into the tube. The snorkel |
| vacationing on the Grand Bahamas Island, be sure | | | | should be comfortable in your mouth and hold the |
| check out Port Lucaya for snorkeling cruises on | | | | amount of air you need. Most divers prefer owning |
| catamarans and see the most stunning reefs. | | | | their own snorkel for sanitary reason. |
| Snorkeling requires minimal training, but it is | | | | Some divers will say you don't need fins (sometimes |
| recommended that you be a strong swimmer. For | | | | called flippers), but if you are caught in a current or |
| those who are not strong swimmers, it is | | | | want to dive deeper you will want the power the |
| recommended that you snorkel near the shore. | | | | fins offer. Fins come in sizes like shoes, be sure to |
| There is still plenty to see without going into deep | | | | pick the rights size and make sure they fit |
| waters, but if you chose to take an excursion, you | | | | comfortably. There are many styles of fins that suit |
| want to let the staff know you swimming ability. If | | | | your body type and leg strength. The more you |
| you take a snorkeling tour, the dive staff usually | | | | snorkel the more you might consider purchasing your |
| offers instructions to learn the basics of how to use | | | | own pair of fins. |
| the snorkel. It is helpful to know how to expel water | | | | The snorkeling vest usually brings groans from most |
| that may get into the snorkel. | | | | swimmers, but it can be deflated if you want to. |
| If you should get to the reefs be careful not to | | | | These vests come in varying sizes (youth to adult) |
| touch anything; this is recommend for your safety | | | | with the inflatable side worn in the front and the |
| and for the safety of the coral. The Bahamas | | | | strap on the back and coming up through the crotch. |
| spreads over 100,000 square miles of ocean and | | | | Most tours will not let your snorkel without a vest, |
| includes stretches of underwater reefs. | | | | but it is a good practice to wear one when snorkeling |
| Snorkeling requires just a few pieces equipment: a | | | | far off shore. |
| mask, a snorkel, fins, a snorkel vest, an underwater | | | | No snorkeling excursion would be complete without |
| camera and of course sunscreen. If you take a | | | | the pictures of you and your family enjoying |
| snorkeling tour all the equipment will be provided for | | | | themselves in the blue waters, and swimming among |
| you, and sometimes the tours will include snacks and | | | | the brightly colored fish. Be sure to take pictures of |
| beverages, but you will need to confirm this during | | | | the brightly colored fish, as there will be many to see |
| the booking process. Some all-inclusive resorts (Our | | | | in the Bahamas. |
| Lucaya and Viva Windham) will offer you equipment | | | | And don't forget the sun screen; you will be |
| during your stay, and you are always welcome to | | | | snorkeling face down in the water exposing your |
| bring your own equipment. | | | | back to the bright sun. It takes minutes to get |
| The mask is your window to view all the wonders in | | | | sunburned in the Caribbean sun, not to mention the |
| the Bahamian water, and the fit of your mask can | | | | silly pattern the straps make on your back. |
| make the difference between a fun experience or a | | | | Snorkeling is a fun way to spend the day exploring |
| frustrating afternoon. The general rule to a good | | | | the ocean bottom, seeing unique colorful fish or |
| fitting mask is to place the mask to your face, hold | | | | something bigger. Whether you take an organized |
| your breath then gently press the mask to your | | | | tour or go off on your own the Bahamian water has |
| face, a proper fitting mask will create suction. If you | | | | a beautiful story to tell you if you are willing to dive |
| plan to snorkel often, you may consider purchasing | | | | in to find it. |