A Beginner’s Guide For First Time Snorkelers
I’ve always been terrified of water. As a child, I stayed away from pools and beaches, and as an adult, I was content watching others enjoy the water from a distance.
But things changed when my husband was tired of beach vacations where I would never get in the water.
He joked that it was time for me to learn to swim, but in the back of my mind, I knew he was right. I had a fear to conquer, and the best way to do it was to face it head-on.
At 45, I finally signed up for swimming lessons, determined that I was going to overcome my fear so I could experience the joys of snorkeling on our next vacation to Hawaii.
It was challenging, but I was ready. And let me tell you, it was worth every stroke. Here’s what I learned as a first-time snorkeler and how I got ready for my dream vacation.
There’s so much to learn, from conquering a fear of water to getting ready for your first snorkeling adventure, defogging your mask, and mastering your breathing techniques.
I have a complicated relationship with water; while my husband is a great swimmer and loves snorkeling, I’ve always been hesitant.
For about a year, I toyed with the idea of snorkeling, but my inability to swim and my intense fear of water held me back.
If you’re ready to dive in, here’s what you need to know…
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- Is snorkeling for non-swimmers?
- Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel?
- What should I not do while snorkeling?
- What snorkeling tips do you need to know before snorkeling?
I decided to finally face my fear of water and tackle snorkeling for the first time in Hawaii.
If you’ve ever been snorkeling and seen someone flapping around in the water, almost drowning, and just looking plain crazy, well, that was probably me or someone like me who did not do enough research on snorkeling for beginners before they decided to take on a new sport.
Beginner’s Guide To Snorkeling For Non-Swimmers
1. Swimming Lessons: The Foundation of Confidence
I started my swimming lessons with the basics: learning how to float, control my breathing, and get comfortable in the water. It was tough at first.
The idea of putting my face in the water was enough to make my heart race, and I struggled to stay calm. But over the course of six months,
I gained confidence. With each lesson, I felt more comfortable in the water, and I learned how to manage my anxiety. When I finally realized I could swim a few laps and stay afloat, I felt like a new person.
By the time my trip to Hawaii came around, I wasn’t just a swimmer—I was ready to snorkel!
2. Learn How To Hold Your Breath
I am still too afraid to go deep because I did not learn how to hold my breath, so I simply stayed at the surface and used the snorkel to breathe while looking down.
My hubby and daughter are more advanced snorkelers. They move with ease without wearing the vest and take the occasional dive below the surface while holding their breath while I’m barely in the water, looking awkward and uncomfortable.
Most people will improve and learn how to hold their breaths simply by slowing down and relaxing. Swimming slowly helps conserve energy and relax.
- You do NOT need to know how to swim to snorkel. I took swimming lessons for an entire year leading up to my first time snorkeling so I could be at least comfortable in the water.
- Make sure you wear a comfortable bathing suit while snorkeling. This was not the time to wear a cute, tiny, little two-piece that is barely held together. My bathing suit was cute yet practical, but I saw plenty of people with shorts and tees on.
- Listen very carefully to your instructors before you go out and ask as many questions as you like so you feel as comfortable as possible.
- Make sure your masks fit comfortably and that it does not leak which is very important. My instructor showed me how to hold the masks up to my face, the straps fit comfortably around my head, and I that I knew how to inhale quickly with my nose to suck in any air and form a tight seal around the mask.
- You will be able to breathe through the snorkel tube. This was the most uncomfortable part of the experience for me, and I freaked out the first few times. I was taking short erratic breaths through the tube and got completely disoriented. Then I had an all-out panic attack and had to be rescued by the crew. Can you say embarrassing? I took about a 30-minute break to gather myself and practice on my breathing,
- The number one rule of snorkeling is DON’T PANIC!
- Don’t look down. When snorkeling, you should always look straight ahead of you, and then a slight angle. This keeps water in your tube.
- Snorkeling can be a lot of fun, but as with anything else, your safety should come first. There is a risk of drowning, so make sure you wear a flotation device, such as a life jacket or a snorkeling vest.
Save your Air While Snorkeling
The first thing I was told was to breathe deep and slow. Breathing through a snorkel almost feels claustrophobic and is different from regular breathing.
Taking deep breaths helps keep your heart rate down, which in turn helps you relax and conserve energy and will help you stay relaxed and not panic.
3. Choosing the Right Snorkeling Gear
Snorkeling is an experience that depends heavily on having the right equipment. At first, I thought a mask and snorkel were all I’d need, but I quickly learned there’s more to it than that. Here’s what I found essential for my first snorkeling trip:
- Mask and Snorkel: It’s important to get a good-fitting mask. I tried several to find one that didn’t leak. The snorkel should be easy to use and have a purge valve to clear out any water if it gets in.
- Fins: Fins make it easier to move through the water with less effort. I opted for full-foot fins for comfort, and they made a big difference!
- Wetsuit: The water in Hawaii can be a little chilly, so I rented a wetsuit. It not only kept me warm but also added some buoyancy, which helped me feel more secure in the water.
3. Getting Comfortable with the Water
Once I got to Hawaii, I didn’t dive straight into deep waters. I took my time, starting in shallow areas where I could touch the bottom. This allowed me to get used to the feeling of the mask and snorkel without feeling overwhelmed.
Breathing through the snorkel took some getting used to. It felt strange at first, but once I relaxed and focused on my breathing, everything fell into place.
If you’re a first-timer, I recommend taking your time to get comfortable with the equipment and water conditions.
4. Finding the Right Snorkeling Spot
The beauty of Hawaii is that there are so many amazing spots to snorkel. I chose to start at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine embayment with calm, clear waters and an abundance of sea life.
As a beginner, you want to find a location with minimal waves and a shallow entry. That way, you can ease into the experience without the stress of strong currents or deep waters.
5. Safety First: Respect the Ocean
Even though I was excited, I never forgot about safety. Snorkeling is a relatively safe activity, but there are a few basic rules to follow:
- Never snorkel alone. Always go with a buddy.
- Stay close to shore. Especially if you’re new to snorkeling, don’t venture too far out.
- Respect marine life. Don’t touch the coral or any creatures you encounter. It’s important to preserve the environment.
- Monitor weather conditions. Be mindful of currents and waves before entering the water.
6. Enjoy the Magic Underwater
Once I got in the water, the experience was nothing short of magical. I was surrounded by vibrant fish, colorful coral, and even saw a sea turtle gliding by. The underwater world was beyond anything I could have imagined.
It was hard to believe that just a few months earlier, I was too scared to swim, let alone snorkel in the open ocean. But once I was there, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
Best Snorkeling Tips For Beginners
1. Find a mask you feel comfortable wearing
I suggest going to a dive shop to try on different masks. This will ensure that the mask fits over your eyes and that you can strap the elastic over your head.
Make sure the straps are flat above your ears and that they do not twist. The mask strap should fit snugly around the widest area of your head.
Before heading out, there are ways to ensure your mask fits properly. Press the mask to your face and breathe in through your nose slightly.
If the mask fits snuggly to your face once you let go, that’s a sure sign you’ve found the right size. However, don’t fasten it too tightly to your face, either.
A mask that is too tight can cause a headache or general discomfort, and besides, the pressure on the mask once you hit the water helps it to stay in place.
2. Defog your mask with baby shampoo
Make sure you defog your mask, which keeps it from getting fogged up so you can see underwater. Most resorts sell defogging gel, or you can simply use baby shampoo.
Defogging gel or baby shampoo works by creating a layer between the air moisture in your mask and the glass of the mask itself.
3. Get excess water out of your mask
You should know how to get water out of your mask before you attempt to snorkel for the first time. There are different ways to keep water from filling your snorkel mask.
Don’t panic; just resurface and get the water out of your mask. This is always hard for beginner snorkelers.
To get the water out of your mask, simply pull the bottom of the mask away from your face and blow outward. Before going back under water make sure your mask is not leaking and still fits properly!
4. Preserve energy with full-foot fins
Everyone told me I needed to wear fins because they help Newbie snorkelers, who have to choose between full-foot or adjustable fins.
Full-foot fins are often the recommended choice for beginners; ensure you find the right fit before you set out. Steer clear from fins that are too tight, too loose, or too painful.
5. Take deep, focused breaths to help yourself relax
Breathing is the key to snorkeling, so make sure you take deep, focused breaths that will help you relax.
Snorkeling is Extremely Exhausting
Going for a swim in tropical waters of Turks and Caicos may not sound like serious cardio but let me be the first tell you snorkeling will have you thinking you have been smoking 6 packs of cigarettes for the last twenty years.
Snorkeling can take it out of you, especially if this is your first time snorkeling!
Propelling yourself forward with fins seems easy enough, but it will require you to exert energy as well. The first thing you should do is slow down, relax, and let your fins do the work for you.
Dos and Don’ts for first time snorkelers
- Don’t touch the coral. Avoid standing on the coral or what may appear to be rocks.
- Use sunscreen – It Protects Your Skin from UV Rays: The depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen blocks these rays, greatly reducing the likelihood of sunburn. … It Lowers Your Skin Cancer Risk:
- Don’t touch sea creatures. Some are poisonous and can be harmful or even kill you.
- Respect other people’s personal space – I understand you are excited to be snorkeling, but make sure you stay out of other people’s space. Don’t reach out and touch anyone you don’t know because everybody is not receptive of people invading their personal space.
- Practice reef etiquette. Snorkeling is great for acquiring knowledge on marine life, so take in the sights and sounds.
Safety precautions for beginning snorkelers
Important: Accidents are avoidable if you stay alert and informed.
It can be hard to find accurate tips for snorkeling that don’t scare you out of getting into the water, but it is important to be informed. Most of the dangers of snorkeling have to do with people not following the rules.
This can be you, or others around you, but it pays to stay alert.
Pay attention – Please pay attention during safety instructions as these instructions could save your life. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Use floatation devices – It is highly recommended that beginner snorkelers use floatation devices especially if you don’t know how to swim.
Never snorkel alone – Do not snorkel alone, especially if this is your first time snorkeling. Having someone with you can help if something goes wrong.
Know your equipment – Make sure you understand and know your equipment before your first time snorkeling.
Know your location – Learn as much as you can about your snorkeling destination. During your snorkeling tour be sure to come up for air frequency to see what’s happening around you. This can also help you keep track of your location as tides can pull you out to sea. Watch your surroundings and ensure there’s not a lot of wave action. Follow all safety regulations, and be vigilant.
Know your limits – Once you get out into the ocean, remember that it’s important not to overextend yourself. It’s a new experience; take it one step at a time.
Some first-timers have reported not finishing the snorkeling course as a result of being too overwhelmed. If you are too tired to finish, or just don’t feel comfortable, indicate that to your tour guide.
If you’re on a private trip with a snorkeling buddy and feel tired, let them know and make your way back to the boat together.
Secure your belongings – Whether you leave your personal items on a boat or on the beach, ensure your belongings are in good hands. Most resorts will let you leave these in the dive shop or in a safe location on the boat. It is best to keep valuables at home!
Boat Vs. Beach?
You decide. The pros and cons of boating versus starting off from the beach are important to note.
Boating Pros:
- Boating plus snorkeling equals twice the fun – you’re not only getting the undersea vantage, but a pretty exciting and scenic boat tour.
- On the upside, snorkeling by boat is often a better experience because visibility tends to be superior.
- Out in the open sea, reef and coral formations are often more distinct, and there’s a wider possibility for the sort of marine life you will encounter.
Don’t Be Afraid
There is a sense of fear and anticipation that always comes with trying something new. Accompanied by rushing adrenaline, being overly excited can affect your experience.
Think about it this way: if you’ve made it to the water, you’ve done your research, and you’ve asked all the right questions. Relax.
Taking the snorkeling tips in this article to heart, you will learn how to snorkel in no time.
The Best Beaches for Snorkeling
1. Mauritius
A great place to first discover the underwater treasures of this independent island nation east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is Blue Bay Marine Park.
Visibility is near-perfect, and it’s great for beginners, as you can snorkel straight from the beach. The park is home to angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, and clownfish—among other colorful exotics.
My favorite place to stay is Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa.
2. Big Island, HI
Nearly twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined, the snorkeling on Big Island is fantastic, especially at Honaunau Bay, also known as The City of Refuge, with an historic backdrop to boot.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park has smooth lava rock flats to help you ease effortlessly from shore to sea into year-round crystal-clear water, and you’ll find healthy coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, moray eels and even turtles in shallow depths to the right. Spinner dolphins frequent deeper waters to the left.
My favorite place to stay is the Westin Ka’napali, which is about an hour’s drive north.
3. Turks & Caicos
Directly off Grace Bay Beach and protected by Bight Reef a mile offshore, the White House Reef Snorkel Trail is well-marked and a delight for anyone looking for barracuda, spiny lobster, or a harmless nurse shark or two.
My favorite place to stay is the nearby Beaches Resort, which cleverly combines urban sophistication with beachfront relaxation and is perfect for families.
4. Oahu, HI
It’s hard not to pick Hanauma Bay as Oahu’s best snorkel spot. It’s filled with so much to see, including Reef triggerfish, known in Hawaiian as Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.
This nature preserve, an ancient volcanic crater, used to be mobbed but now allows only a maximum of 3,000 visitors per day.
My favorite place to stay is the Kahala Hotel & Resort.
5. Maui, HI
Maui has many ideal snorkel spots, but for something completely different, don your gear and sail on the luxury catamaran Kai Kanani to Molokini Crater, which is a tiny volcanic crescent off the island’s southernmost shore.
A State Marine Life & Bird Conservation District, it is home to dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and dozens of varieties of insanely colorful tropical fish.
Favorite place to stay: You can’t go wrong at the chic Grand Waldorf Astoria.
6. The Maldives
It’s no surprise that the Maldives tops your list of best islands to snorkel. A chain of 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, it’s the world’s most geographically dispersed of countries and can’t be beat for underwater exploration.
Seeing as each island is barely the size of a small estate in the Hamptons, we’re hard-pressed to pick a top spot but consider the Anantara Kihava Villas Maldives your first stop.
My favorite place to stay is Adaaran Overwater Villas, which stands out.
My First Time Snorkeling
After taking swimming lessons for a little over a year, I decided I wasn’t going to let a little thing like fear get the best of me. I booked my flight to Maui and decided I was finally going to conquer my fear of water and snorkeling.
Once I arrived in Hawaii, I booked a tour with Tom Barefoot Adventures.
The day of the tour I was really nervous because this was not the swimming pool at the local YMCA. This was a big ass body of water.
The tour guide went over safety instructions. I tried on my mask and life jacket, made sure all of the equipment fit comfortably and began practicing my breathing before I actually got the nerve to get in the water.
I slowly made my way into the water, holding tightly onto the life jacket as fear started to cripple me, and I froze in a panicked state. The waves began to push me around like a rag doll.
The crew had to jump off the boat and come save my black ass because I started to panic and jump around like a fish out of water and almost drowned.
At that point, I promised myself that if I came out of the water alive, I owed it to the universe to write a post detailing what nonswimmers like me needed to know about snorkeling for the first time.
I Did it Y’all
I gathered my shit and got back in the water and this time I went in with nerves of steel. I kept saying to myself you can do this, you can do this, you are fearless, you are strong!
I was still just as horrified as before, but I took slow, deep breaths, calmed my nerves, and peeked under the water.
That wasn’t so bad let’s try it again. There was a sea turtle, and there were fish. OMG, I am finally snorkeling, and I didn’t die.
The biggest lesson is learning how to breathe. Breathing is the key, and it will help you not panic, so if you take one thing away from this article, it is to learn how to breathe properly.
After an afternoon of snorkeling, I was starving and thank God my adventure came with food. We had our choice of hamburgers, marinated chicken breasts, hot dogs, or veggie burgers, complete with all the trimmings and tasty Maui-Brand potato chips!
Once I got back onboard, the smell of sizzling barbecue on the grill was just what I needed—YOU’LL BE HUNGRY! It was a great way to end an adventurous day!
Final Thoughts
If you’re terrified of water like I was, or if you’re simply nervous about snorkeling for the first time, know that it’s possible to overcome that fear.
It just takes preparation, patience, and a little bit of bravery. Swimming lessons helped me build the confidence I needed to enjoy snorkeling, and I’m so glad I took that first step.
Snorkeling in Hawaii was an unforgettable experience, and I’m already looking forward to my next underwater adventure. If I can do it, you can too—just take it one stroke at a time!
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I am going snorkeling for the first time in three weeks! This couldn’t be more timely! Thanks!!
I had a complete panic attack and someone had to jump off of the boat to save me. After I got myself together I got right back out there and tried again
I have always wanted to snorkel but like you, I can’t swim to save my life. This gives me hope that I’ll be able to do this one day.
I went 3 times this particular weekend and I was nervous and scared to death each time but I was determined not to give up
Snorkeling is on my list this summer. We are going to Aruba and I can’t wait.
I was supposed to snorkel when we were in Puerto Rico but it was so cold that day I renigged..LOL. Glad you faced your fears and had a good time!
This was meant for me. I am that girl that can’t swim and fear ocean water. I am that girl that would freak out like a fool. Congrats on conquering your fear, I will totally conquer mine.
I am also going to start back taking swimming lessons again which will help me in the future
This reminds me of my failed snorkeling adventure in Puerto Rico. I had a little bit too much to drink. I got water in my mask and I completely freaked out. Mind you I love being in the ocean. I need a do over.
Wow! I’ve always wanted to try snorkeling, but can’t swim and am terrified of open water. This gives me hope! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Snorkeling!!! That looks so much fun. I wonder if I would be too afraid to try it. I am afraid of heights but I wonder if it feels different in the ocean. I probably would need that floatation device that you mentioned for non-swimmers.
Fabulous! Great job on conquering your fears. Looks like you had a lot of fun. This is one of my fears as well. I’ve marked 2017 as the year to work on it.
I don’t know how to swim. The thought of being underwater basically is terrifying, but I can’t say that this doesn’t sound a little interesting.
I snorkeled and was scared to death! Something about the schools of fish brushing past my legs!!
I have been snorkeling once in St. Croix and it was so fun. Ready for the warm weather to return now!
Madison’s Mom, PLEASE do not drink alcohol before water activities! That said, good on you for conquering your fears. This from a retired divemaster.
you are so right but I was so nervous that I needed something to calm my nerves
My college had a snorkeling class. I really wish I would have taken it.
This was so so helpful. I love the water but have always been terrified to snorkel. I legit got tense when I started reading this but felt some ease by the end. Drowning or just water death in general is one of my biggest fears but this gave me some important things to think about. I can’t keep missing out on things due to fear. Taking these tips to prep for my first try.
Thank you for stating that you should know your location when snorkeling. My friends and I are going on a cruise this summer and might want to snorkel for the first time. I will definitely keep all of your great tips and information in mind if I do end up snorkeling.
Keep me posted! I just went again in Turks and Caicos and while I stayed close to the water I definitely felt more at ease. I have got to keep going so I can feel comfortable in the water.
I loved that you mentioned taking swimming lessons prior to your snorkeling trip can help you to make the most out of the experience. My husband’s friend invited us on a snorkeling trip, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know about the benefits of improving our swimming skills to enjoy our experience at its best.
I am afraid of water even though I love the water and love tropical places. taking swimming lessons has really helped me to become more comfortable in the water.
Thank you for your great tip on how you should take swimming lessons before you snorkel. My husband and I are going on a cruise this summer, and we are signed up to go snorkeling, but I’ve never done it before and I don’t know what to expect. I will definitely keep all of your great tips and information in mind when snorkeling for my first time on my cruise this summer.
Beatuiful!!!! must go next travel!!!!!!!!!!!!