Snorkeling - Frequently Asked Questions

Snorkeling is swimming on the surface of the water with a face mask, a snorkel (breathing tube) and fins, which allows you to have your face down in the water and still breathe. It is a fun activity with friends and family of all ages, especially in clear water where you can see lots of fish and water creatures.

2) Do I need to be a good swimmer to go snorkeling?

Of course it is easier to snorkel when you are comfortable in the water, but it's not required to be a good swimmer. If you feel you’re not a capable swimmer it is recommended that you purchase or rent a floatation device, such as a snorkeling vest. A snorkeling vest can be inflated to provide you with extra buoyancy to help keep you at the surface. You can also lie on top of a boogie board and put your face in the water over the edge.

Many snorkeling spots are right off shore and are in water less than 5 feet deep. Your comfort and confidence will depend on which sites you go to, the water and weather conditions, your familiarity with your snorkeling gear and your general comfort level with the water. If possible, it is a good idea to practice snorkeling in a pool first, to get comfortable with your equipment, before going out to snorkel.

3) What equipment do I need to go snorkeling?

There are 3 primary pieces of equipment that most snorkelers use.

Dive Mask – A face mask (or dive mask) allows you to see underwater while protecting your eyes and keeping your nose out of the water. It's important that the mask you select has a good fit. If the mask doesn't fit well, you will experience water leaking into the mask.

The best and most comfortable masks have a "silicone skirt". The skirt is the soft and pliable substance that conforms to fit your face and prevents water from entering the mask. You can also buy or rent masks that have PVC or TPR (similar to rubber) skirts, but the face seal and comfort is not as good as a silicone skirt. Silicone skirts are also free from Latex, which some people are allergic to.

Snorkel - A snorkel is a hollow curved tube that allows you to breathe while you are face down in the water. While you’re snorkeling and looking down into the water, the end with the mouthpiece is in your mouth and the other end is sticking out of the water so that you can breath. There are many types of snorkels to buy or rent. There is the simple “J” snorkel which is a curved tube with a mouthpiece. There is a “purge” snorkel that includes a one way purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel to make it easier to clear water that enters the snorkel when diving below the surface. Some snorkels have “splash guards” that prevent splashed surface water from entering the tube. And, there are also “dry” snorkels that have a closing mechanism at the top of the snorkel that will close to seal out water when you dive below the surface.

Fins - Fins provide extra propulsion and allow you to swim like a fish! There are 2 basic types of snorkeling fins, closed heel fins and open heel fins (also known as adjustable fins). Closed heel fins are available in more sizes than closed heel fins; however, closed heel fins are adjustable to fine tune to your foot size. Both types of fins are good, it is really a matter of personal fit and preference.

If you try on open heel fins make sure to try the ones made specifically for snorkeling, which are much smaller and lighter than longer and heavier scuba fins. Scuba Diving stores generally carry both scuba fins and snorkeling fins. Sporting Goods stores or Sporting Goods departments of stores generally will carry only snorkeling fins.

Whether you purchase or rent fins, make sure that they are a good fit. If the fins are too tight they may cut off circulation to your feet, and if they are too loose they may easily come off while snorkeling. Make sure they are a snug fit, but you should be able to wiggle your toes at least a little.

4) How do I make sure my mask fits?

To make sure your mask fits correctly to seal out the water, hold it up to your face lightly. The mask face skirt should make contact with your face all the way around the skirt. Once the mask skirt is touching your skin, inhale gently through your nose. The mask should create a vacuum and seal on your face, not allowing any more air to be inhaled. The mask remains on your face until you stop inhaling, indicating that the mask is a good fit.

5) My mask is leaking, what do I do?

First, make sure you have a mask that is a good fit for your face, as described in the FAQ question #4. If you feel you have a mask that fits properly then adjust the straps for a comfortable fit but do not over-tighten. Sometimes over tightening can cause a leak and is not as comfortable too. Also, make sure to clear your hair from your face so you get a good seal. If you have a mustache, use sun block on your mustache to help establish a seal.

6) How do I keep my mask from fogging up?

Try washing the inside of your mask with mild dish soap or toothpaste to remove remaining manufacturing compounds that can make the lens fog up. Just before entering the water rub defog solution inside your mask and rinse it out. It is important to make sure to rinse after using defog as the solution can damage or sting your eyes. If you don’t have any defog solution, saliva works too, but either way rinse after using!

7) Can I use my mask for scuba diving?

If your mask fits your face well, is comfortable and doesn’t leak, then yes, you can use your mask for scuba diving. It is recommended that you have a mask with a silicone skirt for comfort. If you have any concerns whether your mask is okay for scuba diving then take it to a scuba shop to seek a professional opinion.

8) Can I wear contacts while snorkeling?

Yes you can; however be aware that if your mask floods, you may lose your contacts. An alternative to wearing contacts is to purchase a mask with prescription lenses. It's a simple and relatively inexpensive procedure to install prescription lenses into certain models of snorkeling masks. Prescription lenses and masks that accommodate them are available at Scuba stores.

9) How do I prevent choking on water in the snorkel?

It is important to learn how to clear water out of your snorkel. If your snorkel top drops below the surface while snorkeling, or if the snorkel fills with water when you dive under, first return to the surface, making sure the top of the snorkel is above the surface of the water, and then exhale sharply to clear the snorkel of water.

Snorkels with built in “splash guards” will keep splashed water out of the snorkel. Snorkels with “dry tops” are designed so that the top will close when you submerge preventing water from getting into the snorkel at the surface and underneath the water. When diving under the water with any type of snorkel, as a precaution, it is always good to clear the snorkel when back at the surface by exhaling sharply as described above.

10) What is the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving?

Scuba diving requires additional equipment such as regulator, a buoyancy compensator and dive tank, etc, and allows you swim and breathe underwater. Snorkeling allows you to breathe with face down while you are on the surface of the water. Scuba diving requires personal training from a scuba instructor and there is a certification process. Snorkeling doesn't require professional instruction or certification.

11) Is it OK to use a life jacket when snorkeling?

Rather than using a life jacket it is better to use a snorkeling vest. Snorkeling vests are worn on the front and held in place with straps around the back and chest. You inflate the vest by blowing air into it with your mouth. Even a little air in the vest can make a nervous snorkeler much more confident, and fully inflated vest allows one to rest comfortably at the surface. Snorkeling vests are recommended for people that are not confident swimmers. They are becoming more popular every year at the world's best snorkeling destinations and aboard many of the major cruise lines.

12) Now that I have my equipment what should I do now?

It's a good idea to get comfortable with your equipment before you go out snorkeling by trying out your equipment at a pool.

Masks have a tendency to fog up, so start by washing the inside of your mask with mild dish soap or toothpaste to remove remaining manufacturing compounds that can make the lens fog up. Using the clip on the snorkel tube, place the snorkel on the outside of the mask strap, on the left side (so it will be on the left side of your face). If there are plastic inserts in the fin foot pockets make sure to pull them out.

If you’re going to be out snorkeling for long, don’t forget to use waterproof sunscreen or wear a dive skin suit or a light wetsuit. In cooler water a wetsuit keeps you warmer and helps you float.

Just before entering the water rub defog solution inside your mask and rinse it out. It is important to make sure to rinse after using defog as the solution can damage or sting your eyes. If you don’t have any defog solution, saliva works too, but either way rinse after using!

Put your mask on by pulling the strap over the crown of your head. Then adjust the straps for a comfortable fit but do not over-tighten. Make sure to clear your hair from your face so you get a good seal. Finally, adjust the snorkel so it fits comfortably in your mouth on the left side of your face.

If possible try your gear in a pool first, especially if snorkeling for the first time. Before putting on your fins try putting the snorkel in your mouth and breathe. Don't try to breathe with your nose or the mask will quickly fog up. Breathe through your mouth in normal, relaxed breaths. Now try breathing with your face in the water and take the time to get used to breathing with your face underwater.

Once comfortable with breathing then it’s time to try your fins. Loosen the straps and give them a dip so they slide on easily. Make sure the heel pad aligns with the center of your heel and then snug the straps so they’re secure and comfortable.

After your gear is on, put your face down in the water with your body stretched out and start kicking with your fins. Kick from your hips without bending your knees too much. Stay relaxed, and swim around the pool to get used to breathing, kicking, and looking around. Lifting your head up to breathe wastes energy and wears you out, so use your snorkel, float, relax and have fun. As you swim, keep your arms at your side. If water splashes into your snorkel just blow out the water by exhaling sharply.

13) What is the best way to get in the water at the beach?

If you have to walk on the sand or through shallow water with your fins on, shuffle your feet backward or sideways so you don’t trip on the blades. Slowly move into the water until it’s about 3 feet deep then easy yourself in and start swimming.

14) What is the best way to get in the water from a dock or boat?

If you’re entering deeper water from a low boat or dock, just ease yourself in. If the boat or dock is too high to slide in then after checking to make sure that the water’s deep enough, just step in. Hold your mask so it doesn’t slide up and off when you splash into the water. Don’t step in from anything higher than about your own height over the water; find a way to get closer to the water to get in.

15) Can I go underwater with a snorkel to get closer to things I want to see?

If you want to get a closer look at fish or something several feet below you, just take a deep breath and dive down. If you dive down your snorkel will fill up with water (unless you have a dry snorkel). You will not be able to breathe again until you clear your snorkel of water once you have resurfaced. Make sure the top of the snorkel is above the surface of the water and blow out the water by exhaling sharply. This should clear most if not all of the water that has filled the snorkel, and allow you to breathe normally through the snorkel once again. It is very common for experienced snorkelers to dive down, flood their snorkel, and then clear it out with a quick blast of air at the surface. It is also recommended that you try this technique first in a pool.

If you use a "purge" snorkel (which is recommended), you will rarely get water back in your mouth, as it is easier to clear all the water from the tube with just one blast of air. This is because some of the water will exit the top of the snorkel and some will exit the bottom of the snorkel through the one way purge valve.

If you dive down more than just a few feet deep you’ll feel pressure on your ears, which is normal. To equalize the pressure, pinch your nose and blow gently against it. You should feel the pressure equalize in your ears. Do this every few feet, before you feel discomfort. If you can’t equalize your ears, do not descend further. It will hurt, and you can injury your ears. If you can’t equalize, stop, go back up, catch your breath and try again. With some practice, you’ll find you can equalize your ears easily.

You may also feel your mask pressing against your face as you go down. Blow some air through your nose into the mask to equalize the pressure. When you feel the urge to breathe, swim up.

16) What is a “dry snorkel”?

Dry-top snorkels (also know as submersible snorkels) have a closing top to keep water out of the snorkel while you’re underwater. Although the snorkel should be free of water when you surface, just exhale lightly to release the pressure so that the top will reopen. If any water has entered in your snorkel it can be cleared with a sharp exhalation.

17) What are the best conditions for snorkeling?

The best times to go snorkeling are on warm sunny days when the waves and wind are minimal. Large waves make it more challenging and potentially dangerous to get to the snorkeling area, and tend to make the water murky, greatly decreasing visibility. It's best to go snorkeling when the sun is out because it increases visibility and brings out the true colors of fish and coral.

18) How do I take care of my equipment? How should I store it?

When you’re done snorkeling, rinse your gear in fresh water. Let it dry in a cool location well out of the sun before storing it. When storing your equipment don't pile heavy objects on top of your snorkeling gear. Prolonged weight on top of a mask, snorkel, or fins can warp them. To avoid bent fins, they should lie flat, and not stand on their tips for long periods of time.

19) What is the warranty on your products?

U.S. Divers warrants all products to free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase. Products, which prove to be defective due to faulty material or workmanship within the warranty period, will be replaced at no charge.

20) How can I send in my equipment for warranty replacement?

For warranty replacements please take the product back to the store in which it was purchased, making sure to bring your receipt. Some stores will replace the product if it is easily identified as a product/model they sell, even without a receipt, but always bring your receipt if you have it.

21) I need spare parts for my mask, snorkel, fins – where can I get this?

U.S. Divers maintains some replacement parts. Call or send an email to our repair department with a description of what you’re looking for. Make sure you know which model of product that you’re requesting a spare or replacement part. Phone – 877-873-3483 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

22) What is the difference between Pro Tech, Sport Tech, and Sport Rec products?

The Pro Tech, Sport Tech and Sport Rec product designation is featured as a method by which to select “good, better, best” products but is primarily for describing the snorkeling masks.

U.S. Divers top-quality line of snorkeling products, the Pro Tech Series products, are designed to provide ultimate comfort, contemporary styling, as well as offer great features. All Pro Tech Series masks have hypoallergenic silicone face skirts and straps, providing great comfort combined with long-lasting durability. The Sport Tech Series of masks are designed to deliver excellent quality and comfort as well as provide the features expected of U.S. Divers products. Sport Tech Series masks’ utilize soft and flexible Siltech face skirts, providing great comfort and fit. Providing excellent value, the Sport Recreational Series of masks are designed to offer good quality at reasonable prices.