Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities at a beach resort, and for good reason. It needs little equipment, suits most ages and can be done in the shallows a few steps from your sunbed. It is also one of the activities where small mistakes cause real harm, both to swimmers and to the reefs they visit. This guide sets out a sensible routine for snorkelling from a resort beach, from checking conditions to treating the marine life with care.
Check conditions before you get in
Start with the beach flags and any posted warnings. Resorts and local lifeguards often use a colour system to signal swimming conditions, and the exact meanings can vary, so look for a legend or ask a staff member on arrival. Learn how rip currents work too, because a calm-looking surface can hide a strong pull. As a rule, do not snorkel when the flag signals poor conditions, when waves are breaking over the area you plan to swim, or when visibility is low because of sand stirred up by surf.
Ask the water sports desk or beach staff three simple questions: where is the safest area to snorkel, are there currents or boat traffic nearby, and is there anything unusual in the water today, such as jellyfish or sea lice. Local staff know the beach in a way no website does.
Never snorkel alone
Pair up, even if you are a strong swimmer. A buddy can notice if you drift, if your mask floods or if you tire sooner than you expected. Agree a simple signal for “I am fine” and “I need help”, and keep within easy reach of each other. Children should be supervised by an adult in the water, not from the shore, and should wear a flotation device if they are not confident swimmers.
A bright snorkel vest or a small float with a flag helps boats see you. Stay clear of areas where boats and jet skis operate, and never swim across a boat channel.
Get your equipment right
A mask that does not fit leaks, and a leaking mask is the main reason people give up and swallow water. To test the fit, hold the mask to your face without the strap, breathe in through your nose and let go. If it stays in place, the seal is good. Use a defogger or a drop of baby shampoo wiped and rinsed to keep the lens clear. Fins add power, but they are also how most reef damage happens, so keep them well away from coral.
If the resort provides equipment, check straps, snorkel valves and mask seals before you go. If you have a long stay, buying your own mask and snorkel is inexpensive and gives you a better fit.
Protect the reef, and your skin
Reefs are living animals, and they are slow to recover from damage. A few habits make the biggest difference:
- Do not stand on or touch coral. Even a light touch can damage the tissue, and some corals can cut or sting.
- Keep your fins up and avoid kicking sand toward the reef. Practise buoyancy in open water before you approach it.
- Do not feed fish or collect shells, coral or sea creatures. In many places this is illegal as well as harmful.
- Use sunscreen carefully. Apply it well before you get in the water, choose a mineral-based product if you can, and check local rules. Some marine parks in Mexico, for example, ask visitors to use biodegradable sunscreen, so look at the park’s guidance before you go.
A long-sleeved rash guard protects your back from the sun, which is the part most often burned while snorkelling. Drink water before and after each session, because heat and salt water dehydrate you faster than you notice.
Know when to stop
Get out of the water if you feel cold, tired, dizzy or anxious, or if conditions change. Rest on the shore, drink water and wait until you feel normal before you go back in. Alcohol and snorkelling do not mix. Many resorts serve drinks on the beach from morning, so leave the snorkelling for before your first drink.
If you have a heart or breathing condition, or if you are unsure, check with a doctor before your trip. Snorkelling is gentle exercise, but breathing through a tube against water pressure is harder than it looks.
Plan for what you cannot control
Travel insurance varies on what it covers for water activities, so read the policy before you go. If you plan to snorkel often, check that snorkelling is covered and that emergency medical transport is included. Our guide to emergency numbers abroad also helps you know who to call if something goes wrong.
The best snorkelling is often a short boat trip from the resort rather than the beach itself. If you choose a tour, ask about the guide-to-guest ratio, whether life jackets are provided and what the operator’s rules are for touching marine life. A good operator will answer without hesitation.
A simple routine
Check the flags, ask the staff, pair up, test your mask, keep your fins away from the reef and stop when you tire. Follow those six steps and you will have a safer and more rewarding time, and the reef will be in better shape for the next guest.