How to snorkel, Getting in the Ocean Water

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Part II - Getting in the Water

Snorkeling is a tool used to access one of nature's most marvelous realms, and the ocean remains one of the best arenas for exercising our sense of discovery, as well as our bodies. The key to successful snorkeling is relaxation in the water. The tips below assume you already have well fitting equipment. If not see Part I - How to Snorkel:

Before Entering the Water:

Ensure waterproof sunscreen has been applied 30 minutes prior to entering the water, or use a t-shirt or rash guard instead

Test out all your equipment and make sure it fits properly before entering the water, never stand on the reef to adjust gear, seek a sandy area instead.

Consider bringing a buoyancy vest or other floatation device even if you are an experienced swimmer

Snorkeling is a buddy sport, don't forget yours!

While in the water:

Never turn your back on the ocean - it will get you!

Choose a sandy area to enter and exit. Never step on hard bottom as there are rocks, corals and sea urchins close to shore which can harm you or you could harm them

It is important to be aware and control your fins at all times; avoid kicking up the sand or sediment

Scuba divers should practice good buoyancy control and keep all gauges, fins and other accessories from dragging on the bottom.

Duck or dive under breaking waves before they reach you. Don't try to jump over of turn your back.

Observe animals exhibiting their natural behaviors rather than stimulate them to entertain, never feed or touch marine life, including feeding fish (great video!)

Leave coral, sand, shells and rocks where they lay, they provide valuable resources for marine life, never remove anything from except garbage from the marine environment

Respect native Hawaiian cultural sites, practices and sacred places (great video!)

Obey and read all posted signs

Use moorings or anchor in the sand

Never swim against a current - swim diagonally against it

Knowing your personal limitations is a vital skill often overlooked. Recognize them and remain alert to them. There is no good reason to push your limits. They will change with each snorkeling opportunity presented.

Factors to consider are water temperature, surge, currents, and visibility. fish bite oahu snorkeling

Fish Feeding

Fish feeding has been shown to change reef systems, and make fish aggressive (see the bite to the right?).

Help the reef and stay safe, please leave the food at home.

A relaxed snorkeler gets more pleasure out of snorkeling and a greater appreciation of the environment. You are also less threatening (and less of a target). When the aquatic wildlife realizes you are not a threat, they resume their normal routine, allowing you to experience their world. Safety Tips cont...

Learn to Snorkel - or Improve Your Snorkeling Technique

Part II - Getting in the Water