So you’re going snorkeling for the first time! Whether you’re swapping the winter blues for some tropical shores or headed on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, we bet you can’t wait to jump in and explore all the amazing underwater life. Before you head out to the closest coral reef, there’s one important question to answer: what to wear snorkeling?
From swimsuits to wetsuits, there are lots of different options when it comes to choosing the right gear. It depends on the water temperatures and snorkel gear to have the best snorkeling experience. In this blog post, we’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know about what to wear while snorkeling. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, read on for our top tips!
What to Wear Snorkeling 101 – A Wet Suit Or Rash Guard To Protect Your Skin From The Sun And Jellyfish
What to wear snorkeling? It’s a question that often comes up for first-time snorkelers, and it is a good idea to consider the two main options: a wetsuit or a rash guard.
Wetsuits come in various thicknesses depending on the water temperature. If you’ll be snorkeling in cold water, a thicker suit is better, but if you’re snorkeling in warm waters then a thinner suit is usually adequate.
In addition to keeping you warm in cool waters, a wetsuit also protects from jellyfish and other marine life more than a regular bathing suit would.
If you opt not to wear a wetsuit, then a rash guard is an alternative option to protect your skin from the sun while snorkeling. Look for one made of special fabric with SPF rating of 50+. Rash guards come in all sorts of styles –short sleeved, long sleeved and tank tops – so pick one that fits best for you.
Remember to put sunscreen on (more on this below)! When you are deciding what to wear, always keep in mind that you need protection from the sun and jellyfish.
Swimsuits – What to Wear Snorkeling
While you can snorkel in any type of clothing, some types are better than others. For men, fitted board shorts with a secure drawstring work just fine. For women, it is best to wear a form-fitting and secure swimsuit.
Must Haves – Snorkel Mask
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to explore the depths of the ocean and discover what lies beneath. As such, it can be a great way to spend a leisurely day with family and friends. But what do you need to get started? Believe it or not, you can’t just jump in the water – snorkeling requires preparation and safety equipment.
First time snorkelers will absolutely need to invest in a good quality snorkel mask with a mask strap, which is necessary for protecting the eyes and facial region from water damage and irritants. Look for a mask that has tempered glass lenses with anti-fog coatings that allow for maximum visibility.
If you are new to snorkeling or just want a relaxing time in calm waters, a full face snorkel mask is a good choice. If you want a more active experience and the chance to see more ocean life, go for a traditional snorkel mask set!
Should I Wear a Snorkel Vest?
Another important safety measure to consider when snorkeling is whether or not to wear a snorkel vest. Snorkel vests can provide buoyancy, which helps keep you safe and afloat in the water. Think of a snorkel vest as a life jacket but designed specifically for snorkeling. If you are not a strong swimmer, you should consider using a snorkel vest on your snorkeling excursion.
Not only are they helpful for inexperienced swimmers, but they also help conserve energy so you don’t tire quickly while swimming and snorkeling especially when you are in strong currents.
Snorkel vests come in different sizes and styles, so make sure to find the right fit for you before heading out on your snorkeling adventure.
Fins to Help You Swim When Snorkeling
Something most first-time snorkelers don’t think about is how helpful fins can be when it comes to swimming. With a pair of fins, you have more forward propulsion as you swim through the water. This really helps give you the confidence and energy to explore further and stay in the water longer.
In addition, finning also can help you save energy so your arms and legs don’t get as tired while you are swimming around. Not to mention, fins can help to significantly increase your speed in the water allowing you to cover more ground so you can spot more fish and other aquatic life.
Investing in a good pair of swimming fins before going out for a snorkel could make all the difference in how easy—and how much fun—your time spent exploring under the sea is! If you choose not to use fins, you may want to use a pair of water shoes to prevent stepping on any sharp objects under the sea on your snorkeling trip.
Of course, no matter what kind of equipment you’re using, make sure to always follow safety guidelines so that your experience is both fun and safe for everyone involved.
What Are The Best Colors to Wear When Snorkeling?
Trying to figure out what colors to wear when snorkeling? Whether you’re looking for something slimming, or just want to blend in with your surrounding for optimal visibility, the colors you select can significantly impact your underwater experience.
It is a good idea to wear bright colors when snorkeling. This way, people can see you better. If you are a beginner, it is especially important to wear bright colors. That way, if you ever get lost or need help, people can find you more easily.
For example, wearing lighter colors like beiges and light blues will let you blend in more easily with the ocean. This allows you to spot marine life more clearly without startling it away.
Since sharks can see colors that stand out, some suggest that anything that is very bright against lighter or darker skin can look like a bait fish to a shark. For this reason, it is suggested to prevent shark attacks that swimmers avoid wearing yellow, white, or even bathing suits with contrasting colors, like black and white.
Whatever color scheme you choose, make sure that what you wear is comfortable and won’t get too heavy after being submerged in water.
Choosing what to wear while snorkeling isn’t just about fashion- it can also give you an underwater adventure of a lifetime!
Can You Wear a Bikini Snorkeling?
You asked, can you wear a bikini snorkeling? The answer is… it depends! It is important to think about what you are wearing when you go snorkeling. Comfort should be the number one priority—you don’t want the straps of your bikini top digging into your skin while you’re swimming around. If it is warm water you may be able to wear a bikini or a regular swimsuit, but for cooler waters, you might prefer a wet suit.
However, there are some other factors to consider. If bioluminescent creatures (like plankton) inhabit the waters where you are snorkeling, then a full-body suit will help prevent them from sticking to your body as much.
If the water is cold, long sleeves and pants can provide medicinal benefits. Some snorkelers prefer neoprene wetsuits over bikinis for extra protection from potential rocks or coral that may harm their skin.
Should I Wear Sun Protection When Snorkeling?
Absolutely! Just because you’re underwater doesn’t mean that you don’t need protection from the sun. Even if it’s cloudy outside, your skin may be exposed to UVA and UVB radiation, which can be particularly damaging when reflected by the water. You need sunscreen to provide UV protection on your snorkel trip.
Sunburn on your scalp can hurt and be dangerous. The skin is also sensitive on the neck and ears. So, we recommend always protecting your head when you go snorkeling, even if it is just for a short time.
It is important to remember that snorkeling can be a full-body activity, so make sure to apply sunscreen on all exposed areas of your body—not just your face.
There is also reef-safe sunscreen. Some sunscreens are safe for reefs. They do not have oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are two chemicals that can cause coral bleaching. You should be able to find reef-friendly sunscreen in the local dive shop.
Ultimately, what you wear when you go snorkeling depends on where you are and what kind of experience you want. But no matter what, always remember to have fun and stay safe! Happy swimming!
Now that you know what to wear snorkeling, it’s time to grab your snorkeling equipment, get suited up, and go explore the underwater world! Have fun and be safe out there.
