Tropical locations consistently rank among the most popular vacation destinations, and a big reason for this is their natural beauty — particularly the stunning beaches that are ideal for various water activities, including snorkeling. Research suggests that there are approximately 11 million snorkelers in the U.S. alone, and that number may be as high as 20 million worldwide.
The appeal of snorkeling ranges from the desire to experience the underwater world and marine life — such as coral reefs and tropical
fish — to the health and relaxation benefits it provides. Additionally, snorkeling is often less intensive and less expensive than scuba diving, which makes it a perfect alternative. However, despite not needing to be trained or licensed, there are still some mistakes that first-time snorkelers will want to avoid. This means beginners will need to be careful about booking certain experiences — and that they might want to avoid other trips altogether.
The first mistake beginner snorkelers can make is planning a trip that involves taking the plunge directly from a boat. While the idea of leaping directly into the water may sound exciting, it's actually not a great way to snorkel for the first time. This is due to potential fogging — which can build up inside the mask and affect visibility — as well as the challenge of having to readjust your gear after the impact. Beyond that, there is also the possibility of the water being deeper than expected, which can be intimidating when you haven't had enough time to prepare. Speaking of deep waters, another common experience first-timers should avoid is having their first snorkeling session in deep or choppy waters where the current and waves can be very strong. Instead, it's best to stick to shallow waters until you feel more comfortable.
Read more: The Hidden Dangers Of Swimming In The Caribbean Sea
Avoid Going Out Alone, And Always Be Prepared
While it is true that snorkeling does not require the levels of training and licensure of deep-sea diving, it is still important that first-timers get some basic instruction before heading out. This includes ensuring that you are well-suited and that all your equipment is in proper working condition. Because of this, it's recommended that first-time snorkelers avoid booking solo experiences. If you're a novice to snorkeling, you should always aim to have a more experienced partner (or instructor) present during your session to ensure that help is available if anything goes wrong. Similarly, it is also best to avoid areas with a particularly high volume of sharp coral reefs for your first snorkeling experience. These can be dangerous — especially for a novice who isn't experienced in how to navigate around them properly — and can result in an accident.
At the end of the day, snorkeling is a fun water activity that comes with a wealth of benefits. For many, it is a calming, stress-free experience that allows them to feel at one with nature. However, for your safety — and possibly the safety of others around you — it is always important to take all the necessary precautions before heading out, and to keep in mind all of the sneaky dangers of snorkeling you shouldn't ignore. That said, once you're ready to take the plunge, you can take your pick from some of the best islands for snorkeling based on your skill level — and enjoy everything the underwater world has to offer.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
