When you think about beach holidays, you probably imagine sun loungers, cocktails, and soft sand between your toes. It’s a chance to kick back and relax, far from the pressures of everyday life. Yet, it’s not all about frolicking in the sand. There’s an activity you can add to your beach excursions that will make them truly memorable.
Snorkeling is a popular hobby, particularly for those holidaying in picturesque locations. You may have seen all the sights on land, but a world of adventure is waiting beneath the waves. It’s easier than you think to get started. You don’t need special skills or equipment. It’s all about buoyancy control, which comes naturally to most swimmers.
This article explores the reasons why snorkeling is a great way to make the most of your trip.
1. Anybody Can Do It
Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling requires no specialized training. It’s performed close to the surface, so it’s safe and simple to master. If you’re a reasonably strong swimmer, you should have no problem learning to snorkel. In fact, most people teach themselves the basics. It’s best to practice in shallow water first until you get the hang of breathing into a mask.
2. All You Need is a Snorkel Mask
Again, while scuba diving requires lots of expensive equipment, snorkeling is a highly affordable activity. You need a breathing mask and a pair of fins. If you’re a first-timer, it might be a good idea to consider masks that allow breathing through your nose when snorkeling. They will enable the wearer to breathe normally underwater.
3. Incredible Underwater Wildlife
The most common reason people snorkel is to try and see exotic underwater species. The wildlife available depends entirely on where in the world you’re swimming. However, even familiar fish become a visual feast when, suddenly, you’re in their territory and not the other way around. Places like Maui are renowned for their variety of marine wildlife that captivate tourists on a snorkel tour. If this is something that sounds good to you, doing an online search for the best molokini snorkel tour near me will get you sorted with a trip that you won’t forget for years to come.
4. Awesome Underwater Landscapes
It’s not just the wildlife that deserves your attention. All over the world, seas and oceans are filled with incredible landscapes. They include multi-colored coral reefs, underwater museums (yes, they are a thing), shipwrecks, and even sunken cities.
For instance, the ancient Roman city of Baia was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. It still exists today at the bottom of the sea. Snorkeling is the quickest, easiest way to lay eyes on it.
5. It Builds a Strong Body
Exercise is probably not your primary reason for taking up snorkeling, but it is an excellent sweetener. Regular snorkeling is great for building muscle in the abs and lower back. It is because staying stable and afloat on your stomach is a taxing job. It burns around 400 calories per hour.
6. It’s a Chance for Peace
Many first-time snorkelers are startled by how magnificently peaceful they find the water. It’s ironic because the activity tends to be lumped together with scuba diving. Both are less frenetic than people imagine.
However, snorkeling is especially tranquil. It isn’t an adrenaline-pumping extreme sport. It is slow, relaxing, and almost meditative for some.
7. You Can Do It With Friends
No matter where you live, even scuba diving in St George Utah, snorkeling is even more exciting when shared with friends and family members. It’s up to you whether you prefer to dive alone. However, we recommend getting travel buddies involved if you’re holidaying in a group. If you’re traveling alone, look for a local snorkeling club. You don’t need company to enjoy it, but it’s nice to have somebody to share those incredible underwater moments.
Why Snorkelling is the Ultimate Adventure
Snorkeling is a highly underrated activity. It is inexpensive, easy to master, and can be enjoyed on any coast, anywhere in the world. If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s worth buying your own mask, instead of renting one when you get there. That way, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean wherever you are, whenever you need an adventure.
