How to Snorkel for Beginners

Step 1: Get gear that fits

Snorkelling needs almost nothing: a mask, a snorkel and fins. The one thing that matters most is a mask that fits and seals on your face (test it by holding it on without the strap and breathing in through your nose, it should stay put). Defog it, add a comfortable snorkel and a pair of fins, and you are ready. We cover choosing all of it in the snorkel gear guide and mask fit in the dive mask guide.

Step 2: Practise breathing in shallow water

Do not swim off immediately. Stand or float in shallow, calm water, put your face in with the snorkel up, and simply breathe slowly and deeply through your mouth until it feels natural. Almost every beginner problem is fast, panicky breathing; slow it down and relax. Once breathing feels automatic and boring, you are ready to swim.

Step 3: Learn to clear the snorkel and mask

Two little skills remove all the anxiety. To clear the snorkel when water gets in (a small wave, or you dipped under), blow out sharply to blast the water out of the top, then breathe gently. To clear a flooded mask, look slightly up, press the top of the frame against your forehead, and exhale through your nose, the air pushes the water out the bottom. Practise both in the shallows; once you can clear without standing up, snorkelling becomes relaxing.

Step 4: Fin slowly and efficiently

Good snorkelling looks lazy. Use slow, relaxed kicks from the hips with fairly straight legs, and keep your arms still at your sides (waving your arms wastes energy and scares fish). Let the fins do the work; you should glide, not thrash. This is efficient, calm and keeps your heart rate down, which is safer and lets you stay out longer. In shallow or delicate reef areas, mind your fins so you never kick the coral.

Step 5: Relax, float and enjoy

The final skill is the most important: relax. Float calmly on the surface, breathe steadily, and let the reef reveal itself, turtles, fish and coral appear when you are still and quiet. Snorkel with a buddy, in calm, clear water, and keep an eye on your position relative to shore or the boat. And the golden rule of the reef: look, don't touch, never stand on, grab or chase marine life.

Common beginner snorkelling mistakes

• A leaky, ill-fitting mask. The number-one frustration. Choose on fit, and don't trap hair under the skirt.
• Skipping the defog. A new mask fogs until you remove the factory film; do it once at home.
• Breathing fast and shallow. Slow, deep breaths keep you calm and comfortable. Panic starts in the lungs.
• Waving your arms. Keep them still; it saves energy and stops you scaring the fish.
• Standing on the reef to rest. Never. Float, or head to sand. Coral is alive and fragile.
• Drifting without noticing. Look up regularly to check your position relative to shore or the boat; currents are sneaky.
• Forgetting the sun. Your back cooks while you feel cool, wear a rashguard.

Where to snorkel as a beginner

Choose calm, clear, shallow water with easy entry and, ideally, a guide or lifeguard, protected bays and reef flats are perfect. Many of our destinations are superb for snorkelling straight off the beach, from the turtles of the Gili Islands to the reefs of Moalboal and the lagoons of El Nido. Avoid strong current, boat channels and rough, murky conditions while you are learning.