Snorkeling in Naples, Florida

Snorkeling is an easy and entertaining pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

If you are new to snorkeling in Naples, Florida, don’t let that stand in the way of exploring the beauty of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. The park is one of the area’s top attractions!

Many scuba divers and snorkelers love to swim around and explore the mix of sandy bottom and hard-bottom reef with soft corals.

Make sure you don’t get into the water completely unprepared for this new adventure. Here are 4 important tips to consider if you are new to snorkeling in Naples, Florida.

1. Test Out Your Gear

If you have never tried to breathe through a tube while submerging your head underwater, you are in for a treat! However, snorkeling can be awkward at first, until you get the hang of it.

You need to learn to breathe through your mouth, and you can’t clench the snorkel in your teeth either.

If you have access to a swimming pool, take your snorkeling gear on a test drive. If not, why not try testing it out by sticking your head underwater in the bathtub? You will get over the initial weirdness of the process and get through the initial sputtering phase in the privacy of your own home.

In no time you will be ready to take to the open seas.

2. Use a Splash Proof Snorkel

One thing you learn when you start this sport is that if water goes down your snorkel you are going to come up sputtering.

Luckily, there are a variety of snorkel gear you can select if you are new to snorkeling. A snorkel with a splash guard will prevent splashed water and spray from easily entering the tube.

You can also find snorkels which have a dry valve. These prevent water from getting in the tube at all. If you are caught under a wave or otherwise submerged, you don’t have to blow out the water from your snorkel like a breaching whale.

3. Make Sure Your Equipment Fits

You need to check that all your gear fits the way it needs to, or else you will be enjoying a faceful of H20.

Your snorkel mask should fit snugly. Hold it to your eyes and nose, and breathe in. The suction should hold it firmly to your face.

If the nose cavity or forehead area leak air, the mask is too big.

If you have long hair, make sure you tie it back, so it doesn’t tangle in the mask strap.

Flippers are better too big than too small, but obviously, you don’t want them to fly off when you kick. Get them wet before you slip them on.

4. Take it Easy

Relax and take it slowly your first time, and you will soon gain the confidence to go to more remote locations and deep waters.

If you are snorkeling in Naples, Florida and you get tired – no worries. There are numerous other fun activities you can try if you want to get on top of the water instead, like kayaking or standup paddleboarding.