How to snorkel: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to see the underwater world. You float at the surface, breathe through a tube and look down. The only skills are getting the mask to seal, breathing calmly and clearing water when it gets in. This guide takes you through each step.

What you need

• A mask that seals on your face.
• A snorkel, ideally a dry snorkel for your first time.
• Fins (optional for very calm, shallow water, but they help).
• A flotation vest if you are not a confident swimmer.
• A rash guard and mineral sunscreen.

Step 1: Fit the mask

1. Push your hair back so none is under the skirt.
2. Hold the mask to your face without the strap and breathe in gently through your nose. If it stays on, it fits.
3. Put the strap high on the back of your head. Snug, not tight: overtightening causes leaks.
4. Attach the snorkel to the left side of the strap (by convention).

Stop fog before it starts: scrub a new mask's lenses with non-gel toothpaste to remove the factory coating. Before every swim, apply defog or a drop of baby shampoo, spread it, and rinse lightly.

Step 2: Practice breathing

Stand in waist-deep water. Put the snorkel in your mouth, close your lips around the mouthpiece and put your face in the water. Breathe slowly and deeply through your mouth. Do this until it feels normal, usually a minute or two.

If you feel panicky, lift your head, take the snorkel out and breathe. Then try again.

Step 3: Clear water from the snorkel

Water will get in sometimes: a wave, a dip, a laugh.

• Dry snorkels close when submerged, so little water enters.
• To clear, blow out sharply through the snorkel. Water exits through the top or the purge valve at the bottom.
• Take your first breath carefully after clearing, in case a little water is left.

Step 4: Clear water from the mask

Press the top of the frame to your forehead, look slightly up and breathe out through your nose. Water is pushed out the bottom. Or simply stand up in shallow water, lift the mask and reset it.

Step 5: Float and kick

• Lie flat on the surface, face down, arms relaxed by your sides.
• Kick from the hips with fairly straight legs and relaxed ankles. Small, slow kicks are enough.
• Do not use your arms to swim; it scares fish and wastes energy.
• Look up every minute or two to check where you are.

Step 6: Get in and out safely

• From a beach: walk in backward with fins on, or put fins on when you are waist-deep.
• From a boat: sit on the edge or use the ladder; hold your mask when entering.
• Plan your exit before you get in, especially at rocky spots.

Etiquette

• Never stand on or touch coral.
• Give turtles 10 feet and never chase marine life.
• Do not feed fish.
• Use mineral sunscreen only.

Where to try it

Calm, shallow and protected spots are best. See Hawaii snorkeling for beginners and our snorkeling safety rules.