So, you want to try some Key West snorkeling? If you’re buying your own gear, or even renting it, these valuable tips can make all the difference between a great day on the water and a day spent watching your snorkel mask fill up with water.
[singlepic=635,200,314,watermark,left]Number one: get a well-fitting mask. If your mask doesn’t fit right, then don’t try to snorkel until you either adjust it or buy a better one. $40 is enough to spend to get a good mask for Key West snorkeling. When choosing a mask, make sure you can keep the mask on without the strap. This means you can make a seal on your face with the mask, by breathing in through your nose. The seal is key, so make sure there’s no strand of hair between the mask and your skin, or you won’t make a good seal. Make sure you can tighten the straps without hurting your face too much. Speaking of straps, you can buy a replacement strap for your mask, which is not made of rubber so you don’t rip out your hair when you go snorkeling. These straps feature a wide band made of fabric, not plastic or rubber.
Get a good snorkel too, if you’re serious about Key West snorkeling. This is important because after diving down, and then coming to the surface, a good snorkel will not get any water in it, and you can breathe through it immediately after surfacing. No need to empty the tube out, because it will be dry if you have a good snorkel. There are mid-range ones for $25 and then hte $45 ones are really good. This is for beginners only. If you get better at Key West snorkeling, you will want to get something more aerodynamic to reduce drag. Most beginners and people just going for some light Key West snorkeling might like the dry snorkel.
For sun protection and protection from jellyfish, wear a long-sleeve rashguard, especially for Key West snorkeling where the sun is strong. You will be in the water for a long time and you’ll be in Key West, so those two reason right there should be enough to justify the $25 to $30 a rashguard will cost you. Go to Divers’ Direct on Simonton Street since they have the biggest selection. It just happens to be the biggest dive store in Key West, that’s all.