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WHAT IS SNORKELING? BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

WHAT IS SNORKELING? BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

 Picture of girl snorkeling
“What is Snorkeling?”: Picture of girl swimming with Snorkel Gear
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INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS SNORKELING? BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

Have you ever thought about what it’s like to swim over colorful coral reefs with hundreds of “tropical” fish all around you? Snorkeling lets you experience this and more! It’s a simple way for beginners to explore the underwater world and see the Mediterranean’s amazing sea life. With more than 17,000 types of marine creatures in the Mediterranean, this guide will give you all the basics for your snorkeling trip. So, put on your mask and fins, and let’s learn the snorkeling essentials and find out once and for all, “What is Snorkeling?”!

As an avid snorkeler and someone who has lived on the Mediterranean for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge to help you make the most of your travels.

(To find out more about the Mediterranean see our related posts, “Snorkeling Gear“, “Ultimate Mediterranean Vacation Planning Guide” and “Guide to the Mediterranean Coast“)

Swimmer Heading to the water with Fins, Mask and Snorkel
Swimmer Heading to the water with Fins, Mask and Snorkel

WHAT IS SNORKELING? BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

1: Understanding The Basics

What is Snorkeling

To snorkel is when a person swims on the water’s surface and breathes through an air tube called a snorkel. The snorkel helps the person breathe air from above the water while they look down. The main reason to snorkel is to see what is under the water, like fish and plants, without needing heavy equipment. With snorkeling, you can see underwater life while staying on top of the water. 

Difference Between Snorkeling and SCUBA Diving

Snorkeling is when a person swims on the water’s surface and uses a snorkel to breathe air from above the water. You basically swim along the surface of the water, facing down, and breathe air through a tube that sticks out of the water. Scuba diving involves going deep underwater with a tank of air and special equipment to breathe. Snorkeling lets you see things below while staying on top of the water. Scuba diving allows you to go deep into the water to explore deeper parts. Snorkeling is simpler and beginner-friendly. For SCUBA diving you need special training and specialized equipment.

Diver with SCUBA diving gear
Snorkeling vs SCUBA diving: Diver with SCUBA diving gear
Key Benefits of Snorkeling for Beginners

The main benefit is that as a beginner, it’s easy to learn and you can quickly get out into the water and start exploring. All you need for equipment is a mask and snorkel (Fins are a nice extra to help with the swimming but you can snorkel without them). Snorkeling allows you to see underwater life without going deep. All you have to do is leisurely swim along the surface, breathe normally through the snorkel, and look down at the fish and corals below. It’s that easy!

2: Essential Snorkeling Gear and Equipment

Must-Have Gear: Masks, Snorkels, and Fins

When you snorkel, you need three main pieces of gear: masks, snorkels, and fins. A mask covers your eyes and nose, letting you see underwater clearly. The snorkel is a tube that stays above the water, allowing you to breathe while your face is in the water. Fins go on your feet to help you swim easily and move faster. With just these 3 items you can head out to the water and explore. 

"What is Snorkeling?": Traditional Mask with yellow Snorkel
“What is Snorkeling?”: Traditional Mask with yellow Snorkel
Choosing the Right Gear for Comfort and Safety

Before heading out into the water, check your equipment to make sure it fits properly. First, make sure the mask fits your face well to prevent water from leaking in. The mask will have an adjustable strap that will help you adjust the mask to fit you. You will have to find the right balance between the mask being too tight that it hurts or too loose and it lets water in. Somewhere in between is the sweet spot. The snorkel should have a mouthpiece that feels good to bite and is easy to breathe through. Make sure that there is a rubber ring on the snorkel that will help you connect the mask and snorkel in a way that the snorkel sticks out of the water when you are swimming face down. Fins should fit snugly on your feet and not slip off while swimming, but not so tight that they pinch your skin or create a hot spot. Always check that the gear is in good condition before going into the water to ensure it works properly.

Full-Face Masks vs Traditional Snorkel Masks

There are two styles of snorkeling masks on the market that you can choose from. One is the full-face snorkeling mask which covers the entire face and allows you to breathe through both your nose and mouth. The other style is the traditional snorkel mask that is made up of a separate mask and snorkel tube, where you breathe through your mouth. Full-face masks offer a wide view because the mask covers more of your face. Traditional snorkel sets let you dive down deeper by holding your breath and then resurface to breathe (You might want to wait until you are comfortable snorkeling before trying this advanced technique. You can swallow a lot of water if you don’t do this right). Choosing between these 2 types of masks depends on personal comfort and how you plan to snorkel.

Full Face Snorkeling Masks
“What is Snorkeling?”: Full Face Snorkeling Masks

3: Snorkel Safety Guidelines

Know Weather and Water Conditions

Before heading into the water make sure to always check the weather forecast and water conditions for safe snorkeling. Weather can change quickly, affecting how safe the sea is for snorkeling. Water conditions like currents and tides can make it hard to swim or cause you to drift. Knowing these conditions helps avoid dangerous situations while snorkeling. 

Snorkel with a Buddy

You should always snorkel with a buddy so that you can both look out for each other. If one person has trouble, the other can help quickly. Having a buddy means someone is there to call for help if needed. Having a buddy along will give both of you more confidence while exploring.

"What is Snorkeling?": Snorkel with a Buddy
“What is Snorkeling?”: Snorkel with a Buddy
Tips to Stay Safe and Relaxed in the Water

To stay safe and relaxed while snorkeling, practice floating calmly on the water. Start in shallow water that is about waist deep and practice here. If you run into trouble or have equipment issues you can just stand up and fix the problem. When practicing, use slow, steady breaths through the snorkel to stay calm. Keep an eye on the surroundings and know where the shore is at all times. Stay aware of other people and boats in the area to avoid accidents. Take breaks when needed to maintain energy and comfort in the water.

Make sure to put sunscreen on your head and back or wear a T-shirt when out in the water. Many people get caught up in the moment, swimming along the surface and discovering this whole new world that they lose track of time and expose their heads and back to the sun’s rays. Many people get severe sunburns this way.

4: Top Mediterranean Destinations to Snorkel

"What is Snorkeling?": Excellent Snorkeling Conditions in Mallorca, Spain
“What is Snorkeling?”: Excellent Conditions in Mallorca, Spain
Best Places to Snorkel

Snorkeling is an excellent sport to do when traveling on your summer vacation. A sunny destination with calm crystal clear waters is perfect for snorkeling and the Mediterranean Sea is one of the best locations for this. The Mediterranean is large and many Mediterranean countries offer great conditions for snorkeling, such as Cyprus, Italy, and Croatia to name a few. Many of these destinations have rich vibrant sea life and interesting underwater landscapes to explore. Each of these places has unique sea environments that attract people from all over for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. 

Hidden Treasures and Lesser-Known Sites

The Mediterranean has many hidden places for snorkeling that are not well-known. In Greece, small islands offer spots with clear water and marine life. Malta has quiet bays where people can explore the sea without many others around. In Spain, some remote beaches offer snorkeling with a variety of sea creatures. These sites provide unique experiences for those looking to discover new underwater areas.

Snorkeling in Shallow Waters
“What is Snorkeling?”: A snorkeler in Shallow Waters
Best Time to Snorkel in the Mediterranean

The best time to Snorkel in the Mediterranean is from late spring to early fall for the best conditions. During these months, the water is warmer, and the sea is calmer, making it easier to see underwater. If the water is all churned up by wind and waves, the underwater visibility will drop off significantly. From late spring to early fall the weather is more stable, which is important for planning trips. Snorkeling during calm water conditions will give you a better experience when exploring marine life and sea environments.

5: Discovering Mediterranean Marine Life

Common Marine Species You Might Encounter

In the Mediterranean, you will find many types of fish while snorkeling. Be prepared to see a whole new world of marine life as you try out your snorkeling mask for the first time. In addition to a wide range of fish, you might see Octopuses which often hide among rocks, sea turtles swimming near the shore, sea urchins along the sea floor, and jellyfish drifting with the current (Be careful around jellyfish as some of them do sting). 

Protecting Marine Life

A good rule of thumb when exploring underwater marine life is “Don’t Touch”. Keep your hands to yourself and don’t touch the marine life or the habitat where they live. Conservation helps keep marine life safe and healthy in the Mediterranean. We want to make sure that marine life and their habitat are protected and that they have a good place to live. Respecting marine life means not touching or disturbing marine life when snorkeling (this includes being careful with your fins that you don’t accidentally disturb the corals or plants). This allows fish to live without stress and helps maintain the natural balance. By doing these things, people help ensure future generations can enjoy the sea and its creatures.

Tips For Observing Marine Life Responsibly

When observing marine life in the Mediterranean, keep a safe distance from animals. Avoid touching or chasing the creatures to prevent stress. Move slowly and calmly to avoid disturbing the environment. Do not feed the animals as it can harm their natural diet. Take all trash with you to keep the sea clean for future visitors.

Don't Touch! Keep your hands away from the fish and corals!
Don’t Touch! Keep your hands away from the fish and corals! (and watch your fins!)

6: Preparing for Your Snorkeling Journey

Fitness Tips for Before you Snorkel

Building endurance is helpful for snorkeling, so practice swimming regularly. Strengthening your legs through exercises like squats can improve your finning. Practice breathing deeply to get comfortable using the snorkel. Stretch your muscles to prevent cramps while swimming. Staying hydrated before and after snorkeling will help maintain your energy levels.

What to Pack When you Want to Snorkel

In addition to your snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins), make sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Take a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Practice Basic Skills Before Getting in the Water

Before snorkeling, practice using your snorkel by breathing through it while standing on land. Get comfortable wearing your mask and ensure it fits well to keep water out. Learn how to clear water from your snorkel by blowing forcefully if it gets inside. Practice using fins by walking backward on land to get used to the motion. Try floating on your stomach and kicking gently to get used to the feeling before entering the water. Try all of this in waist-deep water if possible and close to shore. Trying to adjust equipment while out in deep water is not easy so you want to make sure you deal with any equipment issues at the beach. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHAT IS SNORKELING? BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

Snorkeling in the Mediterranean is more than just an activity; it’s an adventure into an underwater wonderland. By understanding what this sport is, choosing the right gear, and following safety protocols, you’re set for an unforgettable experience. Ready to explore? Grab your gear and a buddy, and start your Mediterranean snorkeling journey today!

What is Snorkeling ?: Snorkeling on the Costa Del Sol, Spain
A snorkeler on the Costa Del Sol, Spain

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”

How about experiencing the Mediterranean firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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