Don't Rent the Cheapest Snorkeling Equipment

While it’s tempting to save a few bucks by renting cheap equipment, it won’t provide you with the optimum experience on Key West snorkeling tours. Renting quality, properly fitting gear can make the difference between suffering from the discomforts of a foggy mask and water-filled snorkel and a safe, comfortable and exciting underwater adventure.

Try on the Snorkeling Masks

Mask fit is vital to prevent leaks and fogging. There are many different shapes and sizes of masks, and you’ll need to try them on and know what to look for in a good fit. You’ll want an airtight seal around the face without having to make straps uncomfortably tight. When the mask is on, you should be able to suction it to your face and have it stay on without the strap. Also, be sure to try on the mask with a snorkel and be sure it stays sealed even when you move your face a bit. Shape of face, size of nose and the space between nose and lip all play a part in mask fit. Before trying on a mask, men should shave, since it’s hard to tell if fit is correct when you have a lot of stubble.

Rent a Good Snorkel

Getting a load of water flood down your snorkel is one of the more unpleasant snorkeling experiences. To reduce the possibility of this, it’s well worth a few extra dollars to rent a dry snorkel or one with a splash guard. Dry snorkels have a special valve that closes when the snorkel goes underwater or when a wave passes over. A purge valve at the bottom lets you easily blow the water out of the tube. Best of all, they have a special valve on top that completely seals out water and air when you go underwater or encounter a huge wave. Snorkels with a splash guard give some protection from a mouthful of water; it will protect against splashed water but won’t stop water from getting when a big wave passes over or you go underwater. A snorkel with a flexible tube is more comfortable around the mouth and allows for better adjustment with the mask.

Make Sure Fins Are Comfortable

Fins are vitally important for efficiency, speed and safety in strong currents. They also offer protection from cuts and scrapes from rocks and coral. Don’t skimp on price when renting fins. They’ll need to be fit properly and comfortably. Poorly fitting fins can result in sores on your feet and worse yet, you may lose a fin in the water while snorkeling. When trying on fins, be sure no hard spots are rubbing on your feet, and remember that your feet will be wet and cold, so they’ll shrink a bit, making a snug fit a necessity. Don’t think that fins are dispensable for snorkeling; they are vital for safety and for saving energy while you swim. If you want to wear booties due to cooler water, you’ll need to choose an open fin. Close-footed fins, on the other hand, weigh less and have been found to be more efficient than open fins.