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The website provides fun facts about snorkeling!

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Snorkelling is a type of swimming which is done using a tube to breathe underwater. This tube is known as a snorkel and used to draw air while underwater. Ancient snorkels were made out of the hollow reeds that are common to many lakes and marsh areas.

The first modern snorkel was invented by Leonardo da Vinci at a request made by the Venetian senate. It is made of rubber and is usually about one foot long and an inch in width. One end stays above the surface of water and helps oxygen to enter the lungs.
Quick Facts: -

Snorkelling gives the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting.

The term Snorkel has been derived from the German word 'Schnorchel', meaning air intake.

Many people confuse this recreation sport with scuba diving but both of them are different.

Usually, snorkelers do not have an air supply attached to their gear (oxygen tank).

It is important for snorkelers to hold their breath when they go under the water.

Snorkelers use a diving mask and diving fins along with a snorkel. It does not require any kind of training but practice in shallow water first with an adult.

Their fins help by gently gliding and swimming under water. Breathing also becomes easier.

Most snorkelers prefer to explore shallow reefs ranging from sea level 1 to 4 meters.

You should remain near the surface of the water while snorkelling. If you want to go deep inside the water, you need to hold your breath.

Breath holds can be significantly improved by slowing down and relaxing, practice this to improve and use a stopwatch.

The air pump was invented in 1771 by a British Engineer, John Smeaten.

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Snorkelling is a type of swimming which is done using a tube to breathe underwater. This tube is known as a snorkel and used to draw air while underwater. Ancient snorkels were made out of the hollow reeds that are common to many lakes and marsh areas.

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The website gives you an estimate on how much snorkel gear will cost to buy and to rent in some areas. Check out the website for more information!

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So, you're ready to go snorkeling (awesome!) and are wondering how much snorkeling costs? You've come to the right place.

Fortunately, it's pretty easy to figure out how much it will cost to go snorkeling (or take up snorkeling as a hobby). Prices do vary a bit depending on what kind of gear you want and what you'll be doing (we'll cover all of that in just a moment), but I've done a ton of research and compiled bunches of prices to find some reliable ranges for what to expect for everything related to snorkeling costs.

Also fortunately, snorkeling is pretty cheap as far as water sports hobbies go (especially compared to something like scuba diving) and cruising through the gorgeous underwater world alongside beautiful and unique marine life is always one my absolute favorite things to do.

So, how much does snorkeling cost? You can expect snorkeling costs to be between $40-110 to buy basic snorkel gear, $18-42 to rent basic snorkel gear for a week, and $38-160 per person for a half-day snorkel tour, each dependent on quality of gear and trip location.

Some of those ranges might seem kind of wide, so let's zero in more on what exactly you can expect for prices for you specifically. There are essentially two main categories of snorkeling costs - snorkel gear and then actually going snorkeling - and we'll start with snorkel gear costs.

How Much Does Snorkel Gear Cost?

When it comes to the snorkel gear portion of how much snorkeling costs, you have two options: either buy snorkel gear or rent it.

If you're planning to snorkel 3 or more times even over the next 5 years, I really recommend looking into buying your own snorkel gear. You can typically get gear that's way higher in quality and even a lot safer for less money than paying to rent gear a handful of times. It's all yours, and it starts saving you money pretty quickly, making snorkeling cost even less. (Plus, snorkel gear usually only costs 5-10% of what scuba gear costs.)

If you're only planning on snorkeling once or twice over the next few years, or are just looking to try out snorkeling to see if you like it, renting isn't a terrible option. Keep in mind, though, that most rental snorkel gear is lower quality and may not have some of the same safety features built into better gear, so it's an especially good idea to learn from a guide how everything works if you're new to snorkeling.

1. How Much Does it Cost to Buy Snorkel Gear?

First up: how much does it cost to buy snorkel gear? Typical costs to buy a basic snorkel mask average between $20-40, $40-110 for an intermediate snorkel mask, $110-200 for an advanced snorkel mask, $20-70 for a snorkel tube, and $50-175 for snorkel fins.

Exactly where you fall in the price spectrum is going to depend on your goals, but here's how the general snorkel gear cost data breaks down:

There are only two basic things that you absolutely need to go snorkeling: a mask and a snorkel, so let's start there.

Snorkel Masks

For your snorkel mask (also sometimes called a dive mask), you can typically spend as little as $20 and all the way up to $200. It may be possible to spend less than $20 (and the same goes for any of the lower prices in the various gear categories), but at that point I would be concerned about potential quality and safety issues of the mask (or other gear).

Basic snorkel masks are just that: basic. They cover your eyes and nose and keep the water out. More intermediate and advanced masks start to be built with better quality materials, let you see more, are more comfortable, and have more advanced safety features like purge valves. To figure out what type of mask will work best for your wants and needs, check out our full explainer of each level at The 3 Best Snorkel Masks for All Levels: Beginners, Intermediates & Advanced.

Snorkels

Next, there are also different types of snorkels out there: traditional wet snorkels, semi-dry snorkels and dry snorkels. Unless you are a more advanced snorkeler, I always recommend dry snorkels.

Dry snorkels are special in that they have an integrated float valve at the top of the snorkel tube that closes when it comes in contact with water to keep it out, but opens when you breathe to let you inhale and exhale normally. It's a fantastic invention for snorkel safety.

Dry snorkels are usually in the upper half of the snorkel price range (so, probably $40-70 for a good one) since they have the extra dry valve technology, but it's worth it. My pick for the best dry snorkel, along with more info, is over at The Best Dry Top Snorkel This Year: A Clear Winner.

For another rundown on dry snorkels and info on the other types of snorkel (semi-dry and traditional wet), check out How Much Do Snorkel Tubes Cost? in our basic gear guide.

Snorkel Fins

Snorkel fins aren't absolutely required to snorkel, but they really go a long way toward giving you a better experience. You'll be able to go farther, faster and while using less energy, letting you see more and making the whole swim safer.

Decent snorkel fins that aren't just stiff blocks of rubber typically start around $50, and you can find a good set with some nice intro technology built in for $50-75 if you want to stay on the basic side of things. If you want the best you can get, fins can climb up to around $200 (but those are typically for really serious snorkelers).

There's more information on the different types of snorkel fins (there is a lot of new technology now with fins, and they aren't just simple flippers anymore) over at The Best Snorkel Fins for Beginners, Advanced Snorkelers & Travelers and that guide will help you figure out what you need.

Other Snorkel Gear

If you're into it, there are also lots of other types of gear that either go a long way toward making your snorkeling a lot more fun, comfortable or safe (or all three) like special sun protection needed for snorkeling, awesome action cameras like a GoPro, special snorkel gear for travel, snorkel gear meant for kids, and plenty else.

The below helpful guides will let you get a handle on other types of snorkel gear, their benefits and what they cost:

2. How Much Does it Cost to Rent Snorkel Gear?

Next, how much does it cost to rent snorkel gear? A snorkel set with a mask, snorkel and fins can be rented weekly for an average of $42 in a high-cost-of-living area, $27 in a medium-cost-of-living area, or $18 in a low-cost-of-living area.

If you're only planning on snorkeling once or twice (or just want to try it out first), renting snorkel gear can be an OK option if you're fine with using the most basic of snorkel gear and foregoing some of the safety improvements like snorkel mask purge valves or dry snorkels.

Also, if you go out on a snorkel tour with a guide, typically the price you pay for that tour will include rental snorkel gear. But, that is almost always very basic gear as well.

How much you'll actually pay for personal rental gear varies a bit depending on how expensive the area is that you'll be visiting. An expensive area (like Hawaii) should average about $42 for a week's rental of a basic mask, snorkel and fins, whereas an inexpensive area like Indonesia should be more around $18. Let's look:

Snorkel Gear Rental in an Area with a High Cost of Living

Snorkel Gear Rental in an Area with a Medium Cost of Living

Snorkel Gear Rental in Area with a Low Cost of Living

You also have daily rental options if you're just planning to go once or twice, but if you plan to snorkel 3-4 days, it makes more sense to pay for a weekly rental. In either case, it shouldn't add much to your overall snorkeling cost.

You can find more information on renting snorkel gear along with some things to watch out for over at How Much Does it Cost to Rent Snorkel Gear? Prices & Problems.

How Much Does it Cost to Go Snorkeling?

Now, once we have our snorkel gear in hand, we need to put it to good use!

How much does it cost to go snorkeling? Snorkeling from the shore at public beaches is typically free. If you take a half-day snorkel tour instead, the average cost per person in a high-cost-of-living area is $112, $71 for a medium-cost-of-living area, or $47 for a low-cost-of-living area.

If you want to get in the water immediately, there are usually plenty of decent places to snorkel from the beach at any oceanside vacation destination. If it's a public beach, it's typically going to be free. If the beach happens to be in a national or state park, or part of private property that allows access for snorkeling, you might need to pay an entry fee; likely somewhere between $3 and $20. In any case, make sure that you are a strong snorkeler and that conditions are favorable if you're snorkeling without a guide.

3. How Much Do Snorkel Tours Cost?

My favorite way to snorkel, though, is to take a snorkel tour. Not only is this the safest way for beginners to get started (the guides can teach you all that you need to know), but tour guides will generally know where the best spots are and have the boats to get you there.

Like with snorkel rental gear, snorkel tour costs can vary depending on where you're visiting.

Snorkel Tour in Area with High Cost of Living

Snorkel Tour in Area with Medium Cost of Living

Snorkel Tour in Area with Low Cost of Living

So, I could pay as little as $38 per person for a half-day snorkel tour in Indonesia, or $249 for a super-nice full-day snorkel tour in Hawaii. Snorkel tours are usually the biggest addition to what going snorkeling costs, but I've honestly never been on a snorkel tour that wasn't totally worth it. The knowledge of local guides and the ability to get to better snorkel spots has always made the tour 100% worthwhile and way better than just trying to go at it alone.

There are other factors that determine the costs of snorkel tours like if meals are provided, special transportation needs, etc. For more on specific snorkel tour pricing as well as how to find snorkel tours, check out How Much Do Snorkel Tours Cost? 3 Price Points + Easy Booking Guides.

4. How Much Does Travel Insurance for Snorkeling Cost?

One thing that many people don't think about when talking about how much snorkeling costs is travel insurance.

Snorkeling is generally considered a safe activity, but things do happen in life and it's smart to make sure that you're covered in the event that you need medical treatment as a result of snorkeling (or anything else) on vacation.

Most health insurance doesn't provide any coverage abroad, and a lot of people are surprised to learn that a lot of travel insurance plans don't cover active things like snorkeling at all. Medical costs from any incident that happens outside of your home country can get insane pretty quickly, so it's crucial to find travel insurance that actually does specifically cover snorkeling.

And, since travel insurance isn't very expensive relative to how much the average vacation costs, it's a no-brainer for me. Prices vary by destination, by coverage, traveler age, and other factors, but here's what came of the test research I did on prices for travel insurance that covers snorkeling:

Destination Region

Average Travel Medical Insurance Cost (per person)

Average Travel Trip Insurance Cost (per person)

Trip Length

Average Traveler Age

There a bunch of other stuff you should know about finding travel insurance that covers snorkeling (and plenty else), so please read the following helpful guides before your next trip:

The Deep Dive

So, to recap, you can typically buy basic snorkel gear for $40-110, rent basic gear for a week for about $18-42, take a half-day snorkel tour for $38-160 per person, and find good travel insurance that covers snorkeling for somewhere around $74-99 for someone similar to my test traveler.

Like many things in life, there's a cost range depending on how you want to approach snorkeling. You could rent snorkel gear for as little as $3 for the day in an inexpensive country and head over to a free beach to snorkel. You can also buy awesome high-end snorkel gear and take all-inclusive full-day snorkel tours that would make your snorkeling costs look very different.

No matter what you choose for yourself, though, it's going to be worth it. The underwater world is incredibly magical, and I've been able to make so many unforgettable memories through snorkeling.

Use the information in this guide along with the links in each section to the other related guides with more specific information on each topic to find your way in choosing what kind of gear you want to get your hands on and how you want to snorkel. But, after you decide, follow it through and get out there and snorkel - you're going to have a blast!

Up Next

The guides linked throughout this article are fantastic resources on each topic. Or, if you're just getting started with snorkeling and are looking for more information on how to best do that, check these out:

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How Much Does Snorkeling Cost? 4 Key Prices on Gear & Tours

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So, you're ready to go snorkeling (awesome!) and are wondering how much snorkeling costs? You've come to the right place. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to figure out how much it will cost to go snorkeling (or take up snorkeling as a hobby).

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The article posted below will tell you the best places to snorkel around the world.

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Written by Lavanya Sunkara
Jan 24, 2019

We may earn a commission from affiliate links ()

The ocean graces more than 70 percent of our planet, and millions of marine species call these waters home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of places to witness enchanting underwater life. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins to experience the beauty of coral reefs and the intriguing creatures that thrive beneath the waves. From sharing the sea with manta rays in the Maldives, to humpback whales in the Dominican Republic, and being surrounded by vibrant schools of fish in the Caribbean, these are the best places to go snorkeling in the world.

1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

For brilliant marine life and eye-popping coral, there's nowhere better than the Great Barrier Reef. As the planet's largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of 2,900 individual reefs and coral cays stretching 1,400 miles off the Queensland shoreline. More than a thousand fish species, along with six species of sea turtles, inhabit the reef. Warming waters are causing the coral to bleach, and scientists predict that the reef could become extinct as soon as 2050. So, take in the unmatched beauty of the Great Barrier Reef before it's too late. The best way to experience this year-round destination is on a boat tour to various spots from your basecamp in Cairns or Port Douglas.

2. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park is centrally located along Indonesia's Lesser Sunda archipelago, a chain of volcanic islands extending eastward from Java. Established in 1980 to preserve the Komodo Dragon, the Park became a UNESCO World Heritage site six years later. As one of five islands where you can see these unique lizards in the wild, the National Park gets a lot of attention, but the surrounding waters shouldn't be overlooked. Having enjoyed protected status for more than 30 years, the reefs are thriving with an abundance of exotic undersea life, including dugongs, manta rays, sharks, and over 1000 species of tropical fish.

3. Devil's Crown, Galápagos

Devil's Crown, an extinct sunken volcanic cone near Floreana Island, attracts snorkelers and divers to its underwater kaleidoscope of fish, eagle rays, and shy reef sharks. Located 600 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands are heaven on earth for animal lovers. The area's nickname was derived from the circular formation of jagged lava rocks. Within a few minutes of snorkeling at Devil's Crown, you will spot a myriad of sea life - including sea turtles and eagle rays gently "flying" above lavender and green-colored coral reefs. If you venture outside the crown, you may even see hammerhead sharks. Just beware - the currents are strong - and be sure you follow an experienced guide.

4. Grenada, The Caribbean

See the first ever marine sculpture garden at Molinere Sculpture Park in Grenada. This Caribbean island is famous for its spices, lush mountains, and scenic cliffs stretching towards tranquil waters. Just a half-hour boat ride from Pink Gin Beach lies a collection of ecological, subaqueous contemporary art at the sandy bottom of Molinere Bay. These coral-graced cement sculptures, including the famous ring of children holding hands, are teeming with colorful fish and offer a one-of-a-kind underwater experience.

5. Bay of Donsol, The Philippines

With more than 7,000 islands, choosing the right snorkeling spot is not an easy task in the Philippines. This is especially true when the waters surrounding the archipelago have a diverse ecosystem filled with breathtaking wildlife. At the Bay of Donsol, located in the Sorsogon province in the northern Philippines, you can snorkel alongside the largest living fish - the whale shark. These protected animals congregate in Donsol Bay between November and June, feeding on the rich nutrients coming from the mouth of the river. Snorkelers can see up to 20 whale sharks on a single boat tour.

6. Baa Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives, located southwest of India, are some of the most picturesque islands in the world, and their beauty is not just relegated to the land. The 1,200 picture-perfect coral islands are surrounded by aquamarine waters, home to hundreds of vivid fish species and other marine animals, including sharks, octopii, and manta rays. Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the Maldives' 26 geographical atolls. It supports one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, and hundreds of manta rays gather to take advantage of the zooplankton trapped in the bays from June to November.

7. Madang, Papua New Guinea

The tropical nation of Papua New Guinea is located north of Australia in the Coral Triangle, also known as the Amazon of the ocean. Papua New Guinea and its offshore islands evoke a sense of wonder, just by the very nature of their remote location. The nation boasts more than 700 tribes and it's equally diverse beneath the seas. Because Papua New Guinea doesn't suffer from overtourism, the reefs have remained pristine and plentiful. Just offshore from Madang is the volcanic seamount Planet Rock, whirling with barracuda, tuna, snapper, and reef sharks. If you are into diving, there are also some WWII wrecks nearby to explore.

8. Maui, Hawaii, United States

The lush island of Maui has unique lava rocks and coves that make for a one-of-a-kind experience. You can either snorkel off the island's beaches or venture out to popular reefs to see technicolor fish, sea turtles, and coral formations. A stone's throw away from the Four Seasons Resort Maui is the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve, a perfect place for beginners to enjoy undersea life. The Molokini Crater, a half-sunken, crescent-shaped caldera a few miles from Maui's shores, boasts calm waters with visibility up to 100 feet. Here, you can come face-to-face with rainbow fish, eagle rays, monk seals, and sea turtles inside the arms of the crater.

9. Silver Bank, Dominican Republic

If you've ever dreamed of snorkeling alongside humpback whales, Silver Bank, in the Caribbean Sea, 80 miles north of the Dominican Republic, is the place to be. Go between December and April, when these charismatic megafauna migrate to the warm, shallow waters of Silver Bank's submerged limestone plateau to mate, calve, and raise their young. This Marine Mammal Sanctuary is one of only three places in the world that allows visitors to swim and snorkel among the North Atlantic humpback whales.

10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Crystal clear waters, pure-white sand beaches, and plenty of opportunities to get up close to stingrays right from your overwater bungalows await in Bora Bora. These "water puppies," as they are often called, inhabit the warm waters surrounding Bora Bora and neighboring islands. They have an affinity for humans, often coming right up to you for attention. Be careful not to swim directly over them or step on their long tails. And if you've ever wanted to get close to sharks, these sunlit, shallow tropical waters are abundant with blacktip reef and lemon sharks, along with an array of turtles and colorful reef fish.

11. Isla del Cocos, Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park, 340 miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only island in the eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest. Situated atop an ancient volcanic mountain, it is nicknamed " Treasure Island" as the former hideout for pirates hundreds of years ago, and today, it's renowned for its natural treasures. The island's emerald waters host amazing marine life that thrives among the extinct volcano's tunnels, caves, and coral reefs. Cocos Island is considered one of the best places to snorkel and dive with pelagic species like manta rays, moray eels, bottlenose dolphins, the occasional whale shark, and schools of hammerhead sharks.

12. Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos, situated at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, is nestled between the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. On the East Cape is Cabo Pulmo, a protected National Marine Park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has one of the three coral reefs in North America. Cabo Pulmo's living reef is estimated to be 20,000 years old, with 800 species of marine life, making this " Aquarium of the World" a perfect destination for snorkeling to see parrot fish, angelfish, damselfish, dolphins, sharks, and whales.

13. St. Kitts, The Caribbean

The island of St. Kitts is acclaimed for its beautiful beaches, pristine tropical forests, and year-round warm weather. An abundance of sea life inhabits the waters on the west side, south of the capital of Basseterre. In White House Bay, you can explore a collection of shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea floor, including the recently discovered 18th-century British troop ship. The best way to experience snorkeling is to take a charter to deep-water sites.

14. Isla Holbox, Mexico

Cancun and Tulum get all the attention, but it's this sleepy island off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico that's now garnering buzz as a top ecotourism destination for swimming with whale sharks. During the summer months, these gentle giants swim near the surface feeding on plankton. You may also witness sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. This car-free island is one of the Yucatan's lesser known destinations, which equals fewer tourists to rub elbows with on your snorkeling adventure.

More on Florida

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14 Best Places to Go Snorkeling in the World | PlanetWare

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Written by Lavanya SunkaraJan 24, 2019 We may earn a commission from affiliate links () The ocean graces more than 70 percent of our planet, and millions of marine species call these waters home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of places to witness enchanting underwater life.

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The youtube video will show and give you tips on how to snorkel.

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Snorkeling For Beginners | 23 Quick Tips on How to Snorkel

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Leonardo Da Vinci came up with the invention snorkeling. The first snorkel was a hollow tube attached to a leather helmet. Leonardo Da Vinci came up with a diving suit as well.