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Find out more about snorkeling with these answers to some common questions...Find out more about the equipment used in snorkelingHere's a big list of snorkel and dive shops on Maui/HawaiiCheck out these snorkeling hotspots. Download and print a map with descriptions of each spot!Related snorkeling/Maui resourcesContact UsLearn what to look for when identifying a fishGet the full list of Hawaiian fish. Download and print!A fish chart showing some of the most common fish on HawaiiTest your knowledge of the fish of Maui in this Reef Fish Quiz!Sign our guestbook and share your snorkeling experiences!


Snorkel Equipment



The Mask:

This is what you put on ummmm your face. This allows you to see underwater without getting your eyes and nose wet. It's important that the mask is a good fit when renting or buying a mask. If the mask doesn't fit well, you will experience some leakage of water in the mask.

I would highly recommend using a mask that has a "silicon skirt". The skirt is the soft substance that is molded to fit your face, and prevents water from entering the mask. You can also rent or buy masks that use rubber ask the skirt, but the seal is not nearly as good as the silicon, and is quite simply a dated technology. Ask your local snorkel or dive shop about choosing a mask that fits well. They will know what to look for.


 

The Snorkel:

Well, this is what makes you a snorkeler. A snorkel is a hollow curved tube that is placed in the mouth that allows you to breathe while you are face down in the water. So basically, while you looking down into the water, the snorkel is sticking out of the water on one end while the other end is in your mouth. When looking for a snorkel, I would recommend asking for what is called a "purge" snorkel.

The Fins:

This is what makes life a lot of fun. Fins allow you to swim like a fish. Yeeeha! There are 2 kinds of fins, but for snorkeling in warm water, most people will do just fine with the close heeled kind. The open heeled kind is more for Scuba Divers which requires a special boot (bootie), or for colder waters. Anyways, make sure that the fins are a good fit, or else you will either be cutting off circulation to your feet, or they will easily come off. Make sure that they are a snug fit, but you should be able to wiggle your toes.