Snorkeling is a delightful water activity that bridges the gap between swimming and diving, offering the best of both worlds. It allows you to explore the world beneath the ocean and immerse yourself in its vibrant marine life, intricate coral formation, and unmatched serenity. Although you don’t need a lot of experience or equipment for snorkeling, you should still learn some basic information. We’ve created a beginner’s guide to snorkeling to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Choosing the Location
Choosing the right snorkeling destination is the first step in ensuring a memorable experience. Look for locations renowned for their clear waters, abundant marine life, and snorkeler-friendly conditions. Aqaba is one of the most renowned destinations for snorkeling. It’s nestled along the stunning coastline of Jordan, with crystal-clear waters and a diverse marine ecosystem. Here are some reasons why you should consider snorkeling in Aqaba
1.Aqaba is easily accessible and has a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
2.The rich and diverse marine ecosystem of Aqaba offers colorful corals, various fish species, and elusive creatures like turtles and seahorses.
3.The calm and tranquil waters are perfect for novice snorkelers. Their gentle currents ensure a safe experience for all skill levels.
4.The crystal clear seas provide excellent visibility, allowing you to easily observe the marine life and vibrant coral formations.
5.Aqaba offers an array of snorkeling sites catering to different preferences, from vibrant coral gardens to underwater wrecks.
Learn About the Waters
Before your snorkeling trip, learn about how the sea travels and how you’ll move in it. Understand the ocean’s waves, currents, and tides, and know that the water is constantly flowing. It’s best to go on a boat tour to know the waters before diving in; this will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
At Deep Blue Dive Center, we take care of everything and take you on a boat for snorkeling. Our team carefully finds the spots suitable for snorkeling and helps you understand all the basics to ensure your comfort.
Safety Precautions
When it comes to snorkeling, your top priority should be safety. Here are some precautions you should follow for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Avoid snorkeling solo, and go with a snorkel buddy. This ensures that someone will be there to assist you in case of an emergency.
Educate yourself about the marine life in the area and the potential risks. Learn to identify and respect marine creatures.
It’s best not to push yourself deeper and farther than you can. Know your limits and swimming abilities, and stay within your comfort zone, especially if you’re not a seasoned snorkeler.
Don’t forget to take breaks and stay hydrated; snorkeling is a physically demanding activity.
Protect yourself from sun exposure.
Avoid snorkeling in rough areas or during thunderstorms. Always be aware of the weather conditions and tides.
At Deep Blue Dive Center, our snorkel guides will be by your side during your snorkeling trip. They will guide you through each step to ensure your safety.
Capture Memories Responsibly
While it’s natural to want to capture the beauty of your snorkeling adventure, you should be mindful of your impact. If you’re using underwater cameras, avoid touching or disturbing the marine environment while taking photos. Respect the serenity of the underwater world.
Environmental Responsibility
As a snorkeler, you are a guest in the underwater world. It’s your responsibility to protect and preserve this delicate ecosystem. Deep Blue Dive Center is a PADI Eco Center and Green Fins member. We adhere to eco-friendly practices and ensure that our activities don’t harm marine life.
We encourage all our customers to be environmentally responsible and follow these steps:
Avoid Touching: Never touch or disturb marine life or coral. Even seemingly harmless contact can harm fragile organisms.
No Collecting: Resist the temptation to collect shells, coral, or souvenirs from the ocean. Leave everything as you found it.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen: While sun protection is essential, you should use reef-friendly sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of trash and litter responsibly and participate in beach clean-up efforts when possible.
Reusable Water Bottles: Bring reusable water bottles to the boat.
Equalize Ear Pressure
Snorkeling deep into the water increases the pressure on your ears, causing discomfort, ear pain, or other issues. To avoid this, make sure to equalize ear pressure. You can do this by pinching your nose and gently blowing out while you’re underwater. This technique helps prevent barotrauma and ear pain.
Get the Right Gear and Practice with It
The right gear can make or break your snorkeling adventure. The good thing is that we provide you with all the equipment you need when you book a snorkeling adventure with us. Our gear includes:
A well-fitted mask that creates a watertight seal around your face while ensuring a clear and unobstructed view.
A snorkel with a comfortable mouthpiece and a splash guard
Fins
A wetsuit (if needed) to prevent sunburn or potential jellyfish stings.
We also suggest you rent our gear beforehand and practice with it before entering into the water. This will train your body, and you can make the required adjustments.
Stay Calm and Relaxed
Once you’re in the water, remember to stay calm and relaxed. Slow, controlled movements are key to conserving energy and minimizing disturbances to the marine environment. Avoid sudden, jerky motions that could startle marine life.
Snorkeling is a demanding activity that can cause fatigue if you’re not careful. Swim at a slow and relaxed pace so you can breathe through the snorkel smoothly. This snorkel can restrict your ventilation; therefore, it’s best to go slow so you don’t require heavy breathing.
Deep Blue Dive Center is a leading eco-friendly dive center in Aqaba, Jordan. Our snorkeling tours are designed for individuals with all skill levels, from novices to seasoned experts. Besides snorkeling in Aqaba, we also offer diving packages and certified PADI advanced courses. Contact us now to join us for amazing diving trips into the beautiful Red Sea!
