Any suggestions for snorkeling (with instructions & gear) around bay area, maybe Monterey, for first timers.?

Question

Any suggestions for snorkeling (with instructions & gear) around bay area, maybe Monterey, for first timers.?

Answer 1

I'm presuming you know how to swim.  Whether you do or not, you might want to have the following on hand - a life vest, a face mask or goggles, a snorkel with flash guards and a pair of aqua socks/shoes.  In colder water conditions, you will need a wet suit and you might want to put on some baby oil or shea body butter to keep your muscles from getting cold easily.

Wearing a life vest will not only help keep you afloat.  it will allow you to rest and it will be helpful if you ever get cramps because of the cold water.  Try getting one that is more luminous - like orange, red, bright blue - particularly when there is a lot of traffic in the area where you will be snorkeling.

There are all kinds of snorkel and masks that you could use.  I generally prefer Speedo, but any brand can do.  You would like to get a snorkel that has a flash guard just to make sure you do not suck in air when you breathe in.

Before even going snorkeling, try on the mask and the snorkel and make sure you adjust it according to your size.  Try breathing in and out with the snorkel in your mouth.  It could take time before you learn it's easier to breathe using your mouth rather than your nose.  Never breathe through your nose since your mask will fog up.  

On the day you snorkel, make sure the weather is good enough for it.  Then, when you are in the boat, try to test the waters.  If it's cold, but not too cold to prevent you from swimming in, you have 2 options:  you can just jump in or you can choose to wade until such a time your body adjusts to the temperature before jumping in.  Whatever the case may be, you will want to keep moving by swimming in the water on an average of 5-10 minutes. Once your body finally adjusts to the water's temperature, you can start snorkeling and hopefully looking at brightly colored fishes, starfish and corals.

Answer 2

have fun !

Answer 3

Wet suit?  Monterey Bay is colder than a well digger's a$$.  I would drive south aways, I think SantaBarbara is out of the Japanese current.

Answer 4

The best thing anyone can do to stay safe around the water is to learn to swim. While non-swimmers can snorkel using a life vest, it is generally a better snorkeling trip when able to swim. While snorkeling, it is important to keep your bearings.

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