How sanitary is rental Snorkel Gear?

Question

We've signed up for a snorkeling trip when our ships stops in Aruba. Does anybody know how the tour operator "sanitizes" their snorkel gear - if at all? Or do they just throw it on the side and wait for the next person to come along?

A friend suggested that since I booked the tour through the cruise ship, and the cruise ship "inspects/approves" the tour operators it does business with, that they would have to follow some sanitary measures. He also suggested that I bring a pocket size Listerine with me and pour it over the mouthpiece.

It's a jungle out there!

Answer 1

BRING YOUR OWN IVE SEEN HOW THE "SANITIZE"  THEM THE JUST DUNK THEM IN A WATER AND BLEACH MIXTURE AND TOSS THEM AS SIDE ITS GROSS

Answer 2

Don't take a chance with anyone's supposed sanitary measures.  Even if the operator is approved by the cruise company, they're in this to process as many customers as possible.  Even in Maui, the rental gear was plucked out of a barrel full of "cleaning" solution - looked like soapy water to me.

Casual snorkel gear is less than $20 for the tube and mask, and you don't really need flippers.  These things are easily packed and you don't have to worry about germs - just thinking about other people's mouths makes me nauseated.

Answer 3

We went ahead and bought our own. I would like to think that any bite marks on the snorkel were made by me, not some random stranger with dubious oral hygiene....

We got ours at Sam's Club for $20, small price to pay for my peace of mind!!

Answer 4

I would not worry. Not only would any reputable company try to clean it the best they can, but also the equiptment has been used in salt water mostly which is naturally cleansing. The odds of you catching something from snorkel gear are about 500 x less then you gettting food poisoning on the ship...lol.

Answer 5

The snorkels are put in a bleach and water mixture to kill germs after each use - probably.

It is really inexpensive to buy a snorkel from a sport store before your cruise and pack it in your bag.  

After all, you would not use a condom that someone else had used and then wiped down with bleach.  Sort of the same thing with putting the mouthpiece of a snorkel in your mouth after someone else had it in their mouth.