The holidays are right around the corner, and we could not be any more excited for them. We have a lot to be grateful for here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel. We’ve got the most beautiful work place in the world and get to help others experience the magic of the bay too. We believe that snorkeling is an activity for the entire family, enjoyable for both young and old. Below are five snorkeling tips to keep your chance of accidents at a low, and your level of enjoyment at an all time high.

BE CONFIDENT
Learn to swim before heading on your snorkel adventure. Being comfortable in the water makes all the difference when snorkeling. The idea is to spend less time worrying about staying afloat and more energy towards enjoying the underwater paradise in front of you. We also believe that there should be no shame in wearing a safety vest — a safe snorkeler is a happy snorkeler.

FIND A BUDDY
We suggest finding someone with whom to snorkel. It’s always nice to have someone near by if you ever find yourself in a water emergency. Should you have to go out alone, stay close to shore. Find something on the beach to stay near to, preferably a lifeguard tower.

STAY HYDRATED
Snorkeling under the sun will quickly drain your energy, as well as your body’s storage of water. It’s always a good idea to load up on water before heading into the ocean. We also highly suggest bringing a large bottle of water to replenish anything lost while on your excursion.

SUN PROTECTION
Nothing ruins your vacation quite like a nasty sunburn. UV rays are no joke, and unfortunately many people skip the step of sun protection. You can purchase a protective rash guard for as little as $20 on Amazon, which is well worth the price, if sunscreen is not your thing. For those of you who prefer sunscreen, might we suggest using lotions that do not contain chemicals that will harm the coral reef or marine life.

LOOK DON’T TOUCH
Last but definitely not least, respect the ocean and its inhabitants. Try to remember that we are in their home. We ask that you neither touch the reef nor the creatures. While some animals prefer their privacy, others are flat out toxic. Contact with such animals could result in an emergency trip to the hospital. We hope you remember to keep a safe distance when in the ocean.

Snorkeling is a prime family activity that can be enjoyed by all — especially during this holiday season. We hope you keep these snorkeling safety tips in mind when heading out on your underwater excursion. Let us know if we can help you get your snorkel on.