Snorkelling with a snorkel tube:
When we think of diving, we often imagine descending several metres deep where torches, oxygen tanks and thick wetsuits are essential to stay warm underwater. But if you want a similar experience, you'll just need basic snorkelling gear and somewhere to take a dip: sea, river or lake – all make perfect locations.
There are two types of snorkels:
- Open snorkels. These allow you to stay just below the surface, but you'll need to be careful about water entering the tube. Later we'll explain what to do if this happens.
- Dry snorkels. If you have good lung capacity, these can be a great option as they let you dive a few metres deeper thanks to their built-in purge valve.
Diving masks let us see what's hidden beneath the sea, and with them we can not only keep water out of our eyes but also see several metres below the surface. The clearer the water, the better visibility you'll have. Oh, and if you wear glasses in daily life, don't worry – you can find prescription snorkelling masks.
To move more efficiently, we'll use fins on our feet, giving us extra power and speed while swimming. Remember, in this sport we don't use our arms to propel forward, so keep them close to your body to reduce drag, allowing you to glide almost effortlessly.
The trickiest part at first might be breathing through the snorkel, but it's really quite simple. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and begin taking slow, gradual breaths – the air should enter deeply and steadily. If water gets into the top of the snorkel, simply blow sharply while lifting your head above water to clear it.
Within moments, you'll be immersed in the wonders of aquatic life, hearing nothing but the sound of your own breathing. A true sensory spectacle.
Unlike recreational scuba diving (which isn't allowed until age 14), children as young as 8 can enjoy this activity. If you're holidaying along the Spanish coast, don't hesitate to bring the kids – it's something they'll absolutely love.
How to snorkel with a snorkel tube?
- Get your snorkelling kit ready: swimwear, snorkel, mask and fins. If entering very cold water or snorkelling in winter, a wetsuit is highly recommended.
- Adjust your mask properly to prevent leaks: first wet your hair and clear your face of any obstructions, as this helps the mask seal directly against your skin and stops water seeping in.
- Make sure your fins fit snugly but remain comfortable.
- Choose the right snorkel for you – either open or dry – paying particular attention as it's the most crucial piece of equipment.
Got any other suggestions? Let us know!
