A guided snorkelling trip is a chance to watch fish and explore the scenery below while staying at the surface. With a guide leading the outing, you have someone to explain the plan and help you get ready. Preparation and a briefing come before you enter the sea.
Before you book
Tell the team how comfortable you are swimming, whether you have used a mask and snorkel before, and who will be joining you. If you are travelling with children, include their ages and individual swimming confidence. “Beginner” can mean anything from a strong swimmer trying a snorkel to someone uneasy away from the pool edge.
Underwater Journeys' Snorkeling Trips service is aimed at first-timers and requires basic swimming ability. Each trip visits one snorkelling location and includes equipment, transport and a safety briefing. Check the full description and confirm the arrangements for your accommodation and date when enquiring.
If you cannot swim or are unsure whether the outing suits you, explain that before booking so the team can advise.
Getting ready for the water
Bring swimwear, a towel, drinking water and sun protection. Ask in advance about clothing for warmth, suitable footwear and any equipment fit concerns. If you wear glasses, mention that too, rather than assuming your usual glasses will work inside a mask.
Confirm the meeting or pickup details and how much time to allow for the whole outing. Time in the sea is only one part of the experience; travel, preparation and changing also belong in your holiday schedule.
Use the time before entry to mention uncomfortable fins, mask-fit concerns or any worries. Let your guide know about a leak as soon as you try the mask in the water, so it can be addressed.
What is the briefing for?
The briefing should leave you clear about where the group will go, how you will enter and leave the water, and how to get the guide's attention. Ask how to signal that you need help or want to stop, and what to do if you become separated.
Listen to the plan for that specific location. A swim over the scenery at Green Bay and an offshore visit to MUSAN are different outings, even though both use a mask and snorkel.
During the swim
Stay with the guide and within the agreed area. Looking down can absorb your attention, so keep track of the group rather than following a fish away from it. Leave wildlife and underwater objects untouched, and give animals room to move away.
Speak up if you are tired, cold or uncomfortable. You do not need to hide a problem to keep the outing enjoyable for others. A successful first snorkel might simply be feeling comfortable at the surface and noticing details you would have missed from the beach.
Enquire about your first guided snorkel, with your dates, accommodation and swimming experience, plus children's ages if applicable. Mention anything that would help you feel prepared; the team can then discuss a suitable location with you.
